I've spent close to six years filled with hatred. And I'm sick of it.

[Cyrano]

For almost six years now, I've spent a lot of time hating Bush, Cheney, Rove, Limbaugh, O'Reilly, Dobson, and all the rest of the barbarians who are nothing more than miserable specimens of humanity.

But recently, I've had a "spaketh." A "spaketh" is either an old testament meaning for words directly from God, a sign that you're completely nuts, or, in my case, a huge self-realization.

I've realized that the only one being injured by my hatred is me. Every moment I've wasted lavishing hatred upon others are moments I've wasted from living my life. And every one of those moments have diminished me in ways in which I am only now becoming aware.

There have always been villains that have stalked the face of the earth and there always will be. And though these people, literally or figuratively, hold a knife at my throat, they don't deserve one instant taken from my alloted lifetime.

So, as of right now, I will attempt to continue my fight against those who would impoverish or destroy us for their own power, profit, greed, ideology, or prejudices. I will fight their ideas, but I will not grant them one instant of my well-being.

Is it possible to beat them without rage, disgust, malevolence, or hatred? You bet. All we have to do is believe that we stand for the promise of what the human race can and should be. And in so doing, not to take on a "God" complex, but to retain a healthy dose of humility.

[aquart]

1. So you weren't born for Johnson, Nixon, Reagan, and Bush I?

When J. Edgar Hoover died, I sang "Ding dong the witch is dead" all day long, in public.

And of course, my Mom is experienced in hating Herbert Hoover and others. Really, you get used to it.

[tridim]

2. Me too.. I think it's the normal, healthy and intelligent reaction

I didn't "hate" nearly as much during other Republican administrations, just this one, because they deserve it.

Regardless, let the healing begin!

[havocmom]

3. Wisdom. A beautiful and humbling grace.

Strength you you and all those who venture down similar paths.

It IS possible to beat them without rage, disgust, malevolence or hatred. It is possible they win if we resort to any of those emotions as our course for any length of time.

What is the line from the song? Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me

Peace is not the same as acceptance. Hate is not the answer to hate. Rage is not a sustainable constructive state.

[xchrom]

4. that's a line from one of the saints.

initially i want to say francis -- but i'm not sure that's right.

[havocmom]

7. Sounds right.Thanks

I recall it in a song from my mis-spent youth ;)

[xchrom]

9. you and i could share tales from our mis-spent youth.

:hi:

[havocmom]

14. mine was pretty boring personally

but I am a damned good observer and noticed a lot of amusing things along the way ;)

[hootinholler]

32. I submit that

If your youth was boring, then it was indeed mis-spent.

:hi:

-Hoot

[MoonRiver]

31. Coincidence? I drove by a house today that had a big sign in front with those song's words!

It's something we sing at the Unity Church I attend. O8)

[queenbdem87]

5. I don't hate, its a waste of energy.

Plus it doesn't really serve a purpose other than making things seem more dark and hopeless. Don't let them make you hate, thats what they want, its how they function.

[stellanoir]

6. consider this oldie but not so moldy. . .

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=3569357

[Cyrano]

26. Thanks for that link, stellanoir. It helps to reinforce what I hope

will be a determination to not let any of those we're up against steal one more second of our well being. My hope is that enough people read this thread so as to be driven by healthy ideology rather than hatred.

[stellanoir]

28. You are very welcome and as you can see (from the date of that thread) I've been all about

redirecting and transforming all the venom that is projected, spewed, and exchanged around here and elsewhere for quite some time and even much longer than that thread suggests.

I just constantly wonder what would happen if most everyone rallied, stopped spewing, and channelled ALL that energy towards a unifying effort to restore our Constitution, encourage basic human kindness, dignity, and help one another more instead of spewing at these bozos and pretenders who if nothing else, are indeed masterful at yanking our chains at will, and who are not worthy of a smidgen of our precious and vital life forces IMHO.

Hmmm boggles the mind what could be possible doesn't it. . .?

[pooja]

8. If you hate, it means you fear, and if you fear, you won't know love and peace.

[porphyrian]

20. I don't agree that feeling hate means you fear, or that fear prevents love.

Maybe that statement applies in some cases, but certainly not as a rule. Hatred is simply anger with purpose. Fear and anger are both primal emotions, "felt" because they are both chemical washes over our system excreted by glands, and through which our consciousness tries to function. The similarities end there, however. Also, as someone with anxiety disorder, I can tell you empirically that, while fear can make love between two people difficult to achieve, it is by no means preventative.

