Home of the Wanderer

It has occurred to me, since writing my previous post, that

• I would like to encourage reader-participation, and I’m not sure I made that clear; and
• I imagine that I left out of my previous post what is, to my mind, an important consideration, which I will now address.

In thinking about what to say or not to say so as to honor all my potential futures, it is important to me also to be diplomatic. I challenge myself, in my political work, to speak my truth while maintaining alliances and working relationships with those in power.

I have thought at times that this or that political figure, with whom I am allied, could have done better by making a different choice. I’m not always in a position to voice that opinion to him or her directly, or even to his or her staff. Generally, in the interest of being able to work together on future projects, I have avoided offering public critiques at such times, but I have talked with colleagues about how to handle the situation.

When I can, I address my concerns directly to those involved. For example, when an elected official took an unpopular position, I contacted that person’s staff to ask what I could possibly say in defense of that position. When another elected official spoke at a breakfast, and gave what I thought to be a weak answer to an easy question, I approached the speaker afterwards and suggested what I imagined to be stronger and more effective language. These are in keeping with my understanding of Quaker practice, and seem wise in any case, but I’m not sure I’ve got the whole picture.

How do I know when it’s time to bring attention to my concerns at the next level? What is that next level?

Without revealing damaging (or potentially damaging) details, if you are willing, please tell me (here, in the comments) – what dilemmas have you faced? When have you found it challenging to maintain your integrity while also keeping peace with your colleagues and your community? What have you done to resolve this dilemma? What do you do when the results of your first approach don’t meet your needs?

How does all of this relate to humility? Is it ambition and vanity to hope for future political success, or can this be viewed as a desire to maintain peace and support one’s community (or “further its beliefs”)? How do we communicate our vision for the world in such a way that we don’t sabotage our relationships?

What other questions do you have about this dilemma?

All my learning is from relationships - my relationship with myself, the Universe, my family and friends, my romantic partners, and my colleagues.

Even just from my romantic relationships, to which I assume you most meant to refer, I have learned more than can be put forth in 1k characters.

Among the things I’ve learned are these: (more…)

Garrison is singing about the passing of dearly loved relatives, bringing tears of recognition and sadness to my heart & eyes. A minor melody moves memories — I think of one great uncle I just visited; his brother (my mother’s father) whose presence comes and goes behind the mists of Parkinsons; another great uncle who died two weeks ago, and who I last saw at the funeral of his brother (my father’s father); and of that dearly loved departed man, in whose company I walked, sat, drank tea, and talked about life. I miss them, or anticipate missing them, and think about what it must be like for my parents. I imagine watching my parents, their siblings, and all their spouses slowly pass away over a period of ten years or so, and I value all the more deeply those connections I have made with them. And when I think of my great-aunts and -uncles losing their siblings, I imagine losing my brothers, and I know their sadness must be profound and unfathomable.