I'd like to start by sharing my immense gratitude for the ways in which our parents and community have rallied around our school district this fall. Given all the unknowns around the pandemic, you nonetheless placed your trust in us to educate and care for your children and partnered with us as we have navigated the countless challenges we have faced since this journey began.
I think we can also agree that on top of a tougher than usual fall due to COVID, we are experiencing one of the more contentious political races that I can remember. One of the things that makes this democratic-republic great is the freedom to choose what we believe and then become advocates for that change. Healthy discussions around the diverse values that make up our great country are always a good thing!
However, it can become problematic when comments or discussions go beyond the ability of young children to process. Children are like sponges. While they may appear to be busy playing a game, or hanging out in front of a television, often they are listening, intently, to what their parents are discussing. Whenever my grandchildren visit, the television is never tuned to the news or any outlet engages in political opinion. (It's usually tuned to cartoons or something else that isn't all that interesting for me to watch. My football game watching usually goes by the wayside. But I digress...)
My challenge to all of us is to reflect on how we speak about important topics such as politics. Blunt language, sarcasm, personal attacks, and even unproductive venting can have lasting effects on how our children view the world. Consider whether you are advocating from anger or purpose. Anger seeks division. Purpose seeks win-win solutions.
For many people, there will be great joy in the outcome of our presidential election. For others, there may be great disappointment, sadness, and even fear. Know that we will continue to educate your children with great professionalism and do our best to reassure them that they are still our greatest hope for the future. Let's show kids the best of us and model for them how to debate and advocate for the sake of unity. My personal belief is that our children need that now more than ever.
So, today we are one week from Election Day, or as it has become this most unusual of years one week from the 'last day to vote'. If you voted early, great! Ann and I did, and we were able to verify our votes had been received in the County Auditor's office by visiting the Secretary of State's website. You can do the same right here. If you haven't voted yet, please do so or make plans to do so on Election Day.
In closing, I am heartened to know that there is still hope for civility in our politics and the recognition that even those who have sharply opposing political views can model their advocacy in a way that can inspire our nation. Consider this PSA that jointly released by the two candidates squaring off in the Utah governor's race:
I’m not sure this has ever been done before...but as our national political dialogue continues to decline, my opponent @PetersonUtah and I decided to try something different. We can disagree without hating each other. Let’s make Utah an example to the nation. #StandUnited #utpol pic.twitter.com/Tkr2sDCYTB
— Spencer Cox (@SpencerJCox) October 20, 2020
No comments:
Post a Comment