Disagreeing with Hate

I was recently pondering, with dismay, how so many people in different parts of the world (Middle East, North Korea … ) have an absolute hate for those who disagree with their religions, political views, moral opinions, geographic location, and even simple skin color. I can think of very few in my life I have felt an actual degree of hate for (none I knew personally), and aside from a Hitler, an Osama Bin Laden, and the like … ever felt an inescapable, extreme hate. Then it hit me; we are starting to see that in this country. Sure, people in the media and politics do their best to restrain themselves from flat out saying it directly (politically correct … whatever that means these days), but the big picture of it has become very clear. Hate is back on the rise in this country. Personally, I would rather people use those words we have reduced to a single letter … express their hate openly … at least then I have a better chance to see who they really are.

Disagreeing, social dislikes, personal comfort preference … those types of things are one thing, but hate should be held to a much higher standard (if you will). When I realized this increase and intensity of hate is happening right here at home, I began to notice how widespread it has become. That should greatly disturb and dishearten each and every one of us.

Hate seems to be one of the most contagious emotions there is (laughter is my number one). One of the most blaring examples of instant, then a building degree of, hate I see as undeniably obvious, is those on “the other side” of all things Obama. This hate was almost instantaneous as soon as he ran for president (politics and skin color, dare I say), then kicked into the next gear when he was elected. Heck, I “disagree” with many of his decisions, same went for Bush, but I have never felt actual hate for either one. My opinion on those two: Obama was naive, then handcuffed. Bush is an idiot. Each made many mistakes, in my opinion, but hate … not this American.

I still feel pride in saying that — “American” — but it is becoming more and more difficult with the overall escalation of hate among people who are supposed to work together (all people) for the better good of each other and the future of this country.

Talk about “naive.” Silly me.