Political Meanderings of Many

‘Tis the Season (to alienate friends on Facebook)

This is the year. The year that you may very well piss off a significant percentage of your friends on Facebook. Why? One word – Politics.

I first logged on to Facebook in 2008. I know that it was prior to the Presidential election because I posted a status that said something like “Politics is not a Right and/or Wrong topic. It’s an opinion.” I was surprised at the number of positive responses that received. One person, a 20-something friend of my nieces (preferred political affiliation unknown) commented that this was the most intelligent thing ever posted on Facebook. And that was the most profound response to the most intelligent thing ever posted on Facebook.

Here we are - 4 years later. The vitriol is in full swing. The most extreme FB posts are from friends that I would consider very intelligent. Some are devout Christians. Some are devout Atheists. Some are just devout. I love them all.

Before anyone thinks that I am on “the other side,” I should establish a foundation of what I believe. I grew up in a Republican household. I am still a member of the Republican Party. I married a unionist Democrat, whom I love more than a million chocolate chip cookies. I live in a red state, and you can’t get more red than my precinct in this red state. I somewhat consider myself a Libertarian, meaning that I really don’t want the government in my face, (or my brain, my shorts, or my wallet) any more than necessary. More than any of the above, I consider myself an intelligent individual that refuses to allow the press, social media, or my friends on Facebook the latitude to think that they can sway my opinion in 30 seconds. My pastor (whom I greatly respect) always tells us” not to check our brains at the door” of the Church. I love that about him. He provides the historical context along with the scriptural foundations of his (and His) message. If we don’t agree, he’ll be glad to discuss. But either way, he expects us to use our brain in the analysis of what he tells us. But that’s religion, and the founding fathers of country admonished us not to combine the two (notice I did NOT say ignore one or the other).

So out of respect of your time, here are some key things that I believe: 

· I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.

· I believe that life is gray, and not black and white. That means that there are very few absolutes of truth, and more degrees of opinion.

· I respect the rights of individuals based on their preference of a same sex relationship. It’s not a choice, and that is one of the few black and white issues I believe.

· I believe that, for the most part, we all worship the same God. Except atheists. I respect your right NOT to worship, but please don’t waste your time trying to convince believers that we are wrong. In turn, I’ll pray for you, but not preach to you. Deal?

· I believe that every action has an equal and opposite reaction. That means that every photo, graph, table, or passion-infused monolithic statement someone posts on FB can be countered with 15 minutes (or less) of research on the internet. It only takes 0.8 seconds to click the “share” button on Facebook. The Newtonian response is that it takes only 0.8 seconds for folks to think that you will share the first thing that you agree with that is posted on the internet. Ever consider it may not actually be true?

· I love that the election of Barack Obama symbolizes a partial, but albeit significant, realization of The Dream.

· I do not agree that the above realization should translate to carte blanche socialist changes in our governing system.

· I love that our President can publically worship in church and proclaim “God Bless the United States of America.” I also love that no one is making him (or her), or preventing him (or her) do so.

· I do believe that the government is expected to assist its citizens in times of great need and/or distress.

· I do not believe that my tax dollars should contribute to paying the bill for cable with all the movie channels, an iPhone with full data plan, and various other incentives for those that choose not to actively seek employment.

· I believe that all of society is accountable for meeting the needs of charitable organizations. Society should be recognized and rewarded for doing so, and penalized for not doing so.

· I do not believe that the name Barack is more American or normal than the name Mitt (or Newt). Nor do I believe that we should promote or defend a candidate based on their name.

· I do not always believe in the “are you better off today than you were last election” argument. The fact is that economic cycles are not avoidable. Likewise, impacts from economic policies may take years, if not decades (and Presidential terms), to materialize in positive or negative results.

· I believe that the pay and benefits of soldiers should be tied to performance, and not subject to congressional approval.

· I believe that the pay and benefits of elected officials should be tied to performance, and not subject to congressional approval.

· I believe that all Americans should not be hypocrites by condemning individuals (or corporations) for what they themselves are doing (or would do/not do) to advance the financial status of themselves (or their family).

· I do not believe that officers of publicly held corporations should have extreme financial gain at the extreme financial loss of the shareholders. It’s called accountability.

I know that’s probably more than you wanted to know. But it’s critical for two reasons. The first is the obvious. If I see my FB friends tilting to the “I’m right and you’re wrong” mentality, I may eventually question it. Not to make you feel bad about what you believe, but as a “gentle reminder” that your opinion is only an opinion. And that by posting a link to something that supports your opinion, it does not suddenly become fact.

Lastly, I do not hide behind a label of political or religious classification. Instead I tried to step outside of conventional definitions. I encourage each of you to do the same. If that’s not possible, and if you find my suggestions here offensive, then maybe we agree to disagree (or simply disagree).

