Why Can't We All Just Get Along?

As a liberal, living in NYC has been a dream come true. I have met a diverse group of people, I have witnessed and been a part of grassroots campaigns for change, I have had intelligent discussions with people who are as passionate about politics as myself, and for the most part, I have surrounded myself with fellow liberals. On some level however, I think living here has made me forget how different my beliefs are from the majority of people in this country. I've gotten so used to being around people who are extremely tolerant of every type of person that every time I wander outside of my circle of friends I am shocked and disappointed to hear even the slightest non-PC phrase. On top of that, I am in general disappointed with the way that the current administration is running our government, as are most of my aquaintances in the city. I don't feel like I can just hide in the liberal bubble of NYC anymore. It's time to take action. I've been thinking a lot lately about what type of action would suit me best. I don't want to be associated with any group whose statement of purpose has a negative connotation, but instead want to get involved in one that promotes something positive. I think it is critical for each citizen in this country to examine the way the government is affecting their lives and the lives of those around them. I think it is crucial that people keep an open mind and try to understand the needs of others. I think that each person should examine his or her beliefs and ask themselves if they are living with prejudice and hate and if so, how they can work to change that. So here are two realistic goals that I am trying to work on in the next year:

1. When talking to someone who has a different opinion than my own, do not get angry and defensive, but instead listen to what they have to say and calmly present my own side. Share any knowledge or experiences of my own that may help that person to see the situation from a different perspective.
2. Register voters in my spare time. I don't know right now if there is a group in the city that does this on a regular basis, but I plan on looking into it. In this case, I think it is important not to do it under the heading of a certain group or party, but try to objectively present all of the candidates and platforms and allow the individual to make their own choices.

Ultimately, I would just like people to start thinking about the issues that face the country today and try to open their minds to different possibilities.

Addendum:

I didn't agree with everything that President Bush said in his State of the Union last night, but I did agree with this: "Yet there is a difference between responsible criticism that aims for success, and defeatism that refuses to acknowledge anything but failure. Hindsight alone is not wisdom. And second-guessing is not a strategy." Anyone watching last night saw how, as usual, the Republicans stood up and clapped at each pause and the Democrats sat in their chairs, motionless and scowling. These extreme partisan politics are not going to help anybody.