Tuesday, June 06, 2006

Leftward leanings

I’m giving y’all fair warning that I’m about to talk about politics. So feel free to navigate away now. But with the passing of Memorial Day recently, and the elections today it just seems that I can’t hold it in any longer. I was having a conversation recently in which I found myself in the uncomfortable position of defending myself and political views. So I’m just going to spell this out, once and for all, for the people in the back…

Just because my political views lean towards the liberal DOES NOT MEAN that I do not support the troops. This is just the most plain assinine jump from A to Z that I have ever seen. I also do not hate God or the entire Government, which are two other things I’ve been told that I must do as a Liberal.

Both of my parents served in the military. I grew up on and around military bases. My first boy / girl moments EVER involved basic training boys running laps in early morning light… God BLESS the USA y’all. Seriously though. I grew up in a SMALL town with three Air Force bases and an Army base within driving distance. During Desert Shield / Desert Storm I knew exactly what it meant when my friends mommys and daddys were gone.

So maybe it grates on my nerves just A LITTLE BIT when people tell me that because I’m a liberal and that I don’t necessarily agree with this particular war in Iraq that it means I don’t support the troops.

“They have turned criticism of the policies of Bastards in Suits into criticism of The People in Uniform Getting Shot At. This, of course, is completely wrong, as one can easily tell the difference between the Bastards in Suits and The People in Uniform Getting Shot At. One group is in Suits, and Not Getting Shot At, while another is in Uniform, and Getting Shot At.” – from Kung Fu Monkey, a newly discovered and (shockingly) now favored blog.*

I was thrilled to see all the regognition Memorial Day got among the bloggers this year. But I would just add one thing (which I also heard but not nearly enough)… Memorial Day is great, but it’s easy. You remember people who have gone and are not coming back. The Heros. The POW. The MIA. But we should also take time out to remember the ones who could be back tomorrow if we (or those Bastards in Suits) chose it.


*Post entited “Lions Led by Donkeys” – a must read if you had liberal leanings. Or if you’re at all curious about how MY mind ticks… ;^D

4 comments:

Goat said...

Interesting two posts Tiff.

You almost got me to break out a soap box but how about if we'll just agree that 'those Bastards in Suits' covers both sides of the zoo.

I do find it sad how passionate our population is becoming with polarized feelings about politics. The more this happens, the worse off our Country will be. Debate is supposed to be something good, something people can do and then go out and have a beer together afterwards. Could you imagine what would happen if I went walking down University St. wearing a shirt praising the party I lean towards? It wasn't like that before...what happened to us?

I really wonder where our great United States will be in 10-20 years if we keep dividing ourselves like we are. How can we get along with the rest of the world when we can't get along with each other?

OK, so I did find a small box to stand on but you know what, I know your views and no surprise here but sometimes I don't agree with them and yet I still value being able to call you a friend and always will. Why can't more people be like that?

Tiffany said...

What an experiment that would be! Can I walk with you wearing a t-shirt of my own? Can you imagine the confused looks? ;^D

And I do agree - whenever there is vehement argument on either side I start to wonder where the thinking political view points have ended and where the blind "yay for our side" mentality has begun.

It's more than a little frightening.

Goat said...

You know that'd be pretty funny but I think to many people would lose their minds because we'd be walking along having a good time instead of arguing and cussing at each other.....a foreign concept to way to many people now days.


** oh and for those of you that caught it, I know it's University AVE not St....not sure where that came from. :)

Michele said...

Uh, I caught it and WAS wondering. Thought maybe you'd been gone too long.

And for the record, YOU could probably get away with walking down the street wearing whatever you please without much resistance, you can be a little intimidating.