In our last few election cycles, the American people have witnessed the political landscape transform into that of a vitriolic, divisive mess.
I would be lying if I didn’t acknowledge that I, myself, have been guilty of adding to it at times. I have my opinions and beliefs that I believe to be the truth, after all. These truths, that I’m willing to debate and argue over, have, well, got me into debates and arguments.
My friends know my politics well, as I can’t help myself from starting myself on a rant about political figures, the powers that be or whatever that happens to have annoyed me from that day’s news cycle. The bottom line is that I’m not a fan of the political establishment, be it Democrat or Republican.
Last Tuesday, Donald Trump’s Vice President pick, Senator J.D. Vance, held a political rally in Big Rapids. My attendance, for Torch coverage, made it the first political rally I’ve ever attended. The irony lies in my distaste for Trump’s political campaign, which includes Vance.
For many reasons, I felt out of place. A political rally, for a candidate I’d never support, was attended by a crowd made up of mostly middle-aged to old people. I’m a 21-year-old college student. For obvious reasons, the rally was not my scene.
However, this rally reminded me of something rather important. My issues with the political establishment, specifically the right side of the aisle in this case, shouldn’t extend to the people.
The rally took place under a scorching hot sun. A few thousand attendees, including myself, sweated it out and waited for Vance’s remarks. Despite the heat, which tends to make people more than irritable, I found the hospitality shown by those who hold polar opposite views to be incredibly pleasant.
The man next to me, a guy I heard agreeing with points from Vance that I could only shake my head at, offered me the extra water he had and even offered to give up his seat at one point. Yes, this man didn’t know my politics and could have easily treated me differently. However, I knew his and it didn’t stop me from being cordial while offering him his seat back.
All of those aforementioned actions are small gestures, sure. But it has to count for something. A man that I’d never ever see eye-to-eye with offered things that, at the time, were important. There’s a lesson there.
The glimmer of humanity shown despite knowing and not knowing of a difference between me and him speaks volumes. I felt the same glimmer when offering any assistance or aid to a heat-stroked man who I just watched throw up. There were no politics there.
My issue isn’t with the supporters, no matter how wrong I think they are. For the politically active and involved, we all show ways of stubbornness with our beliefs, I get it. Don’t get me wrong, some ghoulish people support certain things for diabolical reasons. However, in this case, the human aspect reigned supreme for me.
It’s probably the reminder I needed going into the election season too. Maybe you needed it too. As the political battlegrounds are still being fought over these next few months, I urge you to keep your humanity intact. It’s a painful idea to some to help those who support policies that they feel harm them, it’s a valid pain. But perhaps killing them with kindness is the key to winning that battleground.