The Way I See It….
June 10th, 2007
We may be growing weary of politics. Some days we may even thrown up our hands in disgust and feel there is no hope for this grand old country of ours given the state of affairs in Washington.
I’ve seen friends and family members wrestle with divisions because of their beliefs, sometimes to heartbreaking conclusions.
There is such unrest and dissatisfaction at every turn whether it be with legislation, scandals, cries of voter fraud, politics in the courts or just a distaste for the occupant of the White House.
Civility is disappearing sometimes even among those of us who do our best to keep our opinions limited and prefer to base our thoughts on facts. We view each perceived disagreement as one which will eventually force those with thought differing from ours to either relent or be banished from our lives. I use we not assuming every person who reads this will fit into any of these categories, but based of what is written or spoken in the media and on the internet.
Never before, not even in the 1960’s with all its protests and anger have I experienced so many who have taken up one side in a tug of war and have vowed to never open their mind to a contrary opinion. I was a teen in the 60’s and my Dad upon returning from two tours in Vietnam was treated as an outcast by many. I fear if we continue down this path today we will see the same for our brave souls fighting for freedom as they return..Look up and down your street and think back to 9-11. Flags were everywhere, there were ribbons and candles and patriotism abounded.
What happened? We are a nation of short memory and long campaigns. Perhaps we should inform all the Presidential candidates running for 2008 that we are not yet interested in their platform, after all it will change 100 times in the next year. Maybe we should politely project to Hollywood that the average American is not ready to have them set policy, foreign or otherwise. I do not pretend to have the answers as to why we have divided ourselves so, but we need to return to a time when a conversation if it turns to politics can be handled in a civil and respectful manner.
Let’s remember that this is our country not that of Congress or even the President and perhaps we could begin by attempting to do what Ronald Reagan did when he first assumed the Presidency..restore Patriotism to a tired country. Without pride in our nation it will be left to the vultures who proclaim to work for the will of the people but as of late work only for the will of the next election.
Fly that flag proudly for you are an American. Thank a soldier, sailor, marine or airman who has served us so unselfishly and remember we are not just political parties, we are people who should have one common goal..the very existence of the country and the freedoms we have come to love.
I close with this offering from a favorite site of mine Old Blue Web Designs which has graciously given us permission to link to their work. Johnny Cash reminds us of something of which we can all be proud. **==
Written by Sue
Posted in 3 Responses to “The Way I See It….”
I think if we would try to live by the Golden Rule it would be very helpful. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” In other words, just plain manners need to be brought back to our discourse.
Sometimes I think we’d need another Washington to do that, Sue. But then again, Washington was treated roughly during his second term, because some didn’t like his politics.
I’m begining to think it’s just part of the American political character.
But then again, greatness rises about such partisan crap and gets the job done.
Big Mo:
I think your Presidential series has taught many of us that no President can have a perfect administration as there are no perfect individuals who were created.
I hope you are right when you say “But then again, greatness rises above partisan crap and gets the job done.”
Unfortunately there is an awful lot of “crap” to wade through these days, not only in Washington but in the media in all forms.
With all of its faults, I love this country and while my head says wait and all will be well, my heart says that unless as an electorate we wake up, our future could be less than bright.