Politics and Religion
The mountains were calling, and we had to go!
This weekend we celebrated Mike’s birthday. We try to celebrate with some sort of adventure or experience so on Monday we rented a “slingshot” (a three wheeled side by side motorcycle). And not just us, mind you…Five couples in all adventured with us.
Fall in the Smokey Mountains is beyond beautiful. The leaves were just beginning their change. The higher we climbed in elevation the more pronounced the spectacular color show. The weather had just the right amount of “bite” in the air. The sky was cloud-less so the sunshine highlighted every beautiful leaf like it was under a spotlight!
Our trek led us to ride the “Tail of the Dragon”. This is a steep windy road that has 318 curves in just 11 miles. Perfect for a vehicle that rides so close to the ground and turns so smoothly.
A truly spectacular day!
Periodically, our group would pull up to an overlook or a store to take a break or to have lunch. After a while I began to pay attention to the songs each couple had on their “playlist” as we stopped. You could hear the music playing just before the engines were turned off.
Some people listened to strictly popular country music. Some people listened to more classic country music. One couple did not listen to any music at all. Some people listened to Southern Rock.
How is it that each of us can have such differences in musical preferences and still get along happily? We just accept each other’s choices.
More than that we accept that each of us has the right to make those choices.
Diversity
My grandmother Hazel came from a generation where people did not talk about religion or politics. It was considered personal. I agree with that sentiment today.
I am saddened when we digress to name calling and worse over differing opinions. Sometimes it feels like people have not outgrown their inner child playing in the sandbox. We simply cannot take our ball and go home.
In the end, we must be able to work together. In the end, it is a virtue to show respect.
