Several weeks ago I re-posted a long negative political post on Facebook that started with “This is where I stand”.  One of my childhood friends had posted it, and when I read it I agreed with pretty much all of it, and was so grateful for my friend that I copied and posted it.

It is uncharacteristic of me to post negativity, even when I am feeling it.  And it is only since I retired that I have loosened my stand on never making comments in public that can be construed as political, since my job was (and vocation is) about bringing out all perspectives, listening to them, and helping people find their common ground. 

Since then, much more is happening that requires a stand. 

So I have decided to write a positive post about “Where I stand”.  This is not a political stand, but the values that I stand by.  I am sure this is not complete, but it is a start. 

Where I stand:

From my experience in cultures across the world, I have learned that all people are human beings that deserve dignity, and that there are no categories of people that are more worthy of respect than others.

I work to support every human being.  This may include, as D.H. Lawrence said eloquently in his poem “We Are Transmitters”, that “It doesn’t mean letting the letting the living dead eat you up.  It means kindling the life quality where it is not.”. This means that standing up for the positive may well mean standing up for limits on destructive behaviour. 

I support all those who are thinking beyond themselves and those most like them when they make decisions, therefore making decisions that create the common good. One example:  I support political candidates who, instead of blaming or attacking, communicate caring, well-thought-through, reasoned solutions to problems that people they represent are facing, and have a history of following through on their plans.

I support care for all peoples of the earth, that they may have enough to eat, a place to live, and safety.   

I support all efforts to support people who need support, such as through access to government health care support and income support such as minimum wage and Social Security, and those who have fled untenable situations in their home countries.

I support the civil rights of every human being, and those who also support other’s civil rights.   

I support the constitutions of the countries in which I am a citizen, and will call out the actions that undermine them.

I support the strengthening of environmental actions and protection, to help ensure that our children and grandchildren can live and thrive. This means supporting the increase in the use of renewable energy to supplant the fuels that are contributing to climate change. It also means working to protect and expand the range of native plants and animals that in their reciprocity sustain us all. And it means working to protect and restore safe and clean water sources.

I support thoughtful education and all it takes to create a citizenry that understands the historical and social patterns in society around them and can make wise decisions on behalf of all.  I support clear thinking. 

I support working together globally with other countries and people to care for the people of the world through working for peace and shared prosperity.

I support the participation of local people in decisions that affect their lives, and support their actions to carry out those decisions when it is clear that those decisions a community consensus that positively affects the whole community.

I support actions in the present that are based on understanding of the past, and responsible projecting of a future for all. I support these things because I understand that we (humans and the natural world) are all related, and our own well-being depends on the well-being of all the rest.