What is a trap? A trap is a hidden obstruction where bait has been placed to unknowingly catch and then forcefully bring us in. A place we would probably not want to be if we were committed to doing some serious research. If we were actually as open to the whole truth as we claim to be.

In America, we are allowed to choose our traps. This way, we have a slight sense of control over what we choose to entrap us. We only get irked when we are trapped without our own proper consent. 

We can avoid traps though. Sure, it's a little harder for you to do your own homework and keep an open mind.  It's even harder to know who really is speaking the truth.  Too many people are just wanting to agitate you and bring you on board to their way of thinking.  So many want to manipulate you. They find an interest and play on that.  Just like, you probably wouldn't put liver in a mouse trap, neither would they present you with something you have no desire for.  

 

Giving others the benefit of the doubt or the same rights that you demand for yourself seems somewhat reasonable.  We all desire respect and want the right to think for ourselves.  Some, however, are chronic takers and controllers.  While they carefully guard their own freedoms, they have no problem withholding the same, from others.

Assuming something just because it appears possible or, "scratches an itch," somewhere inside you is ignorance, plain and simple.  An assumption is the opposite of truth and nothing more than a glorified guess. Who wouldn't demand or expect proof in the face of accusations? Don't expect for yourself what you are not willing to give others.

We sabatoge ourselves often.  A mountain built out of a mole hill becomes a destructive speed bump to its builder and others around.  A deadly, uncontrollable fire begins with one seemingly insignificant spark.  A careless thought. The rudder of a huge ship looks so small but that same part, misdirected or ignored can cause untold damage.   Individual restraint and responsibility are always needed.  We must not only demand it from others but also expect it from ourselves.

 

Traps are everywhere during a political season. Don't fall into them and don't set them for others. Make sure you are well informed and do not assume that everything you hear and like is going to be true. What you don't know, or don't want to know … can make all the difference in the world. If we really care about others as much as we say, then we will prove it by not expecting more out of them than we are willing to give, ourselves.