Editorial: RNC

Though I'd much prefer to steer clear of political issues on this blog, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention that St. Paul - my town - is hosting this election year's Republican National Convention ... In case you hadn't heard (Right). Less than a week away, the town(s) is preparing for the deluge of visitors to our fair neighborhoods. Inundating our communities and dumping tons upon tons of revenue into our local economy. Cool, yes?
At the same time, events and activities are in their planning stages for the not-so like-minded counterparts, hell-bent on protest. (I myself will be attending the Steve Earle/Tom Morello/et al Labor Day Concert on Harriet Island.) Lines are being drawn and words are already being spoken (screamed).
In the past, though usually not adhered to, I have held the belief that the best way to protest somethings existence was to ignore it. Pretend it's not there. That is, if you give it no credence, it can wield no power. The Paul Anka defense. But we live in the real world, and humans can no more ignore something they disagree with (on any side) than they can manage to avert their eyes when passing a train wreck -- or avoid telling an in-town celeb that they're a 'big fan'. (Really? A BIG fan? You're a BIG fan of Jm J Bullock? Like you have Jm J Bullock posters on your wall, and Jm J Bullock wallpaper on your desktop?) But I digress ...

We know there will be clashes of belief. We know there will be name calling and mud slinging. We know there will be arrests and there will be more and more divisive talk on both sides. My plea to you is simple. Take pride. Deadly sin aside, this is the first time the Twin City area has hosted the RNC in 116 years. Take pride in our city, our cities. We will be the center of the Free world for four days. We can start something here. Whether you believe in the GOP or abhor it, we can begin a new trend of honoring and protesting the same event with dignity, balance, and mutual respect.
Protest (hell yes) if you want to, but let's remember one and all that a difference of opinion does not have to mean degradation. If you are baited, let it slide. Let your minds and your words act as your defense. Extremism on either side only exacerbates the emotions of dislike and downright hatred many currently feel toward their party-line counterparts.
I have a hard time with all of this, too. My emotions get the better of me all the time ... but screaming "get the hell out of here, we don't want you here, etc. etc." sends the wrong message. There are some who do want the RNC here. And they have a right to assemble.
Let your words and actions stand for your beliefs, and show the world that dissent and disagreement do not have to mean ugly.
These are great towns. Beautiful towns, people.