But what about the President? Is he in you, too? Many of us would rather admit to having an "inner child" than an "inner Cheney" but is it that simple? Have you never attempted to hide or cover up something you have done or failed to do in an effort to save your status, power or reputation? Have you never been a bully or misused a power? Have you never been cocky or felt yourself superior and beyond reproach?
There is nothing in Bush that I want to see as a reflection of me and nothing I am saying here is intended to be an excuse for any of his behaviors. I do believe, however, that it is dangerous whenever we view anyone as so "other" that we miss the opportunity for growth they present us. I don't want to identify with deceitful politicians, or terrorists, or looters, or rapists, but I have certainly experienced anger, outrage, fear, selfishness, greed and jealousy in my lifetime. It is simply a matter of degree. If I cannot recognize the seeds, no matter how small, of this negative potential in myself I cannot truly hope to be an influence for positive change. It is a slippery slope when we fail to look at ourselves squarely in the mirror and acknowledge those parts of ourselves we prefer not to see.
While we are debating what could or could not have been done to prevent the many disastrous events we have experienced as a nation during the Bush administration let us not forget to learn the lessons inherent in these events for each of us. Let us check our own hearts and make certain we are doing what we can to root out the causes of such devastation and dissension in our own hearts and minds for the sake of preventing future disasters and truly promoting peaceful relationships abroad as well as within our own neighborhoods.
For concrete evidence that healing can be done in the unlikeliest of circumstances, please visit The Forgiveness Project.
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