The divisiveness in our country today is palpable.  It didn't happen overnight.  It kept creeping up on us over the past decade or so and not many people saw it coming.  It seems like some folks gave an inch while others took a foot.  The givers turned their heads and said, "So what, here's another inch."  Then the others took a yard.  And so the back-and-forth grew and grew until the givers realized there was nothing more to give.

            The others kept taking until they were stronger than the givers.

            So much for doing unto others as you would have them do unto you.

            Intimidation can be a two-way street.  A couple of weeks ago I wrote about elected and appointed government officials intimidating the people they are supposed to serve.  But, what happens when the tables are turned?

            Elected officials and those seeking elected positions must never be intimidated.  Voters will fear that, if you are intimidated, you will yield to those who intimidate you.  We see that now in just about every level of government.  Too many weak officials have a tendency to back down from those who intimidate them.  That's when bad decisions are made.  

            You can be challenged or confused by an issue but don't be intimidated when you make your decision.

            You can be challenged by a problem, but don't stop seeking a solution.  You can be confused by an issue, but don't stop the learning process and seeking clarification.   But you can't let someone intimidate you when you are supposed to represent all the people.  Intimidators will go to extremes to get what they want.  Those who are easily intimidated will yield to their oppressor's wants no matter what those wishes are.   So, elected officials must always represent all the people and never be intimidated by any of them.

            People who use social media as a means to intimidate elected officials should be ignored.  If you are intimidated by posts on social media then maybe you aren't strong enough to be an elected official.  Social media posters will hate and use that means to try and embarrass or terrorize you into making decisions that you may not want to make.  Your integrity means more to the voters than their social media threats.

            Elected officials must not let themselves be terrorized by "social influencers", especially into making decisions that only benefit the intimidators.

            Don't intimidate and don't be intimidated.

            If you can be pressured into making decisions that benefit the few at the expense of the many, maybe you should rethink the level of dedication you have for the people.