I’ve played it fairly safe on my blog. I stick to topics that are invariably ”neat-o”, work-related (e.g. geeky & esoteric to all but a few), and a few vague spiritual toe-dippings. I really detest the heated ranting of much of the blogosphere, when it comes to politics and religion.
Yet, I’m finding… I have many thoughts and opinions that are ready to emerge from the chrysalis. I should probably journal, and keep it to myself; such would be the prudent thing. This is one lesson I’ve learned from Luis Palau, who has written many books and preached personally to millions, and has deftly avoided overt political controversy.
I haven’t learned that lesson yet. I’ve called this post a letter because I want to invoke the spirit of John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, founding brothers who vehemently disagreed with each other on many topics - no small issue, the fate of the Republic - expressed in long letters back and forth over the years. Their friendships were rent and patched many times over, and were never severed completely. Their lifelong friendship defined America.
It is in that spirit that I write.
I can see how this can grow long (I have nothing on our founders’ letters), so I’ll keep it to a narrow topic, which is this: I have friends, people I love, family even, who hold differing political beliefs. So what? Who doesn’t?
Here’s what’s eating at me, when polite conversation turns to politics: some of you, particularly on the Right, seem to surround yourselves with a steady stream of extremist political preaching online, in print, and on TV. There seems to be no diversity of opinions informing your own. It’s like reading a press release from the Far Right Press, cranking out firebrand tracts by the millions. The headphones are on, and it’s only on one channel.
But sensible conservative discourse has vanished. Fox, Rush, talk radio, and the far-right blogosphere have squeezed out every drop of logic and common sense from once reasonable positions.
I try to imagine a perfect world in the minds of the far-right wing prophets you read and surround yourself with:
It’s one without dissent; that mercilessly crushes anyone that stands in our way; where swift, violent justice is more important than mercy. A nation where any voices that disagree must be evil, or insane. Conspiracies lurk behind every corner, working to undo the perfect work of the righteous Right. An earthly theocracy, ruling with an iron fist. Science is viewed not as a tool, but with the suspicion of witchcraft. Immigrants are leeches, useful only for slave labor, imprisonment, or deportation. Diplomacy is weakness; only war unending against unseen enemies is acceptable. America above all else, no matter the human cost. Torture? A tool of the state. Fear reigns - and keeps people in line.
Sound like the 1950s, or like 1984? It’s now. It’s what I hear you saying, with every political post you write.
There’s no anger like that of a jilted lover. I grew up on military bases, basking in the glow of the Reagan military build-up. I voted for Bush, not once, but twice (I couldn’t stomach Kerry, and didn’t comprehend the full ignominy of the current administration). Formerly a third-generation Republican, I changed my affiliation to Independent, so I could vote free of party baggage on issues and individual character.
I’m no Liberal Leftie, either. Much stinks about the traditional positions of the Democratic Party. They’re both dirty, as far as I can tell. Here’s an example of how I feel when trying to choose a party: Which is worse - killing thousands of innocents in an unjust war, or embracing personal rights over the precious lives of the unborn? Who can say which is more evil? It’s like a gunman holding my family hostage and asking me to choose which child should die first. Both parties hold positions that I detest. The statement, “I can’t see how someone can be a [insert party] and call themselves a Christian” is fallacious to the core.
It’s always been this way in our country - Federalists and Whigs, states-rights vs. federalism - we’re divided at birth. We’ve found new topics to disagree on. At least, a two-party system is stable - take a look at any multiparty democracy and see how long coalition governments last.
This, I can deal with. I can accept that politics are dirty, and still participate. Churchill said, “It has been said that democracy is the worst form of government – except all the others that have been tried”.
I can even accept that I’m wrong: persuade me, show me, teach me. I’m still figuring out my positions on things. But please, use valid examples, not just the ones from your fringe extremists. Go a whole month without writing a single logical fallacy - learn ‘em, tape them to your monitor. Read not only opinions from the Right, but also from the Left. Listen to those who disagree with you, and treat them with respect, no matter what. Back up positions with reason and rationale, instead of base personal attacks and guilt by association. Use the scientific method where applicable; pray to the Lord Almighty where science and reason ends and faith begins.
I want real, honest discourse, like I had with my old friend Tony the other night, who I’m sure disagrees with me in most things political. But he listened respectfully. He challenges me without attacking me, and doesn’t plug his ears when he doesn’t like what I say.
It’s late; I gotta sleep; I’m sure to invite some strong words with my flame-bait here. But if you do start your flamethrowers, bring also Reason, Respect, and Logic. I’ll listen if you will. And remember: I love you anyway. This is just politics, it’s not eternal, so keep it in perspective.
Posted in Adventures, Life
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