Posted on 12/29/2017 9:11:50 PM PST by Oshkalaboomboom
DUBLIN, Ireland -- "Try a Little Tenderness" is a song written by Jimmy Campbell, Reg Connelly and Harry M. Woods. According to Wikipedia, it was first recorded on Dec. 8, 1932, by the Ray Noble Orchestra (with vocals by Val Rosing). Probably these names are as unfamiliar to us today as the demonstration of tenderness is in our modern political culture.
This song and its sentiment came rushing back to me as I witnessed a stunning act of tenderness while crossing the Irish Sea last week on a ferry bound for Dublin.
While eating breakfast in the ship's lounge, I noticed a man playing with his young son, who appeared to be about 3 years old. The boy said "daddy" in such a loving way that it touched my heart and reminded me of special moments with my own children when they were that age.
What happened next was so heartwarming that I don't think I shall ever forget it. The boy suddenly became ill and began vomiting. The father never raised his voice or changed his demeanor. Instead, he picked up his son and held him close, saying, "That's all right" and "it will be all right," as the boy continued to be sick on himself, his father and the floor.
No one raised their voice. Others in the lounge did not stir uncomfortably. Members of the crew came over and began cleaning up the boy, the father and the floor, as if they were assisting someone who had just spilled a cup of coffee. I can't recall seeing anything like it.
When they were done, the father took the boy's stuffed bear, handed it to his son, who clutched it close, and then the father, still stained from the incident, pressed the boy to his chest until he fell asleep in his arms. I turned to him and said, "You're a good father." He smiled.
Why am I sharing this in a column? The answer is that tenderness and love are such powerful forces for good it is a wonder we don't practice them more often. 2017 was one of the ugliest political years in recent memory. Nasty things were said by Republicans about Democrats and Democrats returned rhetorical fire. Names were called and labels applied. It was repulsive and nothing good came from it, did it?
I am not so naive as to suggest that any of this toxic behavior is about to change in a new year, especially one in which there will be congressional elections, but is it too much to ask that we start treating each other more like friends than members of ISIS, more like fellow Americans than North Koreans?
If our goal is to change minds and hearts about issues important to us, which approach do you think might work better; treating political opposites like a burdensome mother-in-law who overstays her holiday visit, or demonstrating at least a degree of kindness and tenderness?
The song referenced above was written near the start of the Great Depression. It was a subtle suggestion for a man to love his wife who had nothing to wear except "the same shabby dress."
We all have much more these days, but material possessions and the unending quest for political power have robbed us of things of far greater and longer-lasting value and importance.
In this new year, could we hug each other a little more, speak a little softer and, yes, try a little tenderness, especially in our political discourse?
Nasty things were said by Republicans about Democrats and Democrats returned rhetorical fire.
It’s probably a good idea to work to bring people together rather than push them apart.
There are forces that would like to see us divided.
I spend a lot of times in comments sections.
I try to be civil (not always successfully) and end most exchanges by spreading the mantra of...
Disagree without being Disagreeable*
and closing with a
Have a Good Day/Evening/Night
*First heard it said by Tim Scott and thought it a good approach.
Jack Webb did an interesting cover.
Otis Redding?
“Nasty things were said by Republicans about Democrats and Democrats returned rhetorical fire.”
Oh, so I’m supposed to believe that Republicans started it?
I’m all for trying a little tenderness when it’s the right time, but sometimes “Kung Fu Fighting” is the tune you gotta dance to whether you want to or not.
Bing Crosby has a version as well.
Somebody must have seen the old Movie “Meet John Doe” starring Gary Cooper and Barbara Stanwyck.
Just-the-facts Jack.
Tenderness, tolerance and forgiveness of your enemies on the left is taken as a sign of weakness, and they’ll redouble their assaults.
Just an anecdotal personal example...
Darryl Taylor There is nothing presidential about Trump. Daily he shows America and the world how incompetent he is.
Not only is Trump incompetent, he’s unfit to be in the Oval Office. Trump’s supporters for some reason believe Trump is doing a good job.
Trump’s approval ratings are at an all time low. Trump is a narcissist.
Trump fails to understand that he works for the American people, and that’s all Americans.
We the people don’t work for Trump. Trump’s agendas and policies don’t benefit all Americans.
Northern Sentinel ...
"Trump’s supporters for some reason believe Trump is doing a good job."
..and you don't have a clue what is the reason(s)?
Have you made an effort to understand?
I know it would take some effort and time
but you might find it worthwhile and learn something.
Maybe it would help you let go of some hate.
A lot of emotion in your post and not much reason.
Try balancing your emotions with your ability to think critically.
You'll feel and think better and your posts will reflect it.
Disagree without being Disagreeable
Have a Nice Evening
Darryl Taylor I don’t hate Trump, I dislike Trump. There is a big difference between hate and dislike.
FYI I didn’t care for Bush, but I tolerated Bush. I can’t find with me to tolerate Trump.
Have a good night as well.
Northern Sentinel ...
I think, 'can’t find with me to tolerate Trump', goes a bit beyond 'dislike'
But be that as it may...thanks for the dialogue, Darryl.
Darryl Taylor You are welcome.
Reaching out to this guy, respectfully, resulted in some reciprocation on his part
and perhaps induced some reflection by him of his thoughts, emotions, and motivations.
Maybe he'll be more likely to try to understand what motivates a Trump supporter.
Maybe he'll see there is some common ground and he'll change from pushing away to bringing together.
Or not... but even is the effort results in failure it still is a worthy effort and goal.
Socialists, when they are losing, it’s “try a little tenderness”.
When they are winnng they plant a boot on your face.
I’m over it.
Sometimes I release my inner OWK.
I don't know if he was still around when you joined in 2003,
but that Freeper could rhetorically slice and dice an opponent with a skill and ease of a master chef.
Opening theme for “Dr. Srangelove.”
Dumb story to prove his point. A loving parent loves a child even when vomiting and knows how scary it is and tries to make it feel better. I even can do all that and NOT get puked on.
But yeah, let’s have FReepers be nicer to each other. Sometimes I have an opinion that differs from yours and guess what, it doesn’t make me a leftist, a troll, or any of the other names you like to call me. Same goes for all of us. FReepers go angel / devil too quickly. Think twice.
I’m glad you used the descriptor “rhetorically” there, otherwise the mental images were mighty gory!
:D
Dunno if I ever ran into the fella or not, but if it’s not a personal-level thing, I sometimes enjoy a good back and forth heavy hashing of this & that myself.
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