Cambria potluck provides honest alternative to strife

I will do my best not to raise any more hackles, but what I woke up to this past Friday, I need to work out. The clock radio went off (I wake up but am trying to get back into the habit of actually getting up), and I listened to this interview. A person from a different political party than mine was expressing her deep concerns.

Something to the effect of, “He is mean and angry, deeply offensive to women, and I’m worried about his abilities. But (other candidate, other party) I think lies and I couldn’t go there. And (another candidate) is just … weird. So how can I vote that way? So I’ll have to vote for my party representative but I am not happy about it!” Really?

The first thing that pops into my head is Elvis Costello’s song, “What’s so funny ’bout peace, love and understanding?”

I totally agree with her first two observations. In all honesty — something I base my life on — I don’t care what party people are from if they are honest, intelligent, do what they say they will do, promote social justice, financial equality and tolerance, and walk their talk. Gee, that’s considered being a “weird” person? Really! Well, I’ve been called worse.

I don’t get it. Since when does a made-up system of guidelines trump (sorry, had to do it) common sense and positive action? Oh yeah, since congress (yes, with a little ‘c’ as they don’t deserve formal address in my book) openly decided to do whatever it takes to make sure the president fails even at the expense of American lives and well-being.

In this reality-show world we live in, fear is the morning gruel too many citizens stuff down their gullets. We do have reasons to be angry and afraid. But, just like every other situation in your life, one needs to stop and listen — from the gut.

Sure, there may be a slew of emotions and knee-jerk reactions there, but turn down the heat and let the boil slow. Until you can smell the rotten eggs and the jasmine tea and tell them apart.

Given that most people haven’t had the opportunity to break bread with a Muslim or play a game of pool with a person with different skin or stroll along the beach with someone what-ever-is-different-from-you, they base major life decisions on what the television tells them.

I’d like to suggest another way. I had the opportunity last night to join in a Community Potluck. The Good Food group convened at the Bridge Street Inn Hostel for a nutritious dinner. Equally nourishing was the conversation. Little kids, old folks and everyone in between. Artists, retired, in-search-of-work, travelers — all found out about each other, shared ideas and walked out far more satiated than when they arrived.

Perhaps if people watched more than the standard channels and read more than the standard papers — or read at all — they would see that “humans” really can and do run this world. We all need better. We deserve it. Let’s be honest — that’s what is called for.

As Gandhi said, “An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.” And to that I’ll add, “and hungry and angrier and misunderstood.” I live “weird” every day of my life. It suits my intuition.

This story was originally published March 23, 2016 at 10:54 AM with the headline "Cambria potluck provides honest alternative to strife."