Witt's End

 In light of the first presidential debate on Sept 29th I felt the need to try to articulate something I've been having swirl around my brain for awhile. There isn't a single party without legitimate virtue. As the temperature continues to climb and the rancor increases, we need to see the good in each other and their views, especially when we disagree. Republicans at heart are pro small government. They want fiscal responsibility. They want individual liberty. A focus on religious freedom, second amendment rights. A strong military. A determinate foreign policy. All admirable things. Democrats at heart care about labor unions and workers rights. A broad social safety net. A focus on human and civil rights. Safety regulations. Healthcare reform. A push for effective environmental regulation. Also admirable things. Now in theory these two groups when focusing on their stated objectives are good foils to each other, literal checks and balances. Yet they often are in conflict with

 I need a little more humility. More holy envy and less holy enmity. Now most people reading this are probably well aware that I'm a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They are also probably aware that I'm an active participant in the church and our local congregation. I pray, I read my scriptures, I attend church services. I sincerely do what I can to live a good life, follow the teachings of Christ, his prophets, and scripture. I do what I can. I often fall short, but I'm trying to maintain some semblance of a forward progression.  That said, I have a brutal confession. I don't always give that grace to others who are religious, especially other Christians, and that's a problem. It's one I need to work on. If I expect, or at the very least hope, people to give me the benefit of the doubt I need to start giving it to others. I think the struggle I have with this comes from two things that build on each other. The more I reflect on this t