…it’s been long overdue
September 20, 2007 – 10:51 pmWith what I’m about to write, I feel that I need to remind everyone to look at the “Author & Disclaimer” area in the right menu-bar of this site. Pay special attention that my views here are completely mine, and by no means represent my employer(s), family, or friends… even though sometimes I wish it did.
A political post from me is long, long overdue. It’s been a long time since I’ve entered into the fray of politics here on my blog. First, let me update you all on where I’m currently standing:
- I am still a registered democrat.
- I still consider myself a liberal progressive democrat.
- I still believe in global warming.
- I still believe humans are playing a part in global warming.
- I still recycle, own a prius, use cfl bulbs, and like Al Gore.
- I still think Ann Coulter is a vile, ridiculous woman.
- I still don’t like Focus on the Family, or James Dobson.
- If the 2008 election was today, I’d still be voting for John Edwards.
- I still secretly hope Al Gore will enter the race.
- I wouldn’t be sad if it was Obama vs. random republican though.
- I still don’t think any republican has a chance in 2008.
Ok, on to what I really wanted to type about…
I didn’t watch the Emmy’s. So I can’t speak firsthand about anything, other than of course what I’ve seen on YouTube. It seems like two distinct things happened during the Emmy’s, and the internets are absolutely blowing up about at least one of these things.
Everywhere I’ve turned on the internet over the course of the last few days (and keep in mind, I’m a democrat, so I seldom frequent Fox Noise Faux News, or any other right wing news sites) and all I’m seeing is people absolutely livid over Sally Field’s emotional acceptance speech where she spoke out against Dubya and the Iraq war. (By the way, the author of the article linked, Michelle Malkin, is right up there with Ann Coulter on my list of right wing nutjobs.)
The other event at the Emmy’s, I’ve definitely heard about, but only in person, speaking with other people around my work. This event happened when Kathy Griffin made rather rude remarks during her acceptance speech, and even told God to “suck the big one” or something to that affect.
My question, is where the frick are our priorities? No joke, I’ve seen no less than three blogs in my Google Reader written by Christians that are rather livid about Sally Field, but not a single mention of Kathy Griffin. Now don’t get me wrong, I am not in the least offended by what Kathy Griffin said… she is obviously not a Christian, therefore it is not my place to judge her. That being said, maybe that’s why nobody else is really talking about it… but I really doubt it.
No, instead I think that people would rather attack someone for an opinion that is different than ours. Especially when it’s coming from someone we immediately believe has a unqualified opinion because they are in the entertainment business. It’s as if just because they are in some way associated with the entertainment industry, their opinion no longer counts. That really bugs me about republicans… most of the ones I know believe that musicians and actors should keep their mouth shut about politics… as if politicians are the only ones allowed to have opinions. It’s so easy to forget that this country (for better or for worse) was built on the idea of being able to have open and honest debates. It is not only our right to question our leaders, as Americans it’s our duty. That, is what our country is founded on.
Which is why, for the life of me I cannot understand people who blindly get behind a leader “so nervous in an obvious way” (Linkin Park - Hands Held High) for very little reason other than he claims to be a “God-fearing Christian.” Listen, it’s one thing to stick to your ideals about abortion, gay marriage, homeland security, blah blah blah… it’s quite another thing to have your head stuck in the sand. I especially hate it when people start voicing their opinions and preface it with “I don’t read/watch/listen to the news, but…” How can you make an informed opinion when all you know is through hearsay? I’m not an idiot, I’m well aware of the fact that different stations have different political slants (Fox is very obviously a right-wing news channel, CNN is quite liberal, MSNBC is usually one of the more middle-of-the-road), but I would say that only a fool spouts off opinions without at all being informed.
And yes, sometimes even I am awfully foolish.
I cannot wait until 2008. No matter which Democrat becomes President (even though I’m not a huge fan of HIllary), a change is just what this country needs. I cannot even listen to Dubya speak anymore without my blood boiling.
“when the rich wage war, it’s the poor who die.”
7 Responses to “…it’s been long overdue”
Less political talk and more weight loss news. Get on it!
By Jason on Sep 21, 2007
kids are dying.
why?
By Ken on Sep 22, 2007
While I don’t align w. you politically - I couldn’t agree more with what you wrote. One of the most frustrating things about Christians is that they align themselves politically based on 1 or 2 issues. While I did vote for Bush (I’m very sorry) I have to admit I’m ashamed of it today. It sickens me to see that this man, claiming to follow Christ, would run his political office under such lies that ultimatly get people killed.
