The
flouride ballot measure unveiled a deep divide within Portland
progressive community. It became clear early on that the election would
follow the all too familiar pattern of American politics of viewing
one's position on an issue as the only moral, correct, logical, fill in
the blank, position, and those who took the opposing view as immoral,
incorrect, illogical, fill in the blank. Rather than
bringing out the best, the campaigns brought out the worst. Forgive
the pun, but it leaves a sour taste in my mouth.
If those of us who
call ourselves progressives are unable to model a way that allows for
disagreement in a way that builds rather than destroys trust among
ourselves, how can we hope to bring together communities with even
stronger more fundamental differences? We all lost this evening. The
winners were self righteousness and cynicism. We did not model the
beloved community we often profess is our goal. We should pause,
reflect, and repent. We should commit ourselves to seeking a better way
together. In the words of St. Benedict, "always we begin again".
