Even though I've been called naive and gullible a time or two, I tend to see the glass half full rather than half empty. I'm also one who can usually see both sides of an issue or an argument even though I am burdened with my own set of opinions, values, principles, ideas and rules. I'm stubborn, but always willing to listen and re-evaluate if needed....especially when the other side makes sense to me.
All of the above holds true politically also, but it seems like no matter how hard I try to understand and appreciate the Republican/Conservative side, I just about....not "just" about, I ALWAYS feel frustration and anger when I hear or read anything coming from the far right side.
I'm just plain tired of their rhetoric, lies, mean-spiritedness, and assumptions.
When I receive political e-mails from acquaintances of mine....they're mainly from the Republicans. Nothing wrong with that except they're unkind, false and highly inflamatory. I've even tried to convince this particular man to stop sending me the junk e-mails explaining why you can't believe most of what you read on the internet. I've even gone as far as sharing my side explaining why I am a Democrat, but to no avail. He continues sending me his political hate mail. What is he trying to prove?
On Facebook I usually don't post political statements although I will post touching youtube videos as well as leave comments on other's political statements. (It's difficult for me NOT to say anything when I'm feeling passionate about something.)
Not that long ago, I posted a thought provoking video (one of OpenSalon RonP01's videos) showing why we need reformed health insurance. I didn't say anything about it except for introducing it as an example of why I support reformed health insurance.
Not only would you not believe the "debate" that ensued because of it, I was appalled at one contributor specifically who angrily spewed out snobbish points why she was against government health care. Her heated contribution came right after a friend of mine explained why she wanted reform also. This friend of mine presented a personal case of her own where she lost her doctor (the only one out of quite a few who diagnosed her ailment properly) because of the demands of her health insurance. My friend is now concerned where she is going to go for continued treatment and care. Below are the points the Republican contributor made in response to my friend.
They cannot run the programs they are in charge of, therefore they will not be able to run this one. The best predictor of future perfomance is PAST performance.
1. never understand why people want the gov't to take care of them instead of taking care of themselves
2. whomever PAYS RUNS the program...at least this is how it works in MY business, I pay, I say how it is run.
3. why do people think they are entiled to 'something" for nothing? I am entitled to health care, I just don't think I should have to pay fot it.
4. I have worked, risked, lost, gained, to be where I am. I have taken nothing that i didnt work my butt off for. No one gave it to me. ...
5. If you give it away free, it has no value. Who is going to pay the Drs. you want this free health care from?
Notice, no regard for what my friend said concerning her heath issue and having to find another doctor because of what her insurance dictates. No empathy whatsoever for my friend's situation.
As my husband said, this Republican contributor is either lying or is an ungrateful person. No person gets anywhere in this life without some help in one form or another. This help may be a lucky break, strong genetic inheritance, wealthy parents, a dynamic teacher, mentor, friends, or perhaps customers who have contributed to the supposed success of this self righteous woman.
As I mentioned in the beginning, I try to remain positive and open minded to both sides.....but I am repulsed by what continually flows from the mouths of the Republican/Conservative side.
All of the above holds true politically also, but it seems like no matter how hard I try to understand and appreciate the Republican/Conservative side, I just about....not "just" about, I ALWAYS feel frustration and anger when I hear or read anything coming from the far right side.
I'm just plain tired of their rhetoric, lies, mean-spiritedness, and assumptions.
When I receive political e-mails from acquaintances of mine....they're mainly from the Republicans. Nothing wrong with that except they're unkind, false and highly inflamatory. I've even tried to convince this particular man to stop sending me the junk e-mails explaining why you can't believe most of what you read on the internet. I've even gone as far as sharing my side explaining why I am a Democrat, but to no avail. He continues sending me his political hate mail. What is he trying to prove?
On Facebook I usually don't post political statements although I will post touching youtube videos as well as leave comments on other's political statements. (It's difficult for me NOT to say anything when I'm feeling passionate about something.)
Not that long ago, I posted a thought provoking video (one of OpenSalon RonP01's videos) showing why we need reformed health insurance. I didn't say anything about it except for introducing it as an example of why I support reformed health insurance.
Not only would you not believe the "debate" that ensued because of it, I was appalled at one contributor specifically who angrily spewed out snobbish points why she was against government health care. Her heated contribution came right after a friend of mine explained why she wanted reform also. This friend of mine presented a personal case of her own where she lost her doctor (the only one out of quite a few who diagnosed her ailment properly) because of the demands of her health insurance. My friend is now concerned where she is going to go for continued treatment and care. Below are the points the Republican contributor made in response to my friend.
They cannot run the programs they are in charge of, therefore they will not be able to run this one. The best predictor of future perfomance is PAST performance.
1. never understand why people want the gov't to take care of them instead of taking care of themselves
2. whomever PAYS RUNS the program...at least this is how it works in MY business, I pay, I say how it is run.
3. why do people think they are entiled to 'something" for nothing? I am entitled to health care, I just don't think I should have to pay fot it.
4. I have worked, risked, lost, gained, to be where I am. I have taken nothing that i didnt work my butt off for. No one gave it to me. ...
5. If you give it away free, it has no value. Who is going to pay the Drs. you want this free health care from?
Notice, no regard for what my friend said concerning her heath issue and having to find another doctor because of what her insurance dictates. No empathy whatsoever for my friend's situation.
As my husband said, this Republican contributor is either lying or is an ungrateful person. No person gets anywhere in this life without some help in one form or another. This help may be a lucky break, strong genetic inheritance, wealthy parents, a dynamic teacher, mentor, friends, or perhaps customers who have contributed to the supposed success of this self righteous woman.
As I mentioned in the beginning, I try to remain positive and open minded to both sides.....but I am repulsed by what continually flows from the mouths of the Republican/Conservative side.
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Kathleen may
Tiger Sonora
Torman
FirthofForth
Dennis Knight
Shelly Cone
Salon.com
Comments
I have a very conservative republican brother. We often debate and disagree. But on Facebook, his comments are usually a reply to something I post on my wall. Some think he's over the top, and he is. But he's my brother and best friend. Yesterday, we were at my nieces soccer game. We discussed life, sports and family — no politics. I enjoyed that. And yes the rhetoric can be tiring. i just choose to ignore it. Hope your visit went well. ~R~
Comments like "why do people think they are entiled to 'something" for nothing?" reflect such arrogance. Doesn't she realize that ALL of us would need help in the face of a catastrophic illness?
What is doubly frustrating, about people like this, is that everything they have to say is based upon conjecture. If you were to challenge her to present actual facts, numbers, examples or statistics, etc. she will undoubtedly call you an unamerican socialist and ignore your request.
In the movie "Shooter", Ned Beatty plays a senator who, near the end, says "There aren't enough places at the table," as his excuse for wanting to do away with the poor of this country, whether by starvation or disease, he doesn't care. There is a pervasive attitude of shortage that's driving TPTB to make sure, at the cost of humanity in general, that they have enough for themselves and their loved ones. That attitude is just insane. There's enough, it's distribution that's the problem, and greed and fear leading to stockpiling and hoarding. When will people wake up to the fact that when we harm some, we harm all?
Sorry, don't get me started, getting down off my soapbox now...
Safe Bet: "Doesn't she realize that ALL of us would need help in the face of a catastrophic illness?" So true! Well, maybe not all, but most. The top 1% probably could have the liver resection my husband just had, and be able to pay the $85,000 hospital bill from their petty cash.
I really hate labels. I am sure you do too?