The Problem with Celebrating Death

“We have a choice. We can choose the high road, or we can choose the low road. The high road maintains the integrity of life & mourns loss that comes with death. The low road celebrates death & ignores the consequences. I choose the high road. When we choose the high road, we choose the narrow path that leads to eternal life. If we choose the low road we are, fundamentally, no different than those we condemn.“

When I first heard the news that Osama Bin Laden had been killed, I was somewhat surprised that I felt a sense of shock and concern. While I think that this is a setback to the terrorists, it can easily steel their resolve to deliver another major blow to our safety and freedom. I am not the least bit unhappy that the man who committed so many atrocities and evil is gone, but I find it very hard to celebrate this. That may sound strange to some, so I’ll explain.

First, I remember seeing the news clips of some people around the world dancing in the streets after the twin towers came down. I admit I was quite angry that they could celebrate the deaths of thousands of innocent individuals. How could a person of supposed strong faith take joy in death? As I saw so many Americans celebrating the news of OBL’s death, I started to wonder what Muslims around the world must think of this. Are we reinforcing the perception that we are the evil big, bad Americans? I may be wrong, but I feel that this celebratory response to death (albeit not of an innocent individual) makes us no better than those we condemned 10 years ago.

Second, I think of what I would feel if I had to shoot and kill a person in self-defense. If I truly felt my life was in danger and I had no choice but to take a life to preserve mine, how would I respond? I can’t imagine for one second that I would celebrate that act. I might feel relief that I survived, and feel some sense of joy in being alive, but I cannot see myself rejoicing over killing another person, regardless of how evil that person is.

I tend to think that disorganized crime is usually a bigger threat than organized crime. Now that OBL is gone, what happens to Al Qaeda? Do you have radicals around the world trying to take control by creating hysteria through numerous random violent acts? Does AQ split up creating numerous groups that the US Intel organizations now have to track? Does a clear leader immerge, and use OBLs death as a cohesive force to increase support amongst some of the radicals who were drifting away? Too many questions and no clear answers, and thus my concern.

Lastly, the war on terror is not over. Sadly, I don't think it's a war that will ever end. But this is a small victory in an ongoing battle.  It's also a much needed moral boost to some pretty brave men and women who fight the battle every day. I will not take away their right or desire to celebrate this victory in whatever way they see fit. But as I sit here safe, warm, and well-rested in my comfortable home, I see no desire or need to celebrate death when I risk nothing.

I could not be happier that the US troops safely executed their mission without the loss of life. The US Navy Seals did what they had to do in a very difficult situation. I salute their service. They are the best in the world at what they do, and I am glad that they on our team. 

One More on the Arizona Shooting

As I read more and more friends weigh in on the Arizona shooting, the Palin map, and the vitriol of American politics, a few things come to mind:

1.  Opinions on politics are much like opinions on religion.
2. Some very smart people are saying some ignorant and/or close-minded things in response to this tragedy.
3. I find it ironic that people will rant and rave about the evils and dangers of the opposing party, and use the word vitriol.
4. As I listen to a “your map/my map" discussion on the 24 hour news channel, I think of two bullies on the playground poking each other in the eye. What’s the point of a “you are more worse than me” argument?
5. My passion does not belong to a political party. I used to think that maybe I was missing something, but after seeing all of the above, I am ok with that.

As for the shooting suspect, I hope he starts talking soon so the “did the political hate talk” or the “did the Palin map drive him to it” questions can be answered. Maybe then we can go back to doing nothing about the things that really matter, like the national debt.

Arizona shooting is a society issue, not a political one

I’m writing this to try to sort through the thoughts bouncing around in my head around the horrible shooting of US Representative Gabrielle Giffords and the murder of US District Judge John Roll and five other innocent bystanders. This is my 3^rd attempt at putting this on paper, such is the extent of the effect that this is having on me.

I’ll start by discussing Congresswoman Giffords, as it appears she was the primary target. I admit I was not really familiar with her prior to yesterday. The more I learn about her, the more I like her. Our views are much more similar than they are different, despite the difference in our political party affiliations. I hope that she will survive so that she might continue to try to make a difference.

As for our party affiliations, that’s where I think the problem starts. All day yesterday I was watching my Facebook newsfeed as people weighed in on the tragedy. Sadly, a strong majority were casting blame on various political figures and political organizations. I tried to filter through the noise to get to a conclusion, but was unable to do so.  I saw the news articles highlighting Sarah Palin’s target map. We could spend all day debating whether or not Palin is a nut job, but then we would have figure out how to fill the other 23 ½ hours. But Palin is not the problem. Palin is a symptom of the problem.

