I've been thinking for a long time about writing on this blog my thoughts regarding the health care debate. I've been having a hard time putting them concisely, though, and I feel that much has been said in one sided forums like this. I'd like to leave it alone.
I would, however, for the record, like to comment on a broader issue surrounding the health care debate that has me troubled. It's the absence of intelligent debate. The absence of knowledge and intelligence when discussing a topic. The tendency toward hysteria, rhetoric, lies, meanness, and recently (and most disappointingly), reports of racism in public demonstrations.
Look. You ARE entitled to your opinion. Yes, I mean that. Yes, even when it's different from mine. But I'm tired of the passive-aggressiveness involved in this debate. AND even though I happen to be in favor of the idea of health care overhaul, I think there is plenty of shame to go around on both sides. It makes me weary. It saddens me, and not only because I see a nation that doesn't want to debate what (in my opinion, yes) is a basic human need, but because in all of this discussion I haven't seen evidence of a single well-constructed argument from our lawmakers on either side.
The presence of multiple forums in our lives where we seem to be able to say whatever we want without being held accountable. Things we would NEVER say to another person's face..(I'm looking at you, facebook)..these things just make it worse. I'm so appalled at some of the things people have been writing.
Shame on us. Shame on us for making this discussion about our own selfishness and not about people. Shame on us for not doing better for our country. Shame on both sides.
Showing posts with label politics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label politics. Show all posts
Monday, March 22, 2010
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Topical
I know that lots of people don't like to talk about their political affiliation. Maybe its because they feel like they don't have to, that not having to tell is part of this type of Democracy we have here in America. But today, I want to talk.
Let me begin by being clear: I'm going to tell you what my political views are. I'm not going to make you guess...I am officially registered as an independant voter, but it is true that in every election I have voted in, my votes lead largely to the Democratic party. The last eight years...well, you might as well paint me as a raving liberal compared to the sweep of conservatism we had going on.
I have two friends who have become very dear to me over the past year. We have much in common, but we differ on some issues too. Specifically, some of their political views differ from mine. But you know what the beautiful thing is? We have had actual DISCUSSIONS about ISSUES. We agree to disagree. I listen to their points, I hope they listen to mine. We are respectful. At the end of the conversation, I always leave thinking "why isn't it all like this?" And because of the discussions we have my respect for them increases daily. They are smart, intelligent, strong and willing to listen. I don't want to convert them, I just want to talk. And we can. I love this.
The past eight years have taught me some valuable lessons, most about communication. The pure hatred I have heard, on occasion, from BOTH sides of the political aisle is shameful. Isn't this a country that was founded on the basic principal of freedom to choose? It sounds like a cliche, but really, honestly! Isn't it okay for us to talk about our ideas, to recognize our differences and still go on with our lives? I think that I will remember the beginning of the 21st century as a very very dark time, politically. It has nothing to do with Bush or his administration. It has to do with the races that were run....evangelicals spreading hatred and vitriol against the other side. Democrats whining and crying and doing NOTHING to make things better. We aren't victims, people. If you don't like it, change it. And you? You? I understand that your beliefs are strong, and I admire you for it. But they don't have to be mine, and you need to understand that.
Regardless of my vote, I do strongly believe that whichever way the votes fall the country will be better off the next four years. Although I am not happy with the campaign McCain has run, his record in congress really does impress me. I have a great deal of respect for him. I like going into an election night knowing that when I wake up in the morning I might be disappointed, but I won't be angry.
Let me begin by being clear: I'm going to tell you what my political views are. I'm not going to make you guess...I am officially registered as an independant voter, but it is true that in every election I have voted in, my votes lead largely to the Democratic party. The last eight years...well, you might as well paint me as a raving liberal compared to the sweep of conservatism we had going on.
I have two friends who have become very dear to me over the past year. We have much in common, but we differ on some issues too. Specifically, some of their political views differ from mine. But you know what the beautiful thing is? We have had actual DISCUSSIONS about ISSUES. We agree to disagree. I listen to their points, I hope they listen to mine. We are respectful. At the end of the conversation, I always leave thinking "why isn't it all like this?" And because of the discussions we have my respect for them increases daily. They are smart, intelligent, strong and willing to listen. I don't want to convert them, I just want to talk. And we can. I love this.
The past eight years have taught me some valuable lessons, most about communication. The pure hatred I have heard, on occasion, from BOTH sides of the political aisle is shameful. Isn't this a country that was founded on the basic principal of freedom to choose? It sounds like a cliche, but really, honestly! Isn't it okay for us to talk about our ideas, to recognize our differences and still go on with our lives? I think that I will remember the beginning of the 21st century as a very very dark time, politically. It has nothing to do with Bush or his administration. It has to do with the races that were run....evangelicals spreading hatred and vitriol against the other side. Democrats whining and crying and doing NOTHING to make things better. We aren't victims, people. If you don't like it, change it. And you? You? I understand that your beliefs are strong, and I admire you for it. But they don't have to be mine, and you need to understand that.
Regardless of my vote, I do strongly believe that whichever way the votes fall the country will be better off the next four years. Although I am not happy with the campaign McCain has run, his record in congress really does impress me. I have a great deal of respect for him. I like going into an election night knowing that when I wake up in the morning I might be disappointed, but I won't be angry.
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