Making our enemies into our friends
I believe it was Abraham Lincoln who said “When I make my enemy into my friend, have I not destroyed my enemy utterly?” I may have that more than a bit off, but I think it’s fairly close.
If the Green Party is to grow into a force capable of electing enough people to reverse the destruction industrial society has wrought on the planet and it’s people, we are going to have to turn a lot of enemies into friends. We won’t do that by saying “Democrats suck” or “Republicans suck”, for when we do that we are telling the voters, almost all of whom have only voted for Democrats and Republicans, that they have been fools every time they have voted. Most people don’t appreciate being told that they have been behaving foolishly.
It seems to me that we in the Green Party need examples from real life who have the skills to reach out to those who believe they are our enemies and turn them into friends. As an example I point to the amazing Joan Baez.
In an article at Waging Peace writer Eric Stoner tells the tale of Ms. Baez and a recent concert in Idaho Falls. Four veterans were outside her venue holding signs that accused her of being a traitor and of being responsible for killing babies. Instead of ignoring them, she went to them. Instead of trying to argue with them, she listened. I was not there, but I don’t imagine they convinced Baez that she was wrong to openly oppose the war in Vietnam. I also doubt she convinced them that she was right to do so. But something was accomplished that would not have been accomplished had she been too proud or scared to reach out. Some level of friendship was established.
I’d encourage you to read this story about a woman who has served humanity and our higher purpose almost her entire life as best I can tell. Perhaps that will help us understand why she supports Rev. Billy Talen, what we can do to be more effective in our own personal interactions, and what good can come from loving and caring for our enemies.
Interesting points.
In addition, I have found that when writing, blogging, speaking, etc. I try to remember to be specific about who I mean with my criticisms.
For instance, instead of saying, “The Democrats are too whimpy to stand up against war,” I try to say, “The Democratic Leaders are too whimpy to stand up against war.
A lot of time we say “Republicans” or “Democrats”, when we mean “The Republican leadership”, “Republican elected officials”, “Republican candidates”, or “Republican Congresspeople.”
Hi all. I agree with Kimberly’s great approach.