FEAR
Just about all of us, have and are, at times, confused and led astray by fear.
It can become a handy way of getting rid of things we think we don't like.
How often have you found yourself saying, or thinking ...”Oh, I'm afraid I can't be there at that time. The last time I did time did so I....” and, we attempt to prop up our objection with seemingly sensible reasons. We seldom admit any deep feelings of fear.
The same very human element is to be found in many of our activities, even our social and political lives, we live without any bothersome knowledge of it being there as a controlling factor.
Quite often it can prove to be a handicap. Each of us, deep within, has serious thought about changed we would like to see being brought about in our social systems, We are, it could be said, fearful of saying what we truly feel because we might face ridicule, and be branded as being pushy, ignorant, stupid, egg-headed, or worse.
It can happen that way, but in a group of your peer with standards of politeness pretty much like your own, you will often see different result. There will be noticeable pause in their speech flow. Some may insert such thoughts as “Well, I never thought of it in quite that manner...” As they continue to argue their points they, from time to time, will actually pause and even look at you for your opinion. Once our initial plunge into the discussion has been made, you may even realize that you know as much, or more , about the subject under discussion as they do. Such fear can be overcome. Remember how it was when you, as a child, were at the pool ready,willing able to learn how to swim. There was not a chance of learning if you didn't get in the water. During this next election year, when political opinion are flowing, take the dive, get in the swim and conquer your fears which have kept you from expressing your views in years past.
Try it. You'll like it.
Fulfilling one's social and political obligations is a tragically ignored element of present-day living. Find your role as a supporting player the Drama of Democracy.
A.L..M. October 14, 2003 [c395wds]
