It is easy to slag one's opponent, ridicule them, find humor at their expense. I have been guilty of this through the entire election cycle, mostly because at the center of my being, I loathe hypocrisy and lies. If I can shine a bright light into the bastardized and corrupt mechanism, I hope a little bit of truth will blossom.
That is at the heart of why I support Barack Obama. When I hear him speak, I feel hope for the future, not just of our nation as a whole, but for every individual. I am reminded that we can be good, righteous, empathetic, responsible, and, most importantly, better. Better at taking care of our communities, better at how we conduct ourselves in the world, and better in what we leave behind for younger generations to inherit. Frankly, I hear a message that makes me feel proud to be part of a movement that wants this country to work a little harder at its own humanity, not for the sake of our piece of the pie, but so that everyone can at least have a seat at the table.
I admit that I feel it is my duty to point out bullshit when I hear it, but the widening chasm between the "right" and the "left" terrifies me. The hatred, fear, vitriol, threatening gestures, and disrespect is disheartening and demoralizing. This is the best we can do as Americans? Rip each other to shreds? I am all for political dissent, it's the loud heart of what makes a democracy great, but the apoplectic, spit flying, hatred aimed at one American from another speaks to the very worst of our human nature. If we can't function as a nation of individuals, then we don't deserve to carry on the mantle of the Constitution or march beneath the Flag. It's One Nation Indivisible, remember? Otherwise, what a waste of a Revolution.
I bring it up because though I am outraged myself from time to time, and I certainly get angry in the face of thinly veiled manipulation and untruths spouted as gospel, I hope to never fall so far as to threaten my ideological opponent, lie to prove my point, or bring the discourse too far into the gutter.
I give you fair warning, however, I will stoop to the curb.
Leave a comment