I think we all need a time out.   When the mudslinging escalates to the point where we’ve become judge, jury, and executioner of our neighbor based on his political convictions even the “isms” get misused and vilified.  Words like “socialism”, “racism”, “Communism”, and “Nazism” are not for angry children who stomp and scream at each other, but for civil people who converse with one another about ideas.   When “isms” become aspersions and conversations become altercations it’s time to take a deep breath, remember the words of Jesus*, and spend an evening watching the Lord of the Flies.

My friend may have socialist ideas.  He may disagree with me on everything from health care reform to czars, deficits, and ACORN.  He may disdain everything I hold dear and blaspheme God himself.  But the One who created him loves him with an unearthly passion and trusts me with the high honor of putting  words and actions to His love

I am determined to walk in love, to consider all evidence, and talk in peaceful, rational tones.   Will you join me?

• Judge not, that ye be not judged. (Matt. 7:1)

• Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;  (Matt. 5:44)

• Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth. (Luke 11:17)