We have a clear polarization issue in this country, which rings especially true on days like today. As of this writing, former president Trump’s Mar-A-Lago estate was raided by the FBI, in a move that has conservative pundits and politicians alike in an unjustified frenzy. This is Tabletalk Tuesday, but I’m departing from the norm today. If you feel inclined to comment on this work, please take the time to read the entirety of this post before responding, as snippets and snapshots don’t accurately portray opinions.

I rarely state my political views, but in this case, I believe it’s necessary to state that I’m a proud Independent. I’ve voted across both party lines, served in the military, and worked for education startups and nonprofits. My views and votes are researched, and I practice keeping my circle of concern within my circle of influence. And the rot within much of the republican party is really anti-democratic and dangerous to the future of this world, but I understand why it resonates with the Tik Tok era. I’m saying this as someone who voted for Trump the first time, which is something I’ve never shared publicly.

Firstly, no one is above the law, not even a former president. If the FBI raided a former president’s estate, they would have to have extremely significant cause for this to be approved. Not only that, but the action would also have to be approved by numerous parties before anything could happen: federal judges, the Secret Service, the FBI (and possibly CIA) hierarchy, and the current administration. This isn’t just some act by the current president and the democratic party — that claim can be debunked in just a few seconds of honest research.

Secondly, let’s look at some facts. The FBI is currently helmed by Christopher A. Wray, a handpicked candidate by Trump himself after the dismissal of Mr. Comey. This “raid” would have had direct approval from the Trump-assigned director, who has also called the January 6 insurgency an act of domestic terrorism. Next, none of these politicians or pundits have any actual data on the investigation — as it is ongoing and highly sensitive, there’s no way that these individuals know enough for this to be in their circle of influence. Is this unprecedented in modern American politics? Absolutely, but any claim thereafter is pure hearsay, rage mongering, and a blatant spread of misinformation.

Finally, as someone who once held a Top-Secret clearance, I can tell you that if I were being investigated for the same alleged reasons, I wouldn’t be typing this right now. I’d be in a jail cell that couldn’t be located, forcefully held and removed from society. When the rich and politically involved get accused of mishandling or wrongfully holding classified data, their punishments are significantly less if there are any at all. And anyways, weren’t the same pundits crying against Hillary Clinton’s handling of classified emails? Where is that outcry for someone who allegedly brought over fifteen boxes of (potentially) classified information to his private estate upon exit from Capitol Hill? And how come every republican and conservative who dislikes and disagrees with Trump and his allies are immediately villainized by said individuals and the right-wing media?

Is conservatism not bigger than one man who wasn’t a republican until he secured the nomination for its party?

I probably won’t change anyone’s mind with this, but it is important that we lay that out and then say something else.

You should not be enraged by this. You, like I, don’t know the intimate details of this raid/investigation. It doesn’t have to affect your day or life unless you let it. And if you can’t stop thinking about it, get creative, not abrasive.

The late Stephen Covey had a concept of circles of influence and circles of concern. Miserable people often let their circles of concern grow way past their circles of influence, and this is true of both sides of the political spectrum. Let me be clear, if this situation was politically reversed, I think democrats would be just as outwardly enraged, still wrongfully so. Your circle of influence is what you personally and intimately have some modicum of control over in your life, while your circle of concern is what you worry about, what takes your attention, what gets your blood pumping, etc.

If you shrink your concern to your influence level, you’ll be amazed at the mental clarity and happiness that you feel. Social Media certainly exacerbates the problem, not only through sensational headlines, but in the way it makes things feel local to you. When you practice maintaining your circle of concern within that of influence, you’ll naturally begin to research your information more, have greater patience, and have less directionless aggravation.

And if you still can’t stop thinking about something, use that energy to make something, not stoke negativity and abrasiveness. You’ve done your research and you still are enraged by something? Great! Do some work about it then! Have a conversation with someone, make a podcast about it, write a blog post or a song or a book, or CREATE SOMETHING that might bring people to your side of the argument. Base your reasoning in facts and compassion — act with a tough mind and a caring heart.

Or funnel that energy into political ambitions and creativity. Run for office, write your congressperson, volunteer with your party, donate for a cause or person with aligned views. Find your moral integrity and stop being so damn reactive. This should be a reminder plastered across billboards around the country. With a few simple changes, we could work to mitigate the political polarization in this country, but the change has to start with you. And it has to start with listening to others, doing your own legitimate research, and shrinking your circle of concern to what actually matters.

We have to eat at the same table y’all, no matter how much you dislike someone else’s views. They are your brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, friends, and enemies alike, not mannequins or lizard people. And if you are basing your arguments in fallacies and lies and conspiracy, don’t posture when you get called out. Admit that you’re wrong and let your opinions change. No one is infallible and everyone makes mistakes — it’s about time we stopped pretending like failure is weakness. Everyone loses sometimes, and everyone fails eventually.

So, get creative, not abrasive. Listen to others. Admit when you’re wrong. Learn every day. Genuinely ask for forgiveness when you fuck up. Don’t bully or threaten others for having a different opinion than you. Have the courage to change your mind. And for the sake of the world, don’t let a six-word headline get your blood boiling without due cause and research.

May you find peace in your practice, and may that practice bear the fruits of mindfulness and gratitude. May you be a light that guides travelers against the darkness of the night.

With care and honesty,

Kyle Battle