Since I have been posting in my rants I have received some rather interesting replies. Some were worth commenting on, some not. However, I do feel the need to clarify some things.
The objective of my rants is to induce rebuttal and serious discussion. Contrary to what some people may believe, I encourage dialogue on the issues I write about. I know there are many of you out there that completely disagree with what I am saying, and that’s perfectly fine with me. What is discouraging is the lack of reasoned response to the rants. People in this country have either become so lethargic that they just don’t seem to care anymore, or they are afraid to state their political position for fear of being branded left or right wing. I believe the branding is what people are most afraid of.
This country has slowly drifted away from the center. Never before have we been as divided as we are today. People can no longer disagree with the opposite political party or philosophy without being labeled right or left wing. Americans are actually beginning to hate one another simply because of their party affiliation. Anyone who attempts to engage in political or ideological discourse is denounced as radical.
When the Barack Obama was running for President he spoke as a centrist, one that would unite the political parties and the races. But what we got was far from the rhetoric he preached. Even I, as a staunch conservative, was ready to give him the benefit of the doubt. The reality is that he is one of the fiercest partisan politicians to ever hold office. While our differences have always been a healthy part of the political process, he has brought it to a whole new level of divisiveness and fear mongering. He has demonized anyone who disagrees with his philosophies, and continues to stir and manipulate the emotions of the American people. Yes, there are conservatives who also do the same thing, but they are not the President of the United States. When he assails conservatives he insults me. When he claims that the members of the Tea Party are racially motivated it further denigrates and demeans the office that he holds. Nowadays, a citizen cannot disagree with his policies unless they are branded either a racist or a right-wing radical.
But the conversation is more than just about him; it is about a division of political demagoguery that has run amuck. Since when does any political party think they can impose their strict ideology on the rest of the country simply because they won an election? The problem is that partisan politicians see elections as a referendum for change or approval of their ideology, not because we (the people) were fed-up with them or their policies. Most of us (including me) look for a common purpose, or something we can agree upon.
I have spent the vast majority of my adult life in the Military. I swore an oath to defend the Constitution of the United States, not a President or political party. I would argue that all of us are being manipulated by the political parties in an attempt to gain undying and unquestionable loyalty. I am no exception to the rule. I too have been caught-up in the moment and have had to sit back and reevaluate my opinions.
As I have stated before I am a Conservative, I am not a Republican, and believe me there is a difference. I am not a political ideologue. While I am conservative, I have certain liberal beliefs when it comes to social issues. My conservative philosophy is based on limited government and maximum liberty. I don’t want the government running my life! While we may disagree politically, I think no less of a person because they may be liberal. I have many friends who are staunch liberals and we have lively discussions on the topics that we feel are important, but in the end, we still remain friends. I believe that is what is missing in this country. If you feel a certain way, then argue the merits of your beliefs. Don’t make it personal and resort to name calling as it only incites hatred and widens the ideological gap between people.
However, like everyone else, I do have core beliefs that I will not compromise on. I believe in American exceptionalism. I don’t want my President bowing to any third world dictator, nor should he apologize for our actions. The Constitution of the United States is not a living document that can be altered or redefine at the whims of any political party. It was written not only to grant power to, but also limit the power of, the federal government. Since when can the constitution be so misconstrued that a political party believes it has the right to fine Americans for doing nothing; such as the case with the individual mandate in the new health care law? If they can penalize us for not engaging in commerce, what else can they fine us for? When will it end? At what point do you say enough already?
Are you willing to limit my free speech simply because you disagree with what I say? Don’t believe that censorship can happen to a free and open society; just take a look at what happened in Venezuela. Don’t infer that my ideals are less relevant or important than yours. Don’t call names or attempt to label me. Use your facts and tell me why my arguments are wrong. Let’s keep the United States of America united!
Oh, and by the way, thanks for reading my blog!
