election ‘08, the apparent “short bus” edition…
You know, I’m dumbfounded. While I might question or not understand how someone could vote for one candidate or another, I try to keep the name calling and mud slinging to a minimum and stick to facts and my own interpretations of what the candidates put out there, say and do.
Fast forward to tonight, when I found out that because I don’t share (however still respect) the majority of my friends’ opinion on who should be our next president I am now apparently: stupid, retarded, inept, shitty, incompetent, a whack-job, nut case and many other expletives I choose not to repeat in my blog. Oh and the big one that irks the living DAYLIGHTS out of me and is beyond offensive. We’ll leave it at that. Even in jest, frustration or whatever that kind of crap is uncalled for. And don’t get me started on how NEGATIVE this entire campaign season has been across the boards from the national elections all the way down to the local elections. All the mudslinging from both sides disgusts me and makes me less enamored with any candidate no matter their record.
Fact of the matter is I don’t have to agree with the “majority” within my circle of friends (but perhaps I should reevaluate who I associate with, hmmm?) on 100% of the issues all the time any more than I have to agree with a candidates specific stance on all the issues or any of them agree with my point of view 24/7. However, I’d like to think I do share a level of respect for all of those people whose beliefs differ from my own and would like to assume I could share that same amount of respect back at me. But I’m finding that’s not the case.
I don’t go waving my banner proclaiming which party I align with, choosing a “don’t ask, don’t tell” type of policy when it comes to politics for the most part, perhaps letting my guard down a bit when I know I’m surrounded by like-minded people, or even those that have proven to have a level head while having a difference of opinion. I hate the frothing at the mouth, rabid and acerbic “debates” that people get into and how easily the attacks becomes personal instead of focusing on issues and policies the closer it gets to a major election. Especially one as monumental as this.
I’m not looking for anyone to change my mind about my political stance any more than I’m looking to change that of someone else. It’s a personal decision and each person comes at the issues with a different and diverse point of view. But I’d love to have an honest to God discussion with people of different viewpoints without it dissolving to a knock down, drag out cage match filled with name calling and finger pointing.
I’d just like to not get called out on the carpet or labeled with nasty words and names. Can’t we all just get along?
Tags: election '08, politics, rant
November 4th, 2008 at 10:10 pm
People don’t seem to want to think that others have their own opinions. You have to agree with them or you’re wrong. It’s starting to get to the point where I hate anything remotely election related.
November 5th, 2008 at 3:44 am
This is why I dislike politics. I can’t handle the incredible CHILDISHNESS that unnecessarily goes along with it.
November 5th, 2008 at 11:01 am
@Mags - You’re right. The “You’re entitled to an opinion as long as it’s the same as mine” attitudes out there help no one and just solidifies a bi-party system that is insulated and venomous and angry with little desire or reason to work across said party lines. Yes I’m proud that we had such a huge voter turn out. Yes I’m proud that we have the first African American president. The real “proud” moment however will come in 4 years if when we go to vote again, there’s the same passion and the same turn out when there isn’t such a “historic” vote on the line.
@Nee - Yep. I can understand impassioned debates when you’re discussing issues that are important to you with someone else who might not share your same POV, however when it degrades into name calling, finger pointing, etc. and the attacks are personal in nature instead of being against an issue/belief (yes, I know there’s a fine line there with beliefs being personal, but there’s a separation for me) I have to draw the line and wonder if the person making said remarks knows just what they look and or actually sound like. Especially the hipocrisy of saying something like “Democrats are always polite and friendly towards Republicans, look at the acceptance speech.” and then turn around and say “I want to remove all the jackass Conservatives from my list because how can they be so STUPID!??!?1111111″