A Community in the Middle<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
I think about our community of scuba divers. We have a common passion for the water, exploring reefs and shipwrecks, telling our stories and enjoying one another\u2019s company. Our community is diverse, with divers from all sides of the political spectrum. We do not question one another\u2019s beliefs or values. There are those who are avid gun owners, while others are proponents of stricter gun laws. Our community comprises Republicans, Democrats, Libertarians, and Independents. The diving community spans different religions, ethnicity, and demographics. What happens, though, is that we come together in the middle. Our middle is the water. The oceans, lakes, quarries and rivers in which we dive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In scuba diving, there are many ways to enter this world. There is a diversity of equipment. For some divers, they choose a simple jacket style buoyancy compensator while other select a backplate with a wing configuration. Some divers choose double tanks while others select complex re-breathers. Every diver has their very specific reasons for making that selection. They are passionate about their selection. Each diver will offer their detailed opinions on why they made this selection. After this debate and dialog, however, there is a respect for the choice and the scuba divers come together in the middle and enter the underwater world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The dive community is based on mutual trust and a mutual understanding of the environment we enter. The rules of physics exist and we accept the truth about how being underwater affects every individual. You can\u2019t change the physics by being a liberal or conservative. As human beings, the pressure of the water affects all of us in the same way. There are options, of course, in how we venture underwater, but in the end we must respect the laws of nature. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In scuba they teach us we need to trust our buddy. Someone we can depend upon should an emergency arise. It does not matter if your buddy has differing political or religious views. There is a mutual trust that we will take care of one another should an emergency arise. Trust, understanding and respect comes together in the middle of our scuba diving community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Scuba divers are just one example of where we come together in the middle. There are many other communities that have a similar perspective and where their middle exists. As Senator Romney implores us to end \u201cour national malady of denial, deceit and distrust.\u201d I hope that the many examples of where we come together in the middle will dominate our national dialog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/jeffcinciripino.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/P5270047-1024x768.jpeg\")
Mutual trust and understanding<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Are there others in the middle?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n