YEAR OF ZEN: SUMMER: DAY 21

The Demand Upon Governor Dunmore Patrick Henry

Q: Write a note to a political representative and use “right speech”. These are words that don’t divide or elevate the speaker above the one addressed.

A:

Dear Governor,

I am writing to thank you for your willingness to take on the mantle of leadership during a trying time in our state and country. I am often struck that in our seemingly polarized country it is often impossible for our elected leaders to perform any action without it resulting in vile rhetoric and hate, from both sides of the political spectrum. While you and I may not agree on many (most?) things, I recognize the common ground of things we do agree on and I want to share my thanks to you in what I imagine to be a thankless job. Keep your eyes, ears, and heart open and your positions flexible to what new experiences and information provide and you will do well.

My thanks,
Jim