The Myth of the Single Issue

[Pacifist Patriot]

We've all got our pet projects. Liberals have a reputation for being either a tree-hugger or a civil rights activist for example. And there is some element of truth to that. There is so much that needs to be done, no single person could tackle every cause.

I care deeply about the environment and worry about the planet we're bequeathing to my sons. But with my work in inter-faith alliances, separation of church and state and civil rights issues I honestly do not have time to attend Sierra Club meetings and lobby the county commission against the new airport. Thankfully, I have liberal friends and acquaintances who do have the time and the necessary passion.

The truth is, we live in a systemic world. Single issues don't exist because any change in one area will affect another. My advocating for civil rights may allow a previously oppressed individual to rise to a position of authority that can make positive change in the environment. My friends' endeavors to save our environment may bring together two groups of people who previously distrusted one another. The folks who are working diligently to improve our voting process may be single-minded in their task, but the repercussions within the entire system are mind-shattering.

I want to scream every time I read or hear someone accuse us of the inability to multi-focus or multi-task. When I rant about an ad campaign that doesn't mean I'm not also aware of a helicopter shot down. When I question the wisdom of early entrance into and attention paid to the 2008 presidential race that doesn't mean I'm not writing a letter to my representative about minimum wage legislation later that afternoon.

I experience a sinking feeling every time I read or hear someone bemoan the fact that not enough people are actively engaged in the same causes the author or speaker holds dear. We can't possibly be! Most of us will help where we can to the extent we are able, but I revel in our diversity. My sincere gratitude is extended to everyone who can participate in any way in any issue or cause. Systems change slowly, but they do change. You never know how progress in one area will ultimately bring about positive change in your personal passion.

I, for one, support all of your efforts to increase love, promote justice and work for greater ecological harmony. However you go about it.

[Solly Mack]

1. It's all connected

[bryant69]

2. This is a good point - and well worth considering

We can't, as individuals, do everything so we should focus on what we like doing and feel we do well and hope that other people do their own thing. I'm also frustrated at the suggestion that because we aren't talking about problem X we don't care enough (I'm particularly tired of posts that start with "Am I the only one who's noticed problem X."

Good piece.

Bryant
Check it out --> http://politicalcomment.blogspot.com

[Warpy]

3. Yeah, I get that every time I say I won't cross the choice line

as though I'd vote for a horror like Brownback if he suddenly turned pro choice and ran against an antichoice DLC Democrat.

Sorry flamers, but that's just not going to happen. I won't cross the choice line, but I won't vote for an economic and religious lunatic, either.

Screaming "single issue voter!" at those of us with very strong opinions on one subject or another is counterproductive at best, and lets us know exactly who and what is screaming at us at worst.