Yesterday, I ran into David Kustoff. I hugged him and wished him well on his upcoming Congressional race. District 8 is mostly republican, and I am a democrat. I live in District 9. Immediately, I saw a fellow democrat give me a stern look as if I betrayed the party. I wondered, "How did we get here?"
From the candidates on the list, I think he's the best and with his good relationship with our new Mayor, that would be good for Memphis. Since, we live, work, sleep, invest, and enjoy family life in Memphis, that's good for us.
I know we have some differences. He is Pro Life and I am Pro Life Choices. He is pro-vouchers and I am pro-public education. But, he is pro-economic and business development and I am too, when they produce high quality jobs. He is pro public safety and I am, too. More federal funds for public safety initiatives are needed in Memphis and most urban cities and he knows that.
The late Justice Scalia and Justice Ginsberg rarely voted the same on major issues. But, they challenged each other's thoughts and did not allow their differences to influence what they cared about: faith, America, family, the complexity of the law, and the amenities that life offers-- a wonderful glass of Merlot together, as friends.
Our country's lack of civility really troubles me. The more we engaged in these wars that build walls of disrespect, anti-compromise, the more our country's real problems go unattended.
I enjoyed my time in the School Board and City Council. I met some lifelong friends on both. Over time, Brent Taylor and Barbara Prescott became two of my dearest friends and confidants. Do we always agree? No. But, when we see each other we don't see elephants and donkeys. We see people we have enjoyed and learned from each other. We see good stewards who tried to make Memphis a little better than it was when we started serving.
Let's pray for a return of an America when a Edward Kennedy and an Orin Hatch were best buddies wearing different labels but could work together, without malice, for a better America.
