GO FIND SOMEONE REAL TO HATE: Years ago when I was running an outlaw Republican group and website, TeamGOP, I interviewed former Tennessee Governor Don Sundquist for our e-newsletter that reached nearly 20,000 people a week. I had been a very very loud critic of the governor when he was in office over his push for a state income tax. He left office under a cloud of discontent and low popularity. He rarely talked to the press and no Republican wanted to be seen with him. I contacted the former governors people about talking to me and asked if he wanted to do a fluff piece called 7 Questions. It was meant to be funny and informative. I wasnt a real journalist, I was an activist but it would be news. The former governor had become the scapegoat for everything wrong with the GOP and they were skeptical to talk to me. In the end, we published a great article that reminded people of the Governors lifelong work in politics and lots of facts people didnt know about him. The governor was open and direct. We both enjoyed our discussions. I wrote in the opening that it was time to move on and stop hating someone and blaming a man who was out of office and never going to run again. It was time to look forward. I caught a lot of heat for my article. I was called a traitor and a RINO and blah blah blah. It made news in every big newspaper in the state. One reporter said when the most strident and vocal grassroots activist like me had forgiving the governor, it was a turning point for the governor. Maybe so, others decided that I guess. To this day Governor Sundquist and I are friends, although I havent spoken to him in some time. I showed him respect from unlikely source and he appreciated my sincerity. I share this story to remind us all of the pettiness that lies within us all. To often we hate our neighbors, our coworkers, our family or just people we know. We hate people who support other college or professional teams. We hate political parties or rich people or poor people. We hate people with a different skin color or a different religion. We hate for stupid reasons and make the world a more difficult place to live. Im a hypocrite in this area too often but I try. Lets hate those who harm and kill, who destroy what matters. I think if we save our harsh feelings for only those who are deserving, we will see the good in so many others. I think new years resolutions are silly, but making positive changes are always welcome. Happy Friday!
Posted on: Fri, 02 Jan 2015 16:17:21 +0000
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