I’ve stumbled across a lot of political blogging lately. Most of it by accident because only one person I read (thank you, Connie Lane) warns and cutlines her content.
Since my candidate long ago faded from the forefront, as we knew he would, I just can’t really bring myself to care that much about who wins. From where I sit, either victory looks like a loss for limited-government types like myself. And really, who cares about the brand of steamroller? They’re both deadly heavy as they grind you to a pulp.
What IS bothering me, though, is the contempt. Not for parties, party leadership or candidates. The contempt for neighbours, family members, coworkers and friends. I’ve seen more of it coming from the left–but that is ONLY because most of the blogs I read lately have left-leaning authors. I’m sure it’s on the right also. I mean, Glen Beck and Rush Limbaugh are shining examples and they aren’t exactly punching Obama’s ticket.
When I say “contempt” I’m talking about the people who say things like “I can’t believe anyone could be so stupid”. You know, sometimes people who disagree with you are actually intelligent people who’ve thought through the issues and have arrived at their opinions after careful study and consideration. Not everyone is alike and not everyone shares the same life experience and same values. That doesn’t make them stupid and it doesn’t make them less human.
I may not be a die-hard conservative Republican any longer. But my parents, brother and sister are. My other brother is somewhere between libertarian and Democrat(ic) I think. We don’t discuss it. But either way, I think of them when I hear people call the other party “stupid”. They’re real human beings who work hard and love their families and love God. (All of them–even the lefty brother.)
It’s this divisiveness that keeps me at arm’s length in this game.
Kat,
I hear ya. Like you, my candidate has been long out of the race. I’m not that excited about this election, either. We really don’t have that much of a choice.
And also like you I’m disgusted at how personal this election cycle has really become…To the point of pure, absolute hate. We don’t need hate; we need clear-headed people having clear-headed debates and discussions.
I’m sick of it all, actually. I just wish people would calm down, chill out, and try to discuss things like rational adults.
Kat, I am soooooo tempted to reply, “That’s stuuuuupid, you evil libertarian!” but someone is sure not to get it.
Sorry. Have to do it.
Eric this week:
We don’t need hate; we need clear-headed people having clear-headed debates and discussions.
I just wish people would calm down, chill out, and try to discuss things like rational adults.
Eric last week:
“You seriously need to get a clue.”
“Sarah Palin’s family has more family values than all of the Democrats combined.”
“Sarah Palin has more executive experience than Barack Hussein Obama and Joseph Robinette Biden combined!”
Scott,
“Sorry. Have to do it.”
I was pointing out facts. Sarah Palin was mayor for six years and governor for 1-1/2 years.
How long has Barack or Joe been in an executive position?
*crickets chirping*
That’s what I thought.
Hehe…There I go again – feeding the trolls.
You’re right. There is too much dismissal and hatred of the actual PEOPLE on the opposite side of the political spectrum. Politics is the art of compromise and finding common ground.
No one is helped when people are just mean and hateful to each other.
By the way, I’m so far left, I’m a little to the right now, but I’m still not voting for McCain. : )
Irony, thy name is Scott and Eric,
Go to your rooms, both of you.