Dear Fellow Citizens, I think there is a grave danger of our children and grandchildren facing life in a poor and dangerous world. I am worried about the damage we continue to do to the environment and that the planetary systems will break down and be unable to support us. I worry that some people have so much more than they need while others lack the barest necessities. The hostility of Americans on opposite sides of the political and social divide is getting to the point where we get ugly with each other, willing to talk bad, even hurt each other, unwilling to even listen. We are divided at just the time we need to work together to heal the planet and assure a future for the next generations of our families.
This is a letter from a Democrat meant for people who vote Republican. I am curious about how you see the world. I wonder where, if anywhere, we think and see things the same. Let me tell you briefly how I think. I’m hoping you will talk to me about how you see things, and how my thinking strikes you, and I’ll listen.
Religiously: I am a practicing Christian. I believe there are many paths to the Heart of Life, one of my ways of thinking about God, and I honor people who follow other paths than Christian.
Politically: I believe that politics is the study and practice of getting along with each other. I think the slogan, “Freedom and Unity” sums up the challenge. I believe each of us is a unique expression of the Mind of God and that each of us has a unique gift to offer. If we understand ourselves and each other in that way, we understand that life is not a competition. Instead of seeking advantage we seek self-knowledge. We seek to understand our unique desires and capacities, and find fulfillment in becoming the unique expression of universal life we were born to be.
Economically: We should take heed not to elevate money above the welfare of others and the health of the natural world. We should change systems that turn the general welfare of people and planet into exotic flourishing of individual wealth.
Culturally: What is human life all about? We could see it as about delight, and picture a child blowing the seeds from a dandelion puff. It can also be about happiness and creativity — and I see fear as deadly to happiness and creativity. Is it possible for us to become fearless? Fearlessness can be experienced by many people when their lives are secure. Fearlessness unlocks the gate to freedom, self-expression, personal happiness and fulfillment. Fearlessness confounds those powers and principalities that would control our lives for their own power and privilege. Finally, our lives can only be free when they are lived for others.
My hope is that there is not really that much difference in the minds and hearts of those of us who presently view each other as wrong-headed and dangerous. I think we all want to live as happy families in peaceful and beautiful communities. I wonder if it is possible we might talk with each other and listen to each other to see if we can find ways to work together towards that end?
Jim Perkins of Leverett, is a passionate gardener, a choral singer, and a member of Hands Across the Hills (HATH), the bridging group organized by Leverett citizens with the guidance of peacebuilder Paula Green (1937-2022), Jim’s wife and partner.