If you happen to catch a few minutes or more, depending on your attention span and interest, of the Democratic National Convention, you will probably notice a prevailing theme to their stump speeches: Conservatives, Republicans among them, are a party of hate, discord, and greed... we (the Conservatives) want nothing better than to toss the elderly and poor into the streets, reap the profits, and go cackling into the night on in our gold-plated limousines, avoiding the hobbling burden of taxes which are stuck on the middle class. We're a party of conformity, wanting to mold society into our theocratic, closed-minded, bigoted views and beliefs.
Excuse me?
Between liberals and conservatives, who do you observe publicly preaching hate? No, I don't mean watching the news and believing what someone TELLS you we say... I mean, if you go somewhere like Twitter or the blogosphere, left or right, and actually read what people say about each other. You might have to endure some pretty profane stuff, but one of these nights, when you have a little bit of time, grab a piece of paper and tally the insults and from whence they are conceived, left or right. Who's calling who a word best left unsaid? Who's actually trying to make a cogent argument? Who's trying to offer constructive ideas, and whose only form of communication is tearing others' ideas down, mocking them, without anything constructive in return?
This country is one of freedom, and of rights, but where do these rights come from? Have they originated from our Creator, as the Constitution asserts, and our Founders strongly believed, or are they vested in some sort of callous self-serving desire to assert one's self above everyone else, stepping over anyone or anything who would get in one's way. Are rights merely any means to a convenient end? Should there even be a debate as to which choice is more important - the choice to live with the consequences of your actions and assume responsibility like a decent, honorable human being or the choice to murder an innocent human who, while it might be considered 'inconvenient' or 'unwanted' by some, is desperately desired and prayed for by those who cannot themselves conceive such life? Can you not see the distinction between the two sides, and determine for yourself which side is really selfish and uncaring?
Which side mocks?
Which side tries to stifle the viewpoint with which they disagree?
Which side goes so far as to vandalize, injure, insult, and harass those with whom they disagree?
Which side rejoices in the obscene and profane?
Which side can not tolerate someone who might break out of a stereotype in which they have been placed, to release themselves from the repressive chains of low standards and expected behavior?
Which side cannot learn from their mistakes, will not tolerate losing?
Which side would take every opportunity, while in power, to impose their beliefs above the truth?
Which side would lie, cheat, bully... anything to get and to remain in power?
Who would go so far as to scare people with bitter, profane hyperbole?
Most of all, which side lives for the present, not considering the end produced by their destructive means, what would happen to their children and children's children as a consequence?
I urge you to read for yourself. Read. Learn the difference between satire and mean-spiritedness. Probe the courtesy given to others, as well as yourself.
Don't squint at the specks.... everyone makes mistakes. Look at the big picture.
Perhaps this November, you can make an informed decision.
