Calming Down a Hornet's Nest...

I rarely write more than a few sentences for a post, but today marks an exception following yesterday’s entry.

Last night, I posted some pictures of graffiti of President Obama I saw in the L.A. Arts District.  I had no desire or intention of being insulting or political when I created this post.  In the past, I posted photos of political posters in this same area.  Yesterday, I was simply shocked that the arts community--a very bastion of anti-conservative politics--suddenly vilified the president on an enormous and highly visible mural.

But a maelstrom of angry comments ensued and I opened a door that I didn’t intend.

When I meet a new person, I often feel like a 10-year old boy who goes to the new neighbor’s house and asks, “Can the new kid come to play?”  I am very excited to meet new people regardless of our differences.

I don’t care, however, to be around arrogant people.  I am as equally annoyed by condescending attitudes exhibited by certain commentators on NPR and Fox News.  I would rather have a root canal than share a meal with either Rush Limbaugh or Michael Moore.  (I would, however, pay good money to share a meal with both men present at the same table.)

One public figure I came to respect (albeit mostly after his death) was William F. Buckley, Jr.  He was a man of strong opinions, yet surrounded himself with some friends who vehemently opposed his views. 

In a similar fashion, I am thankful to possess close friendships with people that include Asians, Africans, Europeans, Buddhists, Christians, atheists, straight men, gay men, men who still sport mullets and even a smattering of communists and anarchists.  I think a few of my close friends are saints.  Many (like myself) are not.  One is even a convicted murderer, yet he’s a dear soul to me for three decades.

I feel influenced by many and all of these folks.  I hope I can influence their lives as well.  I not only want to have my own human experience but share with those who possess very different lives.

I felt hurt when one comment on my blog yesterday referred to me as “judgmental.”  I think the reason this stung is because it’s probably true.  I work constantly to love instead of judge, and it makes me sad that I may have hurt a friend's feelings.  

While I dislike being overweight, I am thankful in one way that my 330 pounds acts as an outward reminder to others than I am far from thinking I'm perfect.

Besides stirring up a hornet's nest, I read yesterday the president shared a 2-hour lunch with Gov. Romney at the White House.  Perhaps that would have been a better subject for a blog post than political posters in downtown L.A.

 (Photo courtesy of NBC)