It is very sad that rhetoric can stoke so much hate. Our country has become incredibly divided and, as different camps speak out against each other, they often use more violent imagery and messages. What happens after that? People who are very unstable appear to act upon the messages thinking, somehow, that they have been supplied marching orders to maim and kill others.
The cycles of violence have got to stop. It begins, I believe, with each and every one of us. If we choose to live as peaceable people, our peace will spread to others. If, instead, we choose to share the crazy, inane rhetoric, we could be responsible for spreading hate and violence as well.
It is time to live in peace and harmony with one another. It is not impossible. We might not be able to change the whole world; but, we can change ourselves. And, in changing ourselves, we will change our piece of the world. And, in changing our piece of the world, we might, indeed, change the whole world.
Call it a fantasy. Call it a pipe dream. I still believe that it begins with each and every one of us.
You can choose to hate or choose to love. Just know that each choice has consequences or benefits. Why not opt for benefits? Why not opt to live in peace. Please, give it a try.