During these times, I often think of the lyrics from an old Buffalo Springfield song: “A thousand people in the street, singing songs and carrying signs, mostly say, hooray for our side.”

The sad reality is that too many of us have picked a side, rather than looking for a solution.

We’d rather argue our facts and ignore the fact that we’re not seeking a way forward.

Some more lyrics from the Buffalo Springfield: “There’s battle lines being drawn, nobody’s right if everybody’s wrong.”

Not everybody on the other side of whatever side you’re on is wrong.

Our focus is on division rather than finding out how far we can walk together. There may be lines you just can’t cross, but that doesn’t mean you can’t move a little in the opposite direction.

I’m savvy enough to be aware that there are the far fringes on both sides of any issue. Those folks will remain dogmatic and emphatic, and no amount of facts will sway them. If you truly want a solution, these people have to be totally ignored. But most of us are not on the far side but smack dab in the middle.

The Buddha offered us “The Middle Way” – describing the position between extremes as being the way to harmony.

Returning to song lyrics. singer and songwriter Joe South requested: “Walk a mile in my shoes.” You don’t have to be Captain Obvious to know that you’ll never take a single step when your feet are in concrete.

If you want to keep arguing that you’re right, in America, that’s your right. But if you really want a solution, you’ll have to put down your placards and roll up your sleeves and get a glimpse of what the other side needs.

To get more of that view, perhaps you’ll heed the words of Jesus: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

All the best,

John

Listen to the recorded version.

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