For YEARS african-americans have, for the most part, voted with democrats. Their self appointed leaders (**cough** Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton) have made sure to sway the african american vote in that direction. I have yet to see how the democrats benefit them anymore than republicans do. BUT, to my point, the Christians are the exact same - vote along republican party lines because we are “swayed” by our self appointed leaders (*cough* Dobson, Christian Coalition) that it is the correct christian thing to do.
Republicans have done little or nothing for Christians - just as democrats have done little or nothing for african-Americans. It’s ridiculous!
I say - wipe the whole slate clean & let’s start this thing over. I vote - NONE OF THE ABOVE!!
laters,
At
By AT on Sep 24, 2007
I like that… I’m writing in “none of the above” in 2008 if it doesn’t go my way
By Joshua on Sep 24, 2007
Ron Paul?
By shari brown on Sep 24, 2007
Ignorance is bi-partisan.
Let’s be VERY honest and say that most folk do not have a clue about the issues on the world’s political stage.
Most people simply consume whatever is put in front of them and take it as fact. To be honest most people are not informed enough to recognize when candidates (or anyone for that matter) lie or speak off subject to avoid answering hard questions.
A famous example of this is when former President Bill Clinton interviewed with Chris Wallace about why he (Clinton) did not do more to stop Bin Laden. When you look around the blogosphere conservative websites bashed Clinton and liberal sites praised Clinton.
I took the opportunity to go over the youtube video with a college student that attends our church when he brought the video to my attention. I pointed out to him how Clinton’s rants were really diversions away from answering the questions and then when he did answer the question he lied by saying he did more than the current administration (Even the 9/11 commission report said he dropped the ball).
But in the end the real point I made to the college student is this…It did not matter. Not many people expected that Bin Laden would be the threat he is. No reasonable person would take much action against Bin Laden until it was too late so the whole interview was unnecessary.
With the Iraq war I explained to him how NOW everyone is against it. But in the moment NO one was against it (except like two people) because there was near consensus. I discussed how when you get intelligence from Egypt and England and your own CIA (run by the former Democrat President’s Appointee) all saying the same thing (that Iraq had wmd’s etc) then your options narrow greatly and ANYONE who says they would not have invaded in a post 9-11 environment is lying! And the President cannot say ‘opps’. He has to redirect the focus to the stabilization of the middle east (which is somewhat legitimate) but really you have to look at the role oil plays in our everyday lives blah blah blah. It may have been overload for the young fella. ïŠ
I then began to explain how the goal of politicians is to get elected. You can not listen to what politicians say but rather you have to look at what their track record is and what have they done in the past.
Take the recent (within the last two weeks) statements by Hillary Clinton. She says at one event we should bring the troops him immediately and (I am pretty sure ) votes to de-fund the war. But then this past weekend says on the talk shows (broader media coverage) that she does not know what she is going to get herself into when she steps into office so she can’t say that she is going to bring the troops home at all?
How many people have the time and skill to catch the incredible inconsistencies of politicians?
Democrats believe that we should curb Global Warming but use private jets and suv’s and pay for them with carbon offsets that add profits to companies they are invested in.
Republican candidates say they believe in morality yet have had more wives than there Democrat counterparts.
For every Republican that owns stock in a company that profits from oil or rebuilding Iraq there is a Democrat speaks of helping the poor yet owns a ton of stock in a sub-prime mortgage company that preys on those same poor or has Chinese donors funding their campaigns.
For every Halliburton there is a Global Crossing.
For every Fox News and Talk Radio there is CNN ABC CBS and the print media (IE the NY Times)
The same people who complain about our oil interests keep us from developing our own oil fields and going nuclear.
Here is what I consider to be my goal when I vote (I am officially independent by the way): What candidate will bother me the LEAST! Who will change the least amount of laws and pass the least amount of legislation and taxes so I can have the highest possibility of being successful in a place that traditionally rewards smart/hard work. I can make the best decision on how to live my life and spend my money.
As a African-American I could even care less about civil rights. Give me economic rights and then I can buy the rest. Just ask OJ.
By Pete on Sep 26, 2007
“Give me economic rights and then I can buy the rest. Just ask OJ.”
Ok Pete… that just made me laugh out loud.
Nicely said.
By Brent on Sep 28, 2007