Hey, I bet that post title got your attention! Not my usual subject matter. But we may be able to file this entire election under theatre of the absurd, so maybe it is.
I have always held to the idea that these three topics should only be discussed in controlled, moderated environments. More friendships, marriages and business relationships have been tainted by engaging in passionate debate surrounding any of these three. You very rarely sway anyone on any of these subjects. You have your stray party crosser and religious converter, but I don’t think you have ever seen a right to choose flip to right to life, or vice versa, without a major blow to the head.
So here we are, in the throws of campaign season, in a time in history where bipartisan anything seems nearly impossible. We’ve got our first topic throwing our second topic into the land of fear and uncertainty. And topic number three – which in a perfect world would follow the concept of separation of church and state – driving the campaigns of the ultra conservative.
Sort of a mess, huh?
I am not highly political, but I am passionate about the rights that we, as a people, have gained from living in a free and democratic world (star-spangled banner playing softly in the background, please). And I have great concern that these hard-won freedoms like right to choose and marry, will be compromised by the ultra-conservative working to govern these rights on the basis of their beliefs. Yes, that is what drives my vote more than anything else. But it does not drive me to behave like a dick.
I have heard this from too many people lately; spouses, co-workers and life-long friends at each other’s throats on the topic of politics, trying to shove their views down those very same throats. Gone are the days of respectful debate. Don’t get me wrong, I have lived through the cycle of passion/self-absorption/apathy in my lifetime. I get that there is no perfect world. But what I do not get is blatant disrespect for the opinions of others. And wasted hot air, hysterical, fact-bending or outright fictional finger-pointing at the other side.
This is not a one issue campaign. And party lines will be crossed in both directions in the hopes of a magic bullet to cure the ails that were a long time in the making.
My point. Let’s take a deep breath and commit to being civil. Or as my aunt used to say when we were little, “Be Nice.” We thought it ridiculous at the time but now I am starting to get this simple credo.
Better yet, let’s Dance, Grow Things and Try Not to be a Dick.
Says it all, right?
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i could cry but i don't have time 