[CrispyQ]

46. I agree.

After a long hiatus, it was my hate & rage of bush that got me off my apathetic ass & involved in politics again. My 13 years of apathy partly contributed to this awful mess.

[selfdestructive]

10. this is going to be the right wing mantra

oh you evil evil democrats just can't find it in your hearts to forgive can you??
see this is how us conservatives have you beat.
we're just better than you.

although i agree with the post in general, it's best to realize such things as they're happening, not after.

[femrap]

11. I finally realized that Karma/Goddess/Universe

would deal with the beast in the WH...but sometimes I fantasize about * at a Press Conference and the Media has found its courage....the questions become unrelenting about *'s personal feelings of guilt over the thousands that are dead and how he justifies that with his being a Christian. Well, the fantasy ends with him in a puddle of his own snot as he becomes so angry that he loses all control. He is later seen wrapped in a strait jacket being escorted from the WH.

I really do think that a determined journalist could crack him. So until then I will do what I can to make this world more just and fair.

[Cyrano]

27. It's a fantasy shared by millions, femrap. Anyone who believes in

justice would take heart from your fantasy. Just don't let it consume you, as it will probably never happen as much as we would wish for such an outcome for Bush/Cheney et al.

[BushOut06]

12. Hate can be a useful emotion

Hate can keep you going, as long as you don't let it consume you. Hate can keep you focused.

This isn't simply a matter of disagreeing with their policies. BushCo is MURDERING thousands of Americans (not to mention hundreds of thousands of Iraqis) in this useless war. At the same time, he turns a blind eye to the genocide in Darfur. He adamantly refuses to acknowledge global warming, and refuses to allow federal funds to help stem cell research. Each of these are things that either currently or someday will directly affect each and one of our lives.

This asshole simply refuses to listen to reason. And it's getting people KILLED.

Maybe I've seen too much Star Wars. Maybe I'm part of the Dark Side. Who knows, it's just how I feel.

[Uncle Joe]

13. Hatred ages you faster as well n/t

[jelly]

15. sick of being angry is exactly how I feel

Before all this I prided myself in being an even-keeled, objective observer of politics. I try to understand every side of the debates and take positions based on logic and reason.

That has changed in recent years. Decision after bone-headed decision by this administration has repeatedly inflamed me, to the point where once in a while I find myself doubting whether I am the same objective observer of past. Every time I emerge from doubt realizing that no, I am objective as ever, and that this administration is really that bad.

I never knew how much it meant to me that I had pride in my country, for all its flaws, before that was stolen from me by the Bush administration. I am angry, but like you I am sick of being angry. By giving them permission to raise my ire I feel I am handing them control almost as much as I would be doing so if I would allow myself to blindly bend to their every position.

Almost, but not quite.

I applaud your decision to quit being angry -- unfortunately for me, I have been unsuccesful at figuring out how to do that. Apparently my anger did not come with an on/off switch. Until I figure out how to turn it off, there's one thing I know for sure and that is that I would rather be angry than bend.

[Pharaoh]

16. K&R Thanks for the post

I needed it. I was just mentioning to my brother how negative I've been getting here on DU calling people morons and assholes ect, really serves no useful purpose. I'm going to resolve to be more positive . Thanks,

[Gregorian]

17. Migraines, here.

I honestly didn't know what was happening. It felt just like a hangover. So I actually stopped all alcohol. And the hangovers continued, much to my dismay.

So after six years, and reams of daily diaries, and even a hospital visit, I have concluded that I am having migraines. And I almost never had a headache in my life until I was 45.

I'm posting this because this appears to be something completely out of my control. It's happening in my sleep. I'm starting to monitor how I sleep, with electronic equipment I've collected. And I've discovered that I am actually in great distress. During the day, I'm really quite well. I am even athletic.

I am not sure we can fully control our hatred when something is this vile.

On the good side, I've discovered my resting heartrate is the same as Lance Armstrongs. 38 beats per minute. I couldn't believe it! :)

[Gregorian]

22. I prolly shouldn't blame my migraines on Bush.

But this administration has had it's affect.

PS- I like this thread. It's like standing back and putting a perspective on things. Even if I'm still in a rage over this group of criminals.

[Greyhound]

18. Going to take a hell of a lot more than "belief" to stop what is being done

right now. Don't forget that the world didn't just suddenly go to shit in 2000, things have been sliding into the abyss for many decades.

[Cyrano]

29. You're absolutely right, greyhound. The crap we are living through probably

started with Nixon, or Reagan, or maybe even Joe McCarthy.

Nonetheless, we are where we are. And pulling ourselves back from this abyss will take a hell of a lot more than the hatred that each and every one of us feels.

