In the world today, out in public, what are the two most controversial subjects you can touch upon? The ones that normally incite all sorts of rage and horrible behavior? You got it - politics and religion. Now, I am a raging conservative and practicing Catholic - not that those two necessarily go hand-in-hand - and proud of it. I believe in God, country and family, and that you should take care of your own. I believe we live in the greatest country in the world, and if you have issues with it, you should work for change, move or shut up. I believe that actually working for a living is not optional, and that stay-at-homes Mom's (a HUGE job, by the way) are a gift from God. Although I believe that women are equal in every way to men, I would never call myself a "feminist". I believe that Dr. Laura has it right when she calls N.O.W. the National Organization of I-don't-know-what-kind-of-Women. I have such an immense respect for my military men and women that their dedication and sacrifices for my freedom and yours brings a tear to my eye. I believe that God is my guide in this world He created. I believe he has a hand in all that happens to us. I believe He can be anyone's savior - if He is allowed. I could go on forever. Yes, I am a raging conservative.I just as strongly believe in one of the founding beliefs of our country - freedom of speech. Do I think some people should refrain from speaking so as not to showcase their lack of IQ for the world to see? Of course! Don't we all? Isn't that the beauty of this country, though? That we can speak what we believe, no matter our race, creed, color or gender? I do not begrudge anyone their ideas and beliefs, regardless of whether or not I agree. I have had many wonderful, insightful and stimulating conversations with people on the opposite side of my fence. But I never get angry. Because there is no point to it. Anger should be reserved true injustices, not for people who simply think differently.
What is not okay is this silliness that goes on in our government, news and even everyday life. Mudslinging at any level is classless and tasteless. It makes the person slinging look bad, not the opposition. Getting in someones face and yelling solves nothing. Looking like a raving lunatic solves nothing. And if you look around... there is no party, organization or religion that is guiltless of those types of actions. And it's asinine.
Passion for what you believe in is a wonderful thing. But be careful you don't cross the line into the silliness that is so prevalent these days. If your argument truly has meat, you wouldn't have to resort to Kindergarten tactics. My Kindergartner crosses his arms, stomps his feet, pouts and yells when he doesn't get his way. At which point, by the way, my conservative self tells him to take his attitude to his room, because it's not acceptable in public. And, guess what? It doesn't happen very often. So, if you're going to act like a Kindergartner, maybe you should be treated like one. I think that many of our leaders would do well with some time in their rooms, or perhaps a spanking or two. Actually, scratch that last idea... some of them might like it too much.
The point? I really don't care what you believe. I care whether or not you're a decent human being, and whether or not you treat the people around you - ALL OF THEM, kids, adults, elderly, from trash collectors to CEO's - with dignity and respect. If you discover that my beliefs differ from yours, you are more than welcome to have an intelligent, grown-up conversation with me about them. I will not call your beliefs and ideas stupid, and I expect the same respect in return. The minute those guidelines are deviated from... our conversation would be over. And I strongly encourage everyone to adopt the same attitude. It's much more effective than the alternatives.
