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I have heard much gnashing of teeth over the strident discourse and angry exchanges about good and evil in politics over the last few years. This is nothing new in the United States. Hell, we fought a civil war when opposing points of view reached a deafening crescendo.
We seem to be fine with minor differences of opinion in any area of our lives. Oh, sure. There are some people on the fringe who cannot tolerate any difference of opinion on some topics. Mostly, though, we pride ourselves on our ability to get along with people of different faiths and different social views. At least, as long as those faiths and views aren't too different.
And we love to state our opinions. We speak our mines and we do so with fervent righteousness. Our view of the issues is the right and true view. Other views are wrong. Yeah, right. You can't call someone an ignorant ass through the vehicle of calling his world view bad and wrong without having him attack back. Adults just can't get away with "He started it" as a response to what is only an escalation in name calling.
Spouting opinion is only sometimes effective. When Jon Stewart had dieing "First Responders" on his show and asked why we aren't providing health care, something happened. For the many shows before that when he ranted against the Senate for its nastily narrated inaction, nothing happened. See the difference?
It is not what you are saying that matters. Really. No one believes words anymore. At least, no one believes for long. It is what you do that matters. It matters that what you do matches what you say, too. Mr. President is having a bit of a problem with that one right now. Many people think he has failed on "Yes, we can!" The actions must match, but it is the actions that matter.
Next time someone wraps themselves in the frag and talks about how patriotic they are, ask them what they are contributing to the country. And don't accept answers about what his business or town or state is providing. It is uninspiring that he pays his taxes. It doesn't count if he talks about his children who are in the Marines. It only counts in what he is doing. And if he isn't doing anything, walk away. He is nothing useful to say.
It only counts when he is actively engaged and contributing to the welfare of the country.
Can there be different interpretations of what "welfare of the country" means? Of course. And that is what political debate wrestles with. But there is not "right" answer. When someone forgets that and presses to have their right answer installed by force, he has forgotten what it means to be an American and he is a traitor.
We seem to be fine with minor differences of opinion in any area of our lives. Oh, sure. There are some people on the fringe who cannot tolerate any difference of opinion on some topics. Mostly, though, we pride ourselves on our ability to get along with people of different faiths and different social views. At least, as long as those faiths and views aren't too different.
And we love to state our opinions. We speak our mines and we do so with fervent righteousness. Our view of the issues is the right and true view. Other views are wrong. Yeah, right. You can't call someone an ignorant ass through the vehicle of calling his world view bad and wrong without having him attack back. Adults just can't get away with "He started it" as a response to what is only an escalation in name calling.
Spouting opinion is only sometimes effective. When Jon Stewart had dieing "First Responders" on his show and asked why we aren't providing health care, something happened. For the many shows before that when he ranted against the Senate for its nastily narrated inaction, nothing happened. See the difference?
It is not what you are saying that matters. Really. No one believes words anymore. At least, no one believes for long. It is what you do that matters. It matters that what you do matches what you say, too. Mr. President is having a bit of a problem with that one right now. Many people think he has failed on "Yes, we can!" The actions must match, but it is the actions that matter.
Next time someone wraps themselves in the frag and talks about how patriotic they are, ask them what they are contributing to the country. And don't accept answers about what his business or town or state is providing. It is uninspiring that he pays his taxes. It doesn't count if he talks about his children who are in the Marines. It only counts in what he is doing. And if he isn't doing anything, walk away. He is nothing useful to say.
It only counts when he is actively engaged and contributing to the welfare of the country.
Can there be different interpretations of what "welfare of the country" means? Of course. And that is what political debate wrestles with. But there is not "right" answer. When someone forgets that and presses to have their right answer installed by force, he has forgotten what it means to be an American and he is a traitor.