I must say that I am constantly disturbed by the vilification of people that disagree. Political season brings it all home: If you support President Bush you’re a right wing head case and hate the following things: Peace, The Environment, The Common Man etc. If you’re for Kerry you are obviously a pinko commie who hates: The Rich, Freedom and the military. Those are short lists they could go on for pages.
The saddening part of the whole thing is that no one, apparently, thinks that it is in anyway possible to have common goals but legitimate disagreements about how to reach those goals. I suppose, and I may be naive, that both Bush and Kerry would govern in the manner that they think is in the best interest of the country. No really, I honestly believe that. I do not, for a moment, think that either of the candidates has some secret unspoken agenda to enrich business/further government control on the backs of the populace. No Madam, I think both candidates are sincere in wanting to do what it takes to make America a better place.
Of course they violently disagree about how to get to the fabled “better place.” That doesn’t make either choice evil, rational people can disagree. Most people have issues with that notion, they earnestly believe that if people just knew as much as they did they would unfailingly agree in their conclusions. This is common but it is also the height of hubris. For example: I strongly prefer Macs but I don’t find people who use Windows misguided or less than human. They simply have different values than I when it comes to computing. That’s fine by me, go with what makes you happy.
I would also add that the choice of President is largely over rated. Every single election in US history (I guess going by human nature and all) has featured the following scare tactic: If you vote for X you’ll ruin the country. Truth is the United States is far more than just a president. The following Presidents were rumored to be the burnination of America:
Jimmy Carter
Ronald Reagan
George Bush
Bill Clinton
George Bush
Wow, that’s pretty inclusive.
Long story short it takes more than a President to ruin a country.
I should also note that, on occasion, it is okay to despise people just because they disagree. Georgia supporters and Astros fans positively suck. Go Big orange, go Cardinal nation.
Wow, political ramblings by me? Much like getting your gums scraped I suppose and everyone hates that.
How about a few links to ease the discomfort?
Nickolodean Petition
All we are asking for is a marathon of the Nick shows we miss. My fave: Rocko’s Modern Life
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