Polite Society
So, Friday night, me and the Mrs. are having dinner with friends (a married couple). We’re talking about the usual stuff and somehow the topic of Bush comes up. First, to preface, I rarely bring up politics in conversation. However, if someone else brings it up, I’ll let loose with both barrels. The woman we’re having dinner with essentially announces her support for Bush and then says Oh, you voted for Gore didn’t you? She said it like she took pity on me.
It struck me as odd. First, I despise Al Gore because of his stance on the issues, he abandoned his state while he was VP, and he has absolutely soulless eyes. But I am difficult to label politically. I am pro-gun, for gay rights, anti-death penalty, anti-tax, anti-big government, think abortion should be legal, think responsibility should lie with the people, think civil liberties should never be threatened, but I still see the need for government monitoring of certain things. So, I don’t fit in really with most Democrats or Republicans (or Libertarians for that matter).
I gathered that at some point in the past we had talked about something and I made a comment that lead her to believe I must be a (quiver) liberal. After all, if I think differently than a Republican(Democrat) then I must be a Democrat(Republican). My wife had a good chuckle informing her that Oh God no, he hates Gore. She then asked me my opinion of Bush and I said that he gets two things right 1) tax cuts are good and 2) that little Iraq thing. Pretty much, I think he’s wrong about all the other stuff. Then I said But Ashcroft, he’s a scary fucker and I won’t vote for Bush as long he’s around. Her husband remained silent the entire time.
Then the conversation turned to beer choices. In polite society, you only talk politics with folks who share your views, I suppose.
August 25th, 2003 at 12:39 am
I wish more people would have the courage to admit they have opinions and beliefs in subjects that may contradict or agree with “traditional” political platform topics all across the board.
I think it’s short-sighted to assume that, if you’re a liberal you must be: a) pro-choice, b) for bigger government, c) higher taxes, d) open immigration, e) gun control, f) environmentalism, etc and if you are a conservative you must be a) pro-death penalty, b) more religion in the schools, c) for a bigger military, d) pro-big business, e) anti-welfare, f) anti-gay, etc.
Myself, like SU, look at each issue and make our own choices – not based on what each group is “supposed” to support, but where your heart and mind tell you is right.
This, of course, is anathema to party leaders – how else to keep the converted in line, and to bring more into the fold – than to do their thinking for them. Are you pro-choice? Want to be politically active? Join the Democratic Party – and, oh, by the way – here’s what else we believe…we’ve done all the thinking for you, no need to worry about deciding for yourself, just follow the scorecard. Hate big government? The Republicans are for you! And while you’re at it, light that cross in that yard over there, if you don’t mind…we’ll let you know the rest of the bylaws later.
Thanks, SU, for being your own person. I hope more people can do the same thing.
Maybe that’s something good blogs can do as the concept evolves – move away from the Freeper and IndyMedia mindset, and discuss/debate the issues as issues, not political pawns.
August 25th, 2003 at 12:40 am
Pardon my horrible grammar above. The 3rd paragraph above should have said, “I, like SU, look at each issue….”
August 25th, 2003 at 10:43 am
Politics and Religion are a lot the same, especially here in the Bible Belt.
Combining both, it’s damn near impossible, I’ve found, to have a polite and civil conversation about why I think it’s okay to take the Ten Commandments out of guvmint buildings without being labelled anything from idiot to devil-worshipper.
August 27th, 2003 at 2:41 am
Interesting thoughts. I probably fall on the conservative side of just about everything, but there are certainly gray areas. For example, I wish there were no abortions. However, abortion is now legal, and until a court says it should not be, women have that right. I do not support a constitutional amendment to circumvent the Supreme Court’s ruling. Based on my religious beliefs, I believe homosexuality is a sin, but I also think that gays should be allowed to marry whomever they choose, and any rights currently given to heterosexual spouses should also be afforded to homosexual spouses.
In general, I believe the government should stay out of anything they can. When they do get involved, it should be as little as possible, and in economic terms, the free market should be permitted to proceed without much interference.
Hmmm… what’s it all mean?
August 25th, 2003 at 12:23 am
Pathetic Marsupials
It seems that Truth Laid Bear has slaved his weekend away and gotten the Ecosystem back up. Thanks Bear! And I am happy to report that my effort to get Pathetic Earthlings knocked up a rank has succeeded. PE is now solidly in the middle of Marauding Ma…
August 27th, 2003 at 12:27 am
Say Uncle started it with
Say Uncle started it with his Polite Society post in which he described a few of his hard-to-pigeonhole views, and SK Bubba added some interesting comments. Barry at the Inn (now Fair and Balanced, I see) responded with his Line Item post: I think it’s…