The Power of Voting Purple

In today’s polarized political climate, it often feels like America is split into two teams: Red and Blue. This division can create an environment where political decency is a distant memory, and cooperation seems impossible. But what if we could change that? What if we could treat each other with the respect and dignity befitting royalty, rather than as adversaries? This is the essence of “Voting Purple” – a call to rise above partisan divides and prioritize our shared humanity.

#### Bridging the Red and Blue Divide

Voting Purple means recognizing the valuable perspectives that both sides bring to the table and finding common ground. It’s about understanding that our strength lies in our unity, not our division. By embracing this mindset, we can work together to address the pressing issues that affect us all.

One such issue is the safe unloading and storage of firearms, which I propose should be defined as an Activity of Daily Living (ADL) for both unpaid and professional caregivers. This initiative transcends political affiliations and highlights the purple space where red and blue intersect, focusing on practical solutions to save lives.

#### Firearm Safety as an Activity of Daily Living (ADL)

The safe handling and storage of firearms are crucial for preventing accidents and ensuring the well-being of individuals in homes where firearms are present. By incorporating this into the routine responsibilities of Caregivers, we can significantly reduce the risk of firearm-related incidents. This educational initiative seeks to provide caregivers with the knowledge and tools they need to manage firearms safely, thereby protecting their loved ones and communities.

This approach not only addresses a critical safety concern but also brings together people from different political backgrounds in a shared mission. It’s a vivid example of how we can find common ground and work towards solutions that benefit everyone, irrespective of their political beliefs.

#### A Personal Perspective

My commitment to this cause is deeply personal. My late Mother, God rest her soul, used to affectionately call me a “Right Wing Maniac” because of my unwavering dedication to caring for Vietnam Veterans. Her words, spoken with love, reflect a time when political differences could coexist with mutual respect and understanding. Mother coped with deafness, was a blue dog Democrat, and worked all her life in Florida and Hawaii as a public school teacher. Her values grow in me like marigolds in the August sun every day. I am blessed to be her daughter, and CODA (Child of a Deaf Adult).

Caring for those who have served our country has taught me the importance of compassion, dedication, and the power of community. It has also reinforced my belief that we do not have to live in fear. Contrary to the notion that more guns make us safer, it is actually more social connection and deeper trust that foster true security.

#### Building a Safer, More Connected Community

The path to a safer society is not paved with fear and suspicion but with trust and connection. By fostering a sense of community and mutual respect, we can create an environment where people feel safe and supported. This, in turn, reduces the perceived need for increased firearms and the associated risks.

My personal opinions and faith cannot encroach on the legal rights of my in-home care Clients, many of whom are adamantly against owning firearms. It is not my place to debate them as a legal gun owner with a valid Washington State CWP, but to assist them in securing their homes and provide a “Buddy System” to increase their safety, which is to say their health. Safety is part of social health, and we must cure the ills of gun violence one step at a time in our own homes and communities. We may not agree on the methods of achieving this, but all rational people would like a world where conflict is resolved by reason, not blood shed. Gun safety education can help prevent gun violence, especially Veteran death by suicide.

Voting Purple is about more than just political decency; it’s about building a society where everyone feels valued and heard. It’s about recognizing that our differences can be our strengths if we approach them with an open heart and a willingness to understand.

#### Conclusion

Reviving political decency in America requires a collective effort to treat each other with respect and kindness. By Voting Purple, we can bridge the divide between red and blue, focusing on solutions that benefit us all. Defining the safe unloading and storage of firearms as an ADL for caregivers is one such initiative that embodies this spirit of cooperation and common sense.

Together, we can honor the memory of our loved ones, like my mother, who believed in caring for others, and work towards a future where trust, connection, and mutual respect are the cornerstones of our society. Let’s embrace the power of Voting Purple and create a brighter, safer future for all.

This blog post aims to inspire readers to consider the importance of political decency and practical, non-partisan solutions to critical issues.

Written and edited with the assistance of https://chatgpt.com/

Heidi Christensen

#VetSafe #TeamUSA #BillofRights #BillofResponsibilities #healthiswealth #heididutytime #zerogunviolence #education