Sometimes it becomes a chore to figure out what to write in a blog. Some might call it writer’s block, but that seems too cliche for me. So what I will do is simply take some random thoughts, and comment on them. Perhaps a blog entry will emerge from the lazy man’s idea of working at this venture.
Random thought 1 — Why is there so much hate in our country? Recently we have seen an uptick in people either uttering words of hate or committing acts of hate. Hate is defined as “an intense dislike for another person”, with related feelings of great dislike for inanimate objects. For people, hatred presupposes that the object of that displeasure has caused the hater some harm, either physically or by words. But what we are seeing now is an almost visceral hatred by those on the Left politically toward anyone who does not agree with them. Many hate Donald Trump. My question would be simple for someone who has this feeling: What did Donald Trump do to you, personally? Did he punch you in the mouth? Were you robbed by Mr. Trump? Has he tried to seduce your wife or daughter? From my perspective, the only thing Mr. Trump did was to win an election for President. If you are a Trump hater, was Mrs. Clinton so close to your heart that you hate for her? By now, anyone associated with President Trump is also included in the hatred. Recently, members of his administration have been harassed when in public, branded with the most loathsome epithets, cursed on National TV and had obscene language hurled at them in public. Even supporters of the President have felt this hatred. Perhaps we need to take stock in our actions and words. Those who hate so easily and publicly, I would ask you to think back and answer this question: Is this what my parents taught me to be and do? Unless you have a dysfunctional family, my guess is that you were taught better, and now, you do not care that you might be dishonoring your family. Quit the hating before it consumes you.
Random thought 2 — Where has common decency gone? A family goes out to eat at a popular watering hole. The mother works for a certain political figure, and when she is recognized, the owner of the restaurant is called, she comes and asked the family to leave. When they do, they are followed to another eatery and the harassment continues. What is missing here? Would not the decent action be to just let the family eat in peace? Supposedly, both sides of the political aisle proclaim their opponents are honorable, but it seems that only the Democrats feel compelled to actively show incivility to those with whom they disagree. Why cannot there be a calm discussion of issues without name-calling and mini mobs getting all out of sorts?
Random thought 3 — Where have absolute standards of morality gone? For the past several decades, even so called clergy have made the case for “relative” morality. What has been right in the past now is shaded into a sort of gray area. For those of us who do believe in standards of right and wrong, if we voice those beliefs, we are labeled racist, intolerant, sexist, or worse. Not all people belong to the same religion, but do not most all religions preach a morality that transcends the centuries? If your religion does not agree with mine, does that make me (or you) immoral? If people believe the Ten Commandments were just that, and not the Ten Suggestions, should they not be praised for a rigid adherence to moral standards? Christians believe in the precepts of the New Testament, and if they live their beliefs, why should any of them be derided for doing so? Should not those who do have a strong moral compass be praised as paragons of society?
Random thought 4 — Why have we Americans abandoned the idea that a good, robust debate is the way to influence public policy and public opinion? In the near past, when an avowed socialist won the primary in a New York Congressional district, those on the right side of the political spectrum immediately branded her ideas as bad for the nation, ideas which will ruin our society. Yet, how many of her critics have opted for open, public debate with her on those policies she proclaims? This automatic disdain for opposing viewpoints was evident in the last election, as Bernie Sanders was castigated for his stance as a “democratic socialist” with positions far to the left of center.
But Democrats have taken this refusal to rationally debate to another level. When President Trump nominated a replacement for a retiring Supreme Court Justice, knee-jerk responses were hyperbolic. “Millions will die!” “This will be the end of society as we know it!” “Women’s health is at stake with if this man becomes a Justice!” From all corners of the Democratic Party, Trump Derangement Syndrome was meant to shut down any semblance of actually finding out whether the nominee was qualified to sit on the Supreme Court. Even before the name was announced, the Senate Minority Leader declared that he would fight against whoever was tabbed with every weapon at his disposal, and told his caucus not to waver in opposition. With so much at stake, why do those who should be examining his educational and judicial experience resort to loudly condemning him and engaging in character assassination? Why is the color of his skin referenced? Why is his first name mocked, his church affiliation criticized, his personal life probed for weaknesses? If no moral defect is found, would it not be in the best interests of the republic if we restored sanity to the process?
These are just random thoughts and questions that are begging for people of good will to answer. We are in the midst of the most noble experiment in governing, where those who govern do so “by the consent of the governed”. To answer these questions and concerns with that in mind would go far to clean up the political swamp in which we find ourselves.