Aaron Sorkin, a great American writer, producer and actor, offers a few provoking thoughts that we should all reflect upon. I feel that we have lost our way with regard to politics, and are desperately in need of a compass. Here are two “clips” from his writings.

“America isn’t easy. America is advanced citizenship. You gotta want it bad, ’cause it’s gonna put up a fight. It’s gonna say “You want free speech? Let’s see you acknowledge a man whose words make your blood boil, who’s standing center stage and advocating at the top of his lungs that which you would spend a lifetime opposing at the top of yours”.

I read this as having simple respect for those whose opinion is different than our own. Politics brings out great passion in us and alternatively, bitter frustration when our opinions are dismissed. The ability to compromise seems all but lost, sadly.

And lastly,
“I’m the President of the United States, not the President of the people who agree with me”.

Bill Clinton was my President as was Bush, Obama and today, Donald Trump. I lean towards Republican regarding fiscal issues and towards Democrat on social issues. I may not like the one who holds the office, but I do respect the Office. Would you want to be President? Could you please everybody? Being President of the United States used to be considered one of the highest achievements that we could ever aspire to reach. Today, not so much. Simple respect, if not for the person, then do it for what the position was intended to be: the Protector of all that we Americans hold dear; Human Dignity, Personal Liberty and the Freedom of Choice, especially every two and four years.