Blog 3680 – 12.02.2025

The Problem With Opinion Pieces

The problem with opinion pieces is that often whatever opinion one expresses someone is going to hold a different opinion. I try to hold my opinions lightly and examine them often being ready to change them when I feel it is appropriate. 

This can happen even when sharing stories or revisiting memories. Sometimes we have told ourselves certain stories so many times over the years that we do not even realize that others who lived through those same events may have an entirely different take on them.

The winners they say get to write the history books but what of the losers? They too have a story and it may be quite different. It this wonderful melting pot democratic experiment that we call the United States of America there are countless stories that seem almost forgotten about those who have contributed to our nation’ successes and it’s terrible failures.

Real progress is a slow and painful process with people often having to rethink opinions and beliefs that are no longer serving either themselves or the greater good. Self-interest is undeniably a primary motivation in what we do as individuals and nations. I happen to think that if we really know who and whose we are that our conception of self interest has to widen. 

A favorite poem comes to mind: “He drew a circle that left me out, a heretic a thing to flout. But love and I with the will to win, we drew a circle that too him in.” The political opinion of many today seems to be “In order to make an omelette you have to break a few eggs.” By that they seem to be saying that a certain amount of collateral damage is always acceptable. I preferred a more inclusive approach, “No one left behind.”

We may not always agree and perfect harmony is an ideal to be pursued. I believe my higher power is my highest best self and that if I look hard enough I can see in everyone around me reflection of myself, sometimes flattering, sometimes brutally honest. The poet John Doone said it best: “No man is an island entire unto himself…”

Your friend and fellow traveler 

David James White

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1B9548oPxbhvxK_aXOdIuvGIcithksdad/view?usp=drivesdk

Not That Different