I think that as more unfolds about the gunman, we will learn that Palin’s map did not drive the man to go on a shooting rampage. It may have been a minor factor, but only one small piece of the puzzle. All indications are that the suspect is unstable, perhaps even mentally insane or incompetent. When you are dealing with mentally unstable people, anything and everything is possible.  Who knows what sets off someone who suffers from mental illness? History shows that the unpredictable is often to blame. It may have been fueled by health care reform. It may have been immigration related. Who knows, maybe it is not even political, and maybe the guy just tripped. It's still early, and we still have a lot to uncover around what happened.

 I was watching “Meet the Press” this morning, and David Gregory was discussing the story with a panel of US Representatives from both parties, one of whom was the Rev. Emmanual Cleaver. Cleaver is a United Methodist Minister, former Mayor of Kansas City, and now a member of the US House of Representatives. This 15 minute segment was, perhaps, the best presentation of an issue I have seen on the US media. Ever! In summary, the panel seemed to agree that the US political party system is guilty of creating a society where it is acceptable, if not expected, to demonize the opposing side. This creates a society that is divisive, and full of conflict. What I found ironic is that the media plays a huge part in promulgating this divisiveness. Rush Limbaugh, Bill Maher, Bill O’Reilly, and Michael Moore are among the many. This has created a society where most any and every issue is tried on the political stage, with the opposing viewpoints shouting and pointing fingers of blame.

That is why I think this is a society issue, not a political one. We are a society that lives on blame. It’s never our fault, and if it is, then it’s because of something someone else did that drove us to it. I’d love to spend another few hundred words describing how we can fix this problem. Truth is I don’t think we can. It would involve taking a little responsibility for our own actions. I don’t think anyone is ready for that.

What's that in your pants?

Today I received my Kansas Concealed and Carry license. Before you start patting me down before I enter your house, be aware that I am not sure when I would carry a concealed weapon. Right now, I just can’t see a scenario where I would need to. But if that situation ever arises, I’ll be packin’ heat.

So if I don’t know if and when I will carry, why get the permit? Simple, because I have the right to. If I ever get to the point where people start reading this site, I expect that this comment may generate a few responses, and that’s great. I admit that a few years back I could never see myself even owning a gun. But a few things changed.

First, my father-in-law passed away. Prior to passing he let me know he wanted me to have his .38 special. I guess he took one look at me and figured I really needed a way to protect his daughter and granddaughters. So I took his request literally and had my brother-in-law (and great friend) Jim hold on to the gun for me. I guess I always expected I would actually own it, but didn’t see that day happening soon.

But that day did happen soon. President Barack Obama took office. I’ll admit that as he ran for office I didn’t exactly dislike the guy. He seemed likable, and he kept Billary out of the White House, which was fine with me. He also struck me as a bit moderate on many issues. But after the election and as he started moving forward with some of his socialist policies, many Americans feared that gun ownership laws would tighten or go away, and gun sales went through the roof. Ammunition sales increased even more. I became convinced that although it was remote and years away, it was a realistic possibility. So I reached out to my friend, Jim.

Jim is a tremendous guy. One of the coolest guys I know. He is one of those guys that knows just about everybody, and is friend to all. One of the few other guys I know like this is his brother, David. Jim just happens to be a certified instructor for a Concealed and Carry License in Kansas, Utah, and Florida. I took the course and was very impressed. The content is everything from handgun safety, laws around protection and self-defense, and even shows a video of a person describing how he had to kill a man to protect himself and his wife, and the affect that had on him. Pretty impactful. To pass the course, there is a written test and range qualification to prove you can actually hit what you are aiming at. I was hoping the target would be an abandoned Boeing 747 and I didn’t have to be more than 10 feet away.

A quick time out for this commercial break: If you live on the Kansas side of the Kansas City metropolitan area, and are interested in obtaining a Kansas CCHL, or if you live in Kansas or Missouri and would like a Utah or Florida license, please let me know. Jim is an A+ instructor and gives a nice discount to referrals from me. Not so much as he really likes me, but I am married to his sister, so that counts for something. If you need a handgun to use for the range qualifications, Jim will take care of that, as well. And now, back to our show.

Believe it or not, I successfully passed the course and received my required course completion certificate. Following the due diligence of the application process, I received approval to obtain the permit.

Today I have it, and I respect the responsibility that comes with it. Just as important I respect the rights and freedom that it conveys. The freedom to own a personal protection weapon is a wonderful thing, and I hope that this freedom is not diminished by future political or social agendas. That would not be a wonderful thing, for any of us, regardless of your beliefs. Because if the government can take away this right, then what’s next?

And now the question – what am I missing?