Politics is ever-present in our daily lives; always has been and always will be a part of the daily fabric of society’s existence.
Now, however, more than in a long time, perhaps even ever, there is a greater dissent, not just differences of opinions.
We find various factions examining the same ideas and facts and drawing entirely different opinions, or, a different set of facts.
What’s worse is there is little healthy respect for differing sides and no general agreement to disagree. Dialogue is at a low ebb.
Trust and truth are the victims when respect, honesty, and shared values are shed with a strong disregard for opponents
Where do we go from here?
First, it is best, likely, there must be a high regard for truth on all sides to understand what’s at stake and what motivates dissent.
Honesty becomes a casualty when truthfulness is not a goal by all sides. Covering up, bluster, justification, and outright lies are poison to honest debate, an exchange of ideas, a respect for others.
The next goal is true understanding, not just justification for a personal position. Honesty in understanding is meaningful.
We all do better when we offer respect, honesty, and a sense of community. The key is it must emanate from all corners of a community, not just a select few.
Here are various community notes of importance:
From Al Benson we see that Wesley United Methodist in Aurora is accepting donations for the residents of Maui, Hawaii who are experiencing the devastating results of wildfires.
They are put in the category of the worst in history, or, certainly in the last century.
The Wesley Church statement: To donate to Maui, wildfire relief, or, support a wide range of responses to disasters across the U.S., bring or mail a check with UMCOR Hawaii written in the memo line to Wesley UMC, 14 N. May Street, Aurora, IL 60506.
Wind-driven wildfires on Maui have prompted evacuations and caused loss of life and widespread damage. United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is coordinating with the UMC California-Pacific Annual Conference to provide a solidarity grant for emergency supplies.
News reports in widespread media outlets for more than the last week have demonstrated the devastation of land in Maui. Responses have increased to offer assistance. We can be sympathetic and render help to communities in need.
The Alley Art Festival will fill downtown Aurora with artists for a 13th year from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26. The festival will welcome 90 artists this year, according to Aurora Downtown.
The popular grass roots art festival will return to Water Street Mall and Downer Place between Stolp Avenue and Water street.
Live music will start at noon at Mundy Park between Broadway and Water Street with Huguito Gutierez and Armando Bakle. Eastern Fire Belly Dance will perform at 2 p.m. and Cat Gaddis Band will perform at 3 p.m. with food vendors on the Downer Street Bridge. The festival is sponsored by Aurora Downtown and the city government of Aurora.
The Naperville Park District has announced its Back-to-School hours for Centennial Beach, the Paddleboat Quarry, Carillon Tours, and Splash Pads. Students will have available afternoon swimming, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 18 and morning and/or afternoon August 19-22, August 26-27, September 2-4.
The Village of Oswego will present Wine Off the Fox September 1-2 at Venue 1012. The event was started to help promote breast cancer awareness.