I was struck today by what I can only surmise to be something of a common opinion, given the source. While I like the person who uttered the opinion very much, I have to admit to feeling somewhat arrogant in my obviously elitist position of being more intellectual. Basically, I like them for who they are but I feel they are not my equal. Is that bad? Perhaps I should detail their opinion and then maybe it will appear more clearly than this rather cryptic paragraph.
We dropped off a piece of furniture today that we no longer had any use for to someone who could definitely use it. After I had unloaded the item(s), this person noticed the "Obama/Biden '08" campaign car magnet on the tailgate of the Titan. Immediately, they laughingly commented, "Oh no.....you are supporting Obama?" My response was dry, but pointed to a degree, with only a hint of backing off a touch because this person is considered something of a friend. I merely said, yes, I was supporting Obama, because I was sick and tired of dealing with the same bullshit and lies the GOP has generated over the course of the past eight years. The conversation was good-natured, actually, and she referenced a recent story about how there was doubt about Obama even being a citizen of the U.S. I had to actually bite the inside of my mouth a bit to stop myself from leveling into them, as they had obviously not gotten beyond the headline (here is the story). When I started to detail how they were buying into the bullshit being slung, they backed off a bit by figuratively throwing up their hands and noting, "I don't know, I really don't get too involved in politics.....I don't even vote."
Excuse me?
How can someone be even slightly critical of my political opinion (i.e. choice of candidate) and yet not vote themselves?
It is these types of encounters that make me wonder if it is all worth it sometimes. The basic American - to me - seems so apathetic as to be near moronic. My fear is that this person may represent a larger demographic than I would like and are subscribing to the fear mongering, the lies, the mudslingling so inherent in politics (which, by the way, John McCain vowed at the beginning of his campaign that he would never resort to.....so much for good intentions, huh?).
Anyway, it sort of inspired me to vote today. Yes, I voted today, both Amy and I did. We received our absentee ballots a couple of weeks ago and have been too busy to really focus on them. This afternoon, however, I set-up the laptop in front of us, researched all of the propositions, reviewed the various pros and cons for everything noted. Our ballots sit sealed and ready to be picked up (will place them in the mail tomorrow).
At this point, I am done trying to convince anyone. If anyone is still undecided, all I can say is "Are you fucking kidding me?". I don't care how you vote, just get your ass out and do it. Have an opinion AND have the brain and will to make your opinion known and count.
'Nuff said.
3 comments:
I have to leave myself a comment, if only as something of a disclaimer. The person described is a very nice friend of ours, introduced to us via other close friends. I have gone back and re-read my words and realize they come off as harsh and very arrogant and somewhat insulting. This is just a very important and passionate subject to me and I tend to go off on it. My apologies to anyone whose feelings may have been or may be hurt.
Sean,
So...I know I am new to your blog and I realize that we probably have never seen eye to eye on many issues but I will have to admit that I agree with your summary of the average American. They are apathetic and do not take the time to learn about the process of election, our history, or the Presidential candidates. I stay away from all propaganda during election season. It is so much easier to not get into silly arguements that way.
I will not be voting for Obama (can't and won't vote for a Socialist and anti-Constitutionalist) and yet I will not vote for McCain either (who also is a socialist and anti-constitutionalist). Actually, my beef with the GOP is that there is no difference between them and the Democrats now.
But, I would never throw away my right to vote. Instead, I have changed parties and am now a part of the Constitution party and will be voting for Chuck Baldwin. My former GOP friends would call me a traitor and my Democrat friends are probably grinning from ear to ear. But, here is how I see it...I have to vote my conscience. Because I believe that abortion is murder and murder is wrong I can not and will not vote for anyone who upholds the Constitutionally unsound verdict of Roe vs. Wade (um, duh, the Constitution does not allow for the Supreme Court to make law). I will not vote for a person to become the President of the United States if they believe that the government should control the majority of our lives (creating stupid laws saying we can't smoke in our cars to creating socialistic health care systems). The government is only there to protect us...not save us from ourselves.
So, as my children and I vote (yep, have two that are old enough now), we will be making a very educated decision. I know we can't win because our next President will win by Electoral votes not the populace (the way it is suppose to be)...but if everyone who is dissatisfied with the way our country is being run actually voted their conscience instead of the two parties that dominate now, the electoral college would eventually change (did for Lincoln)and we could see some real change in this country. In the meantime, because we have media leaches that can't think for themselves, we will be screwed either way this election year.
Just my two cents worth! ~Heather
We do disagree on some "fundamental" (I just had to throw that word in there as it seems the two major candidates seem to enjoy using it so much themselves....) issues.....but that's what I am teaching my daughter that makes this country as great as it is.....as much as it has seemingly lost it's tarnish over the course of the last eight years, not to mention it's respect, it's power....but I digress. To be able to disagree and go one's own way and yet still like each other is what counts. So.....while I may disagree with you here and there, I value and respect your passion about your beliefs and opinions!
Post a Comment