Not My President

Gosh, I remember long ago how fussy people would get when the evil liberals referred to Bush as "not my president."  Now, I understand there is quite a frenzy over the evil indoctrination of our country's youth through an address by the president. 

Do you know what I've read?  Not my president.  Oh my.  Isn't that what people got in trouble for saying before with W?  Pot+kettle=black. 

Folks, I am a moderate democrat, even though in the land of conservative country, I am painted to be an uber-liberal.  I am so sick of polarizing politics.  I'm so sick of being called a socialist.  Although, amusingly, one of the Republicans at work pointed out that we have many successful socialized institutions.  Note, not one of my arguments.

Obama isn't a magician and he came into a pile of shit.  I'm sure that the other side argues that Clinton is the one who left the pile of shit. Honestly, no one is ever going to be happy. 

In the legal profession, a successful mediation is one in which no one leaves happy.  Perhaps we need to start remembering that and learning to negotiate.  Politics shouldn't be a whole lot different than the law.

Can you just imagine if you suddenly became a socialist from a presidential address? 

It's funny because I somehow formed my own opinions, some of which differ greatly from my family.  Most notably, I went through four years of Catholic school and I don't believe in God.  I didn't when I started and I was ridiculed by my teachers and told that I didn't know what I was talking about and that I would change my mind.  I should have made some bets.  Just because you have more experience in life than someone doesn't mean that they are unable to understand and form their own opinions.  You can try to create clones of yourself or you can raise children who can speak their mind and articulate their rationale.  (FYI to at least five teachers that I remember - I still don't believe in God.  I am a Buddhist and damn proud of who I have become.  I am a good person even though I don't believe the same things as you.)

Oh, but wait, I don't get a voice in this debate.  I'm not a mother.  Sorry for speaking up.  I certainly have no idea of the importance of shaping cookie cutter versions of myself and my beliefs.

Comments

[Sherril Johnson]

Here, here! We have much more in common than chronic illness. In my birth family I'm surrounded by ultra conservatives and charismatic Christians.

I had to do a post on the whole speech to the schools debacle too. I have a separate blog for when I get irritated or enthused enough to write about something political or cultural not having to do with CI, http://thetruthaccordingtosherril.blogspot.com/.

What really irritated me enough to do this post was that I couldn't find the damn speech in a simple search, because it was just obliterated with "the controversy."

Writing is so therapeutic. Sigh.

[magickat]

"Oh, but wait, I don't get a voice in this debate. I'm not a mother. Sorry for speaking up. I certainly have no idea of the importance of shaping cookie cutter versions of myself and my beliefs."

this is the most fucking amazing thing i have ever read. i want to put it on a t-shirt and wear it. i love you for this statement.

[boy]

Good post, Kitten. Partisan politics is growing beyond tiresome. PEOPLE: Try using some independent thought. STOP: deferring to the random hodgepodge that is your party's platform when it comes to the crucial issues that affect your life and the lives of your children. Neither party is always right, and neither is always wrong. NEWS FLASH: If you're a citizen of this country, the guy in the White House is YOUR president. PLEASE: Consider using the innate ability to think critically that was bestowed on you by your maker (whether that maker be an omnipotent entity or just your two randy parents). Oh, and whether you have kids or not, if you don't trouble yourself to vote, kindly shut the hell up. Just sayin.