Recently I was thinking about my political views and why I find myself arguing both sides of the aisle alternately. I wondered if it was because I was a political fence sitter. I don't think it's because I'm a fence sitter. I don't think it's because I like to be contradictory. ( OK – maybe a little tiny bit). I think mainly it's because most political discussions I find myself in are SO politically polarized with either side being unfairly attacked that I feel it my duty to say something.
So where do I stand? I stand any place where each side is heard fairly, considered and recognized for the good they are trying to accomplish – whether you agree with them or NOT! I'm going to start by defending a man I don't agree with, but who I hear so often maligned and abused unfairly that I must say something! Let's start with this:
I respect and honor President Obama. He was put in place by a democratic system that I honor, which is enough reason for me to respect him, but there's more. I respect his early attempt at bi-partisanship. I think he really did try. (Although he's veered far from that now).
I respect his vision he had when he took office. Come on, you have to admit his inaugural speech was incredible and moving. I cried. (Here's a transcript in case you forgot:. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/20/us/politics/20text-obama.html)
I respect his vision and leadership skills, even though I don't agree with some of his principles or methods. He made an apathetic country care again. Regardless of whether you were for or against him most people had pretty strong opinions and were excited about politics again, which is something this country so desperately needed. A record number of voters voted in that Presidential election and that trend continues.
I liked that he did away with torture practices for prisoners of war. No civilized country defending freedom can afford to debase themselves to that level. Besides it was unconstitutional.
I like that he got the health care debate going. I don't agree with a lot of the bill, but getting the ball rolling was good. Something needed to be done.
I like that he was humble enough, after listening to military experts, to rethink his original plan for pulling the troops from Iraq. That was more humility and savvy than his predecessor showed when receiving advice from military aids.
Do I think Pres. Obama has done some things that aren't Constitutional? Yes. Were they any more unconstitutional than things done by his predecessor, Pres. Bush? No. (think bank bail-out . . .)
That being said, Will I sleep better when he is out of office? YES!!! Why? I think he's a socialist. The economist (and the American) in me can't handle seeing a country built on capitalism becoming more and more socialist. It's against my morals and frankly not good for the prosperity of it's citizens. People have always wanted to come to America because no matter where you started from or who you were, you could become someone and make something of yourself in character, in reputation and also financially. When you get away from capitalism- the very system that fosters and rewards such tenacity- you jeopardize the work ethic and the economic freedom of it's citizens. That's a whole other piece of my mind, and a big piece at that, so for now I'll leave it at that. But yes, I think Pres. Obama is a socialist at heart and I don't like it, but I do try and see the good that he has done and the good behind what he is trying to accomplish.
I ask that in our political conversations and personal thoughts, can we please be a little less harsh and try to recognize that some ( I dare say, many) of the things you condemn on one side of the political sphere are just as prevalent on the side you're defending. They're just disguised differently by name, mantra, terminology and prejudice. Ever heard the saying, it's so far right, it's left? Or vice-versa? As a people, were getting closer and closer to either extreme.
If this country has hope for the future it will get away from the political polarization that has it bound currently. We need to start to see that the other side may have a point and may have something to offer. Just because they have a D (or an R for that matter) behind their name on CNN doesn't mean they are a mortal enemy. Hopefully everyone, layman and politician alike, in their political passion are doing and supporting what they feel is best for society and the greater public good*. If nothing else, can't we respect and honor that in each other?
* I know there are some of you that don't think many of the politicians are doing what they feel is best for the greater public good. You may be right, but I choose to believe and hope they are, because in that belief and hope lay the foundation of democracy.
I will vote for those that I believe are in it for the greater public good, stay informed, shy away from complaining about and ruthlessly berating what I don't agree with (it only fuels the fire) while still having my voice heard and continue to hope and pray for this country and because that's what I CAN do.
