A Turtle Named Mack

As Citizens of the United States we share the individual right to vote. As Citizens we chose governing officials through elections.

During my lifetime I have worked with and cared for many different people who have had many “different ability levels”. It is important to note that being different does not mean less then!

There are many people who work to encourage and support people with all levels of abilities to follow their dreams and live their best lives.

Unfortunately some encounters and experiences in life are not always supportive or pleasant ones. Occasionally people make mistakes, misunderstand or possibly intentionally make a poor decision to say or do something unkind, hurtful disrespectful things to others.

More than likely everyone has experienced unkind remarks from others at some time in their lives. However the fact that disrespectful or hurtful comments sometimes happen to everyone, it also doesn’t mean that we should consider it acceptable.

We can always strive for better communication with others……. as well as strive to always be aware that most people who have hurt others have also experienced hurt from another.

Kindness offers acceptance and seeks understanding…….. judgment only shows up with criticism and is always met with resistance.

The very day that Mr. Trump stood on a stage at a rally Mocked and Made Fun of a reporter who spoke differently because of having a movement disorder the affected his speech …….. (In this person’s opinion) This might have also been the very day that Mr. Trump revealed his truest and most honest self to the world.

Leaders have the power to speak up and correct mistakes. They have the ability to influence others in a positive way by publicly correcting mistakes that they have made.

People make mistakes every day and as humans, most of us accept the fact that we are not perfect. When we make mistakes we take responsibility for, acknowledge and apologize for our mistakes.

We need leaders who have and show empathy for all people…….. our Experiences and what we have been taught, shape our ideas of what is right and wrong. It is beneficial to listen and share each others experiences respectfully.

I hope you will take a moment to listen to the book “Yertle the Turtle” Although it may not always be easy to speak up for ourselves and others it is important to do so….. for We fail when we do not listen to an opposing viewpoint. We fail when we allow others to tear another person down In an attempt to make themself look good.

Possibly there are people who find it impossible to believe or admit they are imperfect humans like the rest of us, or possibly they have just always gotten away with the bully tactic of responding by a continued denial and constant barrage of belittlement, embarrassment and mocking humor to gain and entertain the followers who enjoy a show of mockery.

Even though it is a bit worrisome calling out and standing up to those who have such power and the ability to cause much harm to others…….. it is also desperately necessary because…….. Those who are able to get away with belittling others only gain more power and become even more abusive!

It is very disappointing when Fellow Political Party members lack the backbone to stand up to those who deliberatley belittle other American Citizens.

It is also disappointing when “Religious Right groups” who speak out so boldly on many other topics however failed to speak up for and demand respect for adults with disabilities when a political leader childishly mocked a person with limited muscle tone that affected their manner of speach.

Having different abilities than others does NOT MAKE A PERSON LESS THEN OTHERS.

God loves all people!

Proverbs 31:8 Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute.

Please if you are equally concerned about the Constant Disrespectful and Intentionally Belittling manner of speach and attacks toward our own fellow Americans and voters (that many people now seem to find funny and acceptable) support me in asking our politicians and leaders to chose to speak with respect toward and for all citizens.

Respect for everyone is necessary to unite people.

How can we ever find common ground and Unite as a Nation when leaders and opposing parties lack the backbone to stand up and admit when they have used poor judgment, misspoken and been disrespectful to fellow citizens. Please choose to speak with respect toward all citizens and opposing viewpoints?

Doesn’t a Nations only hope for Unity totally rely on showing respect for and inclusion of ALL citizens and opinions equally?

When we allow leaders to engage in the belittlement of other American citizens for laughs we are encouraging as well as supporting unkind, disrespectful treatment of our fellow citizens.

Please join me in standing up for ALL people with all levels of abilities!

As the plain little turtle named mack said……… “Then again from below in the great heavy stack, came a groan from the plain little turtle named Mack. Your Majesty, please……… I don’t like to complain, But down here below we are feeling great pain. I know up on top you are seeing great sights. But down at the bottom we, too, should have rights. We turtles can’t stand it our shells will all crack! Besides we need food. We are starving!” groaned Mack.

If we do not demand that our leaders show respect by talking respectfully about all American citizens…… Democracy can no longer exist….. for Democracy depends on the guarantee of equal rights under law and freedom from discrimination for all individuals in a society.

With Respect, and Hope for Positive Change,

A plain turtle named Mack