Will empathy and compassion return to this country?

Yes. When and where I can't even guess, but yes. Some of us are still living that life, some others are practicing.

Yes.

the country (the richest in the history of the world) that won't provide healthcare as a human right? 

no.

How 'bout you, pyramidheat, are you empathetic and compassionate in your real life? I believe that it grows from each of us to another and on and on.

I agree with pyramidheat. As long as turning Palestinian children into skeletons is more profitable than universal health care even democrat candidates will campaign against it.

...double

It's a trick question.

EVERYBODY believes they are empathetic and compassionate, and most people often ARE... to those like them.

It's easy to "be nice" when everybody's nice (or thinks the same way).

Can you be nice to those who aren't nice or don't think just like you?

THAT'S empathy & compassion.

It seems so much more these days, probably because of the internet & social media, everyone is SO ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN that they're RIGHT!

Superiority, anger, insults & evil deeds done in the name of righteousness have always been a major flaw in the human condition, and that isn't going away, so you want to be part of the solution? Then especially to those who aren't like you, "be nice" i.e. empathetic & compassionate.

That's not easy, but IMO THAT is the true essence of empathy & compassion.

Possibly, after a few more election cycles. But sure as fuck, not after this one.

Possibly after tweaking the 1st and 2nd amendments as well. Till then, don't hold yer breath.

The "problem" with compassion and empathy is that they are generally shared quietly and in small circles so each case does not get much mass attention.

I see and feel it everywhere...

Heathen 5.0. Great post!

give a virtual hug to a stranger today. (Strange defined as different than yourself)

Yes,"if you need it-Believe it "

Hi Jazz and Johnny D.

AND a hug Thanks to Judit for guidance this week 

Love, Be Nice

Good to see you Be Nice!

Would love to take the (big) kid up to visit you when things start to settle down.

Take good care of yourself, JD

Here’s the creed I’m adopting going forward 

I will not make statements or post inflammatory messages on social media that only fan the flames of division. Even if I disagree with decisions (or rhetorical comments) made by politicians (of either political party), I will not make exaggerated personal attacks or hyperbolic claims about the impact of the decisions. I will try to focus on policy and calm persuasion, encouraging others to return to more respectful discourse, even with those with whom one vehemently disagrees. If attacks are made against me (or my side), I will not assume that two wrongs somehow make a right, perversely justifying my own counter-attack.

I am just one person, of course. And I do not have any interest in giving money to candidates or parties, so I think that my behavior (with my patients, on Viva or other social media sites, etc.) is the best way that I can play my part in restoring civility to the country's discourse.

i was told by zoners not to be nice to my 3%er buddy.

nancy said that. 

"If we ever forget that we are One Nation Under God, 
then we will be a nation gone under "
Ronald Reagan - election day 1980 after defeating Jimmy Carter

I worked as a medical receptionist for almost 30 years. 8 in a family practice office, 2 in an internal medicine office, and 20 in a chiropractic/pain medicine office. People coming to doctors are often on edge (worried, in pain, looking for drugs) and they can be/often are tough to be with. Not only are they hurting, they're often unhappy, angry, agitated, mean, threatening, etc. As the person at the front desk, I was the natural recipient of it all while trying to help them. The most difficult people to help or be around were the ones that my coworkers would shy from but I felt like it was a call to my compassion, and I answered. I was born to do that job, I'm an ace receptionist, it's my nature to help people through their process empathetically and compassionately. It wasn't always easy, but it was good. There was a lot more to the job that I did but that was the most satisfying.

From my wallet:

^^^ ((((( ))))) ^^^

Smile 

Smile 

I love that card and your Halloween cards Judit.

Well done.

I myself don't feel real optimistic about the question....I wish I did.

I feel like I do my part but so many people don't.

Local, the lovelight card was handed out sometime in the '80s, at either a Greek or Kaiser show. It's definitely a keeper.

Thanks for mentioning the Halloween cards, it was fun to make them.

Local, emotw

OK, Judit can stay.

Thank you, Lance. I'll see you around the quad.

i was reminded that a lot of white men without college degrees hate all of us that do. not sure any amount of empathy on our parts can fix that.

I don't hate you JR.

I do have empathy & compassion for you.

They say "actions speak louder than words" - yet I cannot believe how easy it is to recognize how much empathy and compassion exist in each of those posting in this thread.

Empathy and compassion are principles that are practiced through invdiduals in humanity. While things that happen in politics might give people a sense of hope or promise it doesn't not apply directly to the every day lives of people interacting with people. Just like any other day it's up to us to carry out those principles and treat each other well. 

obama admin 2014  -- my guess is no.

when does brunch start? 

2015. 

Did you turn the pizza oven on yet?

Empathy and compassion never left the country. They're just not being practiced as much as they could.

It's pretty off-base to think here is less empathy and compassion in today's world. If anything, there is more than ever.

The main reason for any perceived degradation is the toxic porridge of the news and social media, both of which are currently designed to divide and strike fear, one clip at a time.

Smash the control machine and go outside. It's fine out here.