I am one who really hates politics. . .not actually politics themselves, because our government is important. . . I guess I hate all the arguing and bashing and closed mindedness that comes in every conversation. So I shy away from any type of political conversation really. And I am not even coming here to take sides, or speak my mind on any issues or politician. See, I took a couple of tests to see where I land in the political compass as far as where I stand on issues in government, Authoritarian, Left, Right, or Libertarian. And what I discovered is that I am a Centralist. That is someone who falls in the middle of the 4 extremes. Not only an I am centralist. . . I couldn't be more dead center on the compass!! If you were looking at a dart board. . .I am that little, teeny red dot smack dab in the middle!
So seeing as I am not leaning left or right or any other direction, I figured I hold a pretty safe spot to speak out about what I see in people from all sides. We seriously need to grow up! Now I am not talking about everyone, I am talking about those who for some reason feel the need to continue the smear campaigns long after the election is over. ANY election! I've seen enough. I'm talking about those who slander and smear, and post negative videos about a political person, group or issue. Simply because it is not one you agree with. You assume your intelligence level is so much higher than "those guys" and you piously look down your nose at your fellow Americans like they are idiots. Don't you get sick enough of the politicians themselves with their smear campaigns? And the same folks who are "smearing' when one President is in office and making fun of him, talking bad about him. . . .are the ones calling a halt to the 'smearing' when someone you like gets elected. Then when things turn around the other way and you don't like it anymore. . . well, all that preaching you did to everyone about not being hateful, just flies out the window when things don't go your way. Really??
I am not saying we all have to agree. Of course not! Diversity in all aspects of life is what makes this country so wonderful! But all the hatred and pious smearing and sneering. . . can't we grow up and stop that? Can't we find positive ways, constructive ways to contribute to society instead of fanning the flames of hatred and intolerance? Yes, I said intolerance. . .be careful what you soapbox at people in one area, if you practice it in another area of your life. When people do not like the way things are going in the country it motivates us to get out and vote to make a difference. If things don't go our way, then we must assume that we are in the minority, that the majority has spoken, and move on to finding ways to impact the issues and our communities in a positive way, instead of crying 'foul', claiming an election was rigged, bought, whatever! If you don't believe in our country's electoral system, why vote?? If you do, then get out and vote, and when the results go your way, celebrate! When they don't, don't start crying foul and slandering people. Make a POSITIVE difference!! Get out there and help work for the issues that are important to you!
We are all still Americans, a brotherhood! Remember 9/11? Remember when suddenly we were not black or white, republican or democrat, right or left?? We were a Nation of people who found a common thread and held on to it tight in unity! Did we change our political beliefs? No. Did we change who we backed in Washington? No. But we saw a bigger picture and became ONE Nation! For a few short, glorious months we stopped the bickering and smearing, and we chanted at baseball games and football games and anywhere else people assembled, "USA! USA! USA!" How quickly we forget, and how sad that we have.
I guess my question is, when are we going to stop the blaming, the hatred the accusations, and find ways to use that energy to start in our own little corner of the world and make a difference?? This has been brewing in me since the Presidential election 2 years ago, and now with the latest elections and resurgence of hate mongering. . .I had to speak out. It's just my opinion, and you have the right to post anything you want. . . I'm just trying to motivate us to use all that energy for good! It really does feel better to not be angry all the time! :-)
