palestinians and israelis. oil companies and shrimpers. republicans and democrats. blacks and whites. gays and straights. the list can go on for as long as we have lists.

A couple of years ago I read a quote that sticks with me to this day: “Most people look for opportunities to be offended.”

In the last few years the act of offending people has been elevated to an art form. Oh sure, we’ve always been good at it. But now it just seems to be the norm. We rally groups of people to the cause, convinced that “we’re” right and “they’re” wrong. But even more than that, offending and being offended is big business. Organizations raise money from “offended” people so that they can struggle to make sure that they are no longer offended. And media outlets produce shows to “report” on the offenders and the offended in an effort to sell shampoos and erectile dysfunction medications that pay the salaries of the people reporting the offenses.

Please stop the ride - I want to get off!

I propose that we make a greater effort to recognize our similarities to other people rather than our differences. I suggest that we look for common ground before looking for opportunities to be offended. And I ask you to consider the fact that there are businesses (for-profit and non-profit) created to get us offended so that we’ll buy their products or support their causes.

Here’s what I’m sure of:

palestinians and israelis - want to live in peace and create better lives for their kids

oil company employees and shrimpers - want this terrible tragedy to end as soon as possible

republicans and democrats - want our nation to thrive

blacks and whites - want good jobs and freedom

gays and straights - want to be treated fairly

Hey wait a minute - Don’t we all want those things?

Exactly!

Carpe Diem!