Can you hear me?

An inability to express complicated thoughts does not mean those thoughts and feelings don't exist.

I am surprised at the people who seem to believe that because someone does not speak their language clearly they are somehow inferior.  I imagine myself in a foreign country, even one where I have a very rudimentary grasp of the language, and I know I would sound very childish, or even dim witted if I had to express myself.

Likewise, poverty does not make me a second class citizen.  In truth money does not make me a first class one either, but that is another story.  I have been on both sides of the poverty line and I was the same person the whole time. 

I see insane behaviors by well meaning people all the time.  Speaking very slowly in English or in pigeon English is the universal language?  Shouting is even better?   Only in America!

Or maybe not.  Perhaps every culture has a group of people who think their way is the only way. Hubris is universal.  It is also so destructive.

Getting past preconceived ideas is the biggest barrier to peace.  Rather than focusing on all our differences, I wish we could focus on our similarities and celebrate our differences.  It is the odd thought that comes up with new ideas, new ways, new cures.

It is worth taking the time to understand each other.