December 19th, 2008
Conservative politics makes me sick. I could never have conceived of a philosophy or ideology that is so morally bankrupt as to manipulate and abuse just about everyone it encounters. But that is what Conservatives have become.
Lie about going into Iraq? To quote Vice President Cheney, “So?”
To show some small element of support and empathy for the immediate aftereffects of Hurricane Katrina? I know. I know. Don’t leave your ranch and only do a quick flyby several days later.
To blithely turn over $350 Billion to big banks and Wall Street firms with almost no oversight and with a nifty loophole to allow big bonuses for those who broke their companies? Just peachy.
The fact that all that money is doing absolutely nothing to free up credit and help homeowners in danger of losing their homes? Sound surprised but don’t make any fundamental changes.
How about playing a big role in the downfall of the American auto industry because of the lack of credit caused by the companies above and then laying the blame on the United Auto Workers? Yeah, of course. What’s the problem?
I’m reading an excellent book by Bob Moser entitled Blue Dixie: Awakening the South’s Democratic Majority. It took thirty years for Conservatives to get us to where we are now, and there are some who don’t think they’ve brought us far enough. Until I read this book I didn’t know anything about Dominionists, but there are Republicans out there who actually think we should become a Christian version of Iran.
D. James Kennedy was quoted as saying, “Our job is to reclaim America for Christ, whatever the cost. As the vice regents of God, we are to exercise godly dominion and influence over our neighborhoods, our schools, our government, our literature and arts, our sports arenas, our entertainment media, our news media, our scientific endeavors — in short, over every aspect and institution of human society.” Their goal is to “rewrite schoolbooks and curricula to reflect a history of America as a ‘Christian nation’; pack the courts with judges who follow Old Testament law; post the Ten Commandments in every courthouse; and make it a felony for gay men to have sex and women to have abortions under any circumstances.”
Does any part of this sound familiar? We’ve had fiscal Conservatism with it’s belief that companies and management come first and everyone else be damned. We’ve had social Conservatism with it’s belief that if you don’t follow their most unChristlike dogma, you are damned. Hmmm. Not too much room for most of us, is there?
P.S. Please allow me a little pitch for something that isn’t likely to turn you into Warren Buffett but could definitely put you in a position to provide for your kids’ education or your retirement. We can’t count on government to be there when we need it, and it is imperative that we find ways to protect ourselves. This is such a way. Please click this link to learn more — United First Financial.
Categories: Commentary, Government, Politics |
Tags: bankrupt, conservatism, conservative, Dominionism, financial, first, ideology, Politics, united | No Comments
December 1st, 2008
YAY! It’s been almost a month, and the reality has finally sunk in. YAY! America is a better country today, and I am very proud of our citizenry for seeing through the viciousness of the GOP and coming through to elect just the right man for this time. YAY! Do I sound like I’m please as punch over the outcome? You betcha.
North Carolina was a swing state. I’ve never lived in a swing state before, and we were inundated with negative campaigning from the McCain ticket. I had always thought McCain was an honorable man, but I could not possibly support someone who would say he was opposed to negative campaigning while burying us with negative mailers and robocalls. It was ugly, nasty and mean-spirited. I like to think we’re better than that.
Although I’d never been involved in politics before, I felt deep in my gut that change was imperative. The prospect of Bush’s policies being continued for even one minute past January 20th scared the heck out of me. I honestly can’t think of one branch of government that he and his cronies didn’t break. I can’t think of one branch of government that is working as it should.
I volunteered for the Obama campaign, and I made phone calls. Obama’s campaign was unbelievably professional and disciplined. I never heard anyone say anything bad about McCain or Palin to the people we talked to. Our job was to be positive and to encourage people to vote.
For anyone who is still unsure of the man, I can assure you that he’s okay. He might end up screwing up like so many other politicians, but he’s not Muslim or communist or a terrorist or anything else. How do I know?
He graduated from Punahou School in 1979. I graduated in 1968. The school is a first-rate private school that teaches its students that those who are given great gifts have a great responsibility to give back. This is instilled in children starting in kindergarten, and it is a major component of the school community. Barack was a perfect illustration of this with his work as a community organizer.
Another thing about Punahou is that we were required to attend chapel every week. The school is very diverse with children of all races, nationalities and religions, and they go out of their way not to make it too hard for kids of different religions, but the main undercurrent is Christianity. The school was founded in 1841 by the descendants of missionaries, for heaven’s sake.
The last thing is that my sister used to work for Barack’s grandmother. When you know someone’s grandmother, you get a pretty good sense of that person. My sister told me that Barack’s grandmother was a stern and tough boss, but she was fair. She was highly respected and admired, and she reached a position of considerable authority at a time when women had a great deal of difficulty doing so. Kudos to her on so many levels.
All in all, I trust that our country is in good hands. I’m so very happy that so many of us joined together to do the right thing.
And a shameless plug — If you’d like to do something really good for yourself while being a good citizen in this time of economic crisis, click here to find out how to pay off all of your debt — United First Financial.
Categories: Commentary, Government, Politics |
Tags: Barack, Bush, GOP, Government, North Carolina, Obama, Politics, Punahou | 29 Comments