They've been winning for so long because they understand, far better than we do, how to manipulate the emotions of a bare majority of the American public.

If this last election told us anything, it's that a whole lot of people have caught onto their game. But it's now up to the Democratic majority in congress to expose, for all to see, that the "man behind the curtain" is not only a fraud, but a malignant tumor that needs to be spurned by any civilized society.

[lumberjack_jeff]

19. Shakabuku. n/t

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

21. Gandhi has an answer for that.

“There have been tyrants, and murderers, and for a time they can seem invincible.
But in the end they always fall. Think of it. Always." - Gandhi

Even wannabee world conquerers like the fightin' fratboy from Crawford currently infesting the White House face the same fate.

[Cyrano]

34. Gandhi has always been one of my heroes. And yes, at some point,

Bush, Cheney and all the rest of them will fall.

But to add a bit of uncomfortable reality to Gandhi's philosophy, we can't bring back the three thousand Americans and the hundreds of thousands of Iraqis who have already been slaughtered.

And given all of my admiration for Gandhi, Martin Luther King, and so many others, no amount of positive thoughts will bring back the countless number of human beings who died at the hands of tyrants and murderers throughout all of recorded history.

The "bad guys" always seem to come out ahead. And that is why I rely on my own sense of morality and spurn the thought of any "Almighty Being."

Going back to my original post, I am hoping that by quelling my hatred, I will become more efficient at fighting the forces of "the dark side." But if not, I can at least avoid the corruption and self-destruction that always accompanies hatred.

[stellanoir]

23. What if hatred is exactly what people like * thrive on

and your hatred is only keeping them in power LONGER. . . ?

See the link at post #6 for further reference.

Spiritually anger, like guilt are only supposed to be motivators for redemptive action.

Your hatred may "not so well be," non productive not only for your health and well being, but also for our shared desired purpose of re establishing honorable leadership.

Don't misconstrue this as judgement. It's just a point of view. I just don't think anything is solved through spleen venting and revenge is all.

Just please consider giving it some thought.

Thank you.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=245&topic_id=31288&mesg_id=31382

[oxbow]

24. It is possible to do this work from a place of love

and it's not some magical place where nothing affects us and we walk around like dazed hippies. It just means that we are strong enough in ourselves that we can feel hatred, fear etc., without losing ourselves in it. We simply process those emotions, realize that they are not any important part of us, and move on. "This too shall pass," as the buddhists say.

Good luck on your journey back to love, my friend. As you move through the hate and anger that you have been holding inside all this time, it will be helpful to try and stay as emotionally honest as possible. Don't deny any piece of you, don't run away from yourself, but embrace those parts of you that are trying to come out. That is the only way to breakthrough.
And stop by the Astrology and Alternative Healing group whenever you need a pick-me-up. The people there are always really good at emotional healing of this sort.

[bvar22]

25. I'm with you.

People who know me from "Before Bush" tell me I'm a different person, much less tolerant, easier to anger, quick to insult. I miss MY Peace.
Admittedly, my anger (and FEAR) has fueled much ACTIVISM, but it was an activism that was filled with disappointment,frustration, and at times despair. ("Why can't more people see how CRAZY and DESTRUCTIVE this government is?" "Why don't more people SEE and HEAR and GET OFF THEIR ASSES?" "Where are the MILLIONS with Torches & Pitchforks?"


Thanks, Cyrano.



Prayer of St. Francis

Father, make me a channel of your Peace,
That where there is hatred, I may bring Love,
That where there is wrong, I may bring the spirit of Forgiveness,
That where there is discord, I may bring Harmony,
That where there is error, I may bring Truth,
that where there is doubt, I may bring Faith,
That where there is despair, I may bring Hope,
That where there are shadows, I may bring Light,
That where there is sadness, I may bring Joy.

Father, grant that I may
Seek to comfort, rather than to be comforted,
Seek to understand, rather than be understood,
Seek to love, rather than to be loved.

For it is by forgetting himself, that one finds himself.
It is by forgiving, that one is forgiven.
It is by dying that one awakens to Eternal Life.

[MoonRiver]

30. My hate has been replaced by relief, and, yes, glee.

I do want some type of justice to be done against these criminals, but as long as they are either, 1.) totally marginalized, or, preferably, 2.) removed from office, I'm OK with things right now.

[LARED]

33. Welcome to living

I've realized that the only one being injured by my hatred is me.

I must feel good to crawl out of the pit.

[tigereye]

35. nothing wrong with smiling while they get beaten in the polls

I don't think we have to be angry to win, just focused.

