I will preface this statement by saying that not once have I ever called someone “stupid” or thought less of them because of their political beliefs. I have never and will never support any group who releases videos like the “Why do I vote Republican (or Democratic)?” satire. To me, it's a disgusting and desperate attempt at belittling false generalizations about a political party.
I understand that people are different and there will never be a time when everyone agrees politically. There is a difference between large and small government in our country and the ways we instate laws will reflect this as long as democracy is being served. However, it’s become increasingly clear that both sides of the arena are transferring swipes with deeply personal attacks. Such as the video mentioned above… really, I didn’t know all Republicans hate minorities, gays, wage war, and play with guns...because I’ve never done any of the above! I know many people who support stem cell research, abortion rights, equal marriage rights regardless of orientation, tighter gun control…. Who also vote Republican. The differences may lie simply in the level of involvement they want the government to have in their life. Or how they think a massive tax increase on the middle class and small business would effect an already hurting economy. I wish I could have the social liberalism coupled with the support of small business, low taxes, and personal responsibility molded into one party. I could get behind that.
Yes, has government spending gotten completely and totally out of control over the past 8 years? Has the level of corruption and partisan BS become crystal clear? Absolutely, without a doubt, and that is being reflected today. However, it’s important to remember that globally, many leading economies are down- take a look at Great Britain, European nations. To say that Americans are the only ones with a struggling economy as proof that Bush's tactics solely and completely failed is unfair. A little digging into economic journals will show this. We have a global market. Energy prices are through the roof because demand has increased. It's not the direct result of 1 country's policies. Dig around a few economic reports and journals to get the full scope of the global economy and how Americans aren't the only ones with housing woes and skyrocketing energy/food prices.
With that said, I’ve never gone ahead and given anyone my unsolicited opinions on politics. I wouldn’t even be posting this, if it weren’t for a really disturbing transgression that happened…it basically can be summarized as a family member who sent an email declaring his opinion that "Any American and/ or feminist with at least 2 brain cells" would see the transparency of selecting Sarah Palin as VP. It continued to compare the "middle class" who vote "red" to beaten dogs who "keep coming back for more."
Ok, I'm sorry, but I don’t think most people like to be compared to beaten dogs. I don’t think many people (especially a female in a male field) would appreciate being called anti-feminist or un-American for having a dissenting view from a family member. It doesn’t even matter what you believe politically, there is no place on either the right or the left for things like this.
I just don't think you can judge people for their political opinions. It's not always as black and white as the idiotic "Why I vote Republican" video. There are a lot of Americans stuck in the middle and have to choose. To me, we will never become a socialist country. We have Constitutional rights against many of the fundamental elements of socialism- we have a "right to bear arms." (Although I still fail to understand how we can't do a better job at enforcing legal gun ownership...) While I love France and can appreciate what they do for their citizens, it's from a far. I'm not entitled to their benefits. I love my country and I want to believe that I can easily start my own business and not be taxed to death. I'll save my opinions on health care for another day. Trust me- I too think that universal sounds great, but what do we do about the 15/40 million uninsured in the country that are there illegally? I think there is a middle ground between private insurance, which is a miserable failure, and universal coverage (which is a misnomer because under Obama's plan it would only cover those under the poverty line).
Ok- I'm done. I'm not trying to change anyones mind. I don't care who you vote for, it's a free country and we are all entitled to our opinions and beliefs about where we want the country to go. Just don't go judging me, because I'm not judging you.
"Americans want us to stop yelling at each other"
PS- I think Hilary/Palin would have been my ideal ticket. Things would be getting DONE in DC.
Anyway, here are some pictures
Stalagmites, Font d'Urle, Les Deux Alpes
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