Group hug pending

By Libby

The rhetoric got so vicious in the course of this contest, I'm sure it's going to take a while for the wounds to heal. For some few who will refuse to stop picking at the scab of their sore disappointments, maybe they never will but this certainly gives me hope this morning.

No one is making that healing easier than Obama. Last night, after he had finished the sort of speech that leaves his followers exhilarated and exhausted, Obama did not just leave the arena. Nor did he head to the nearest television camera or the nearest fat cat. Instead, he went to a room where the Clinton supporters had been gathered and one by one, shook the hands of the 25 people, stopping to chat with each of them.

Of course no one can really predict how things will play out in the months to come but I believe Obama will be able to heal the party and move it in a new direction. I hope we end up in a better place.

As for Blogtopia, I wonder if it will ever be the same. I have a feeling it's going to take a long time to rebuild all the burned bridges. I'm pretty sure it's never going to be the same as it was before this election but I have to believe we'll mostly find our comity again.

Comments

[Carol]

If people use vicious language and vulgar nasty epithets, is there a reason to love them? If you are verbally abused, are you supposed to go hug your abuser? And they have been abusive in a way I will never forget.

So no group hug. If people think they have a right to be abusive, they will have to explain what gave them that right. Flowers and chocolates after a beating do not heal the bruises. If you have any wisdom at all, you avoid your abuser in the future and never believe that person when he/she says it won't happen again, because it always do.

Abuse is about control, and there are a hell of a lot of control freaks out there. Sort of reminds you of the ideals of the Soviet revolution versus the reality.

[Libby]

Carol, I'm sorry you've been hurt by the rhetoric but for myself, I'm not perfect and I don't expect anyone to be infallible.

I don't hold intemperate words spoken in the passion of extreme emotion against people who are basically good. I certainly am not willing to write off my affections over a difference of political opinion. Unless someone has actively sought to hurt me or mine in truly dangerous ways, I always forgive rash words expressing honest feelings.

When you're ready for that hug, you know where to find me.