However, I have to say that I was plenty angry at Santorum, and am thrilled that he is gone. I didn't hate him personally, though, but what he stood for and what he did.

[puebloknot]

36. Righteous anger...

...is the other side of denial, and a healthy emotion, I think. As long, of course, as we do not let it consume us. I've been angry, too, over the last *more than* six years. I started simmering when they started picking on Clinton! I've had to remember the value of a long walk and a good book, a film, making soup, walking the dog. We can't forget that those simple and wonderful acts are what we are fighting to maintain.

I always hark back to Gandhi. If we are to believe the story in the film "Gandhi," he was *pissed off* at being thrown off a train because of the color of his skin. He turned that anger into nonviolent action!

Anger is not bad. It is a completely mature reaction to injustice. Suppressing it, refusing to be *negative*, is not healthy for humans and other sentient beings! :)

[RiverStone]

37. Without looking - I just posted a similar sentiment...

Ummm. Lots of us must be reaching hate overload.

So much to go around towards the criminal BushCo regime.

I have found some practical tools in the Dalai Lama's book, The Art of Happiness.

Tho alas, I'm still too angry for my taste - not even cured by the great ski season so far in the NW (though it helps).

Best wishes! And hopefully someone may offer some wisdom that resonates.:think:

[Generic Other]

38. Our anger has burned like a bright candle in the darkness

But I understand what you are saying. I feel the same way about what it's done to me.

[Gelliebeans]

39. I applaud your efforts

everyone has their limit. That being said, some need to stoke those fires in order to drive themselves. Right or wrong it is human nature. We collectively have spent many years here on DU and other places stoking those fires about the outragious behavior of our goverment and have seen things change directly by our reactions to those outrages.
All I am saying is it doesn't matter how you fight them as long as you do. :hi:
By all means protect yourself but realize that there are those that need that fire in order to fight the beast. We are all on the same side.
Thank you for your post.

[Cyrano]

40. I hear you, Gelliebeans. And I welcome all to the fight against the dangerous fascists

who currently control the levers of power.

I know how hard it is to lay down our anger, fears and hatreds. What I originally posted was a personal decision that applies only to my personal way of handling my own emotions while not giving an inch to the criminals who have stolen our country.

I can't ask anyone else to do this. I can only suggest that no one give up their mental well-being in reaction to those who wish us ill and attack us, our beliefs and our freedoms on a daily basis.

But, having said that, I would never suggest that we would or should stop fighting them and all like them who will arise from the ashes they leave behind.

I have merely suggested that, if it's possible, laying down hatred will leave anyone who does so a healthier person, both mentally and physically. This in no way is intended to divert anyone's attention from the battles that lie ahead of us.

We're up against some pretty horrible people. And I'm all for whatever it takes to destroy them. But let's be careful we don't destroy our own humanity in the process.

[Gelliebeans]

41. Hear Hear....

I absolutely agree. Preserve your well-being in order to fight another day.

[exlrrp]

43. Hatred hurts you more than the people you hate

Sad but true, because hatred is such a delightful emotion because it gives you such a strong feeling of being right. "That person's AWFUL. I'm NOT! I Hate them!!" Its difficult to let go of it because of that, almost like if we stop hating something they win. But theyre doing what theyre doing and youre hating them doesn't affect that a bit.
Anger and hatred are extreme motivators and ones that get a big play in the media and Hollywood. Revenge pictures are their own genre now (think Charles Bronson flics). But theyre not good for your head because its hard to start them up and turn them off when you go home at the end of the day. They permeate your whole life.

If thats what people want to have their lives be about, its their own choice. But there's opther weays of leading a satisfying life.

And this is not by any means an endosement of rolling over and letting the world stick it up your backside.
Don't get mad, get effective. Don't spend time hating, spend that time figuring out how to beat the sumbitch and working for his downfall however you can. Its much more satisfying than sitting and stewing could ever be.

[vanlassie]

42. There's More to Life!

Cyrano and all,

If you are looking for an excellent course to take that will give you the specific tools you can use to process the anger into something productive, try the weekend course called More To Life.

Regards,
Vanlassie
"Resentment is the poison you swallow and wait for the other guy to die,"

[Bluerthanblue]

44. "Hate is the weapon we hold by the blade"... to

paraphrase a very wise Jas. Barry- (of Peter Pan fame)

great post- I join you in this struggle-

peace, and courage,
blu

[Morgana LaFey]

45. Ah, just what some Buddhist said too --

"You will not be punished for your anger; you will be punished by it."


I'm sure hatred works the same way. Aren't you?