Fed Up

By: Mrs. Swarr

This blog is a place for family updates and recording some of Declan's day to day life. It was never intended to be a place of ranting or raising controversy. However, there is something I have been aching to get off my chest. It involves politics, so if you don't care to hear yet another political rant, read no further.

Here's my beef. Everyone knows that politicians are generally sleazy or unlikable in their own way. It takes a certain type of person to be a politician, and generally, that type of person has traits people don't like (generally, not always). It could be that he or she is a bit too good at schmoozing, or uses language that is far too antagonistic. Maybe he or she doesn't value the bonds of marriage or has simply said something once that annoyed you. This is nothing new.

What is bothering me most about our current election season is not the candidates themselves though. It is the American people. The outlets available for political discussion reflect truly pathetic conversation. Reported news is almost always biased, but that is not entirely new either. The internet has opened a new avenue for a very diverse nation to reach out to each other, discuss their views on our nation's future, and help each other make informed decisions.

Or so one would think.....

I have yet to find a single source of opinion and discussion that is intelligent, factual, and non-accusatory all in one. Readers leave comments to berate biased news articles, only to use name calling tactics themselves. Is this seriously the best our country has to offer? I do not believe that all internet users are uninformed, socially inept, name callers. That being said, why can't I find any intelligent conversation?!

Granted, there is nothing wrong with an old fashioned, person-to-person political conversation, but we are so limited if we converse no further than our own back yards! I am so incredibly frustrated by people who accuse and refuse to listen. Please, America, can't we have some intelligent, kind conversation on who we think the best presidential candidate is and why??? I have my mind made up on the matter, but that does not mean that I don't respect those that support the other guy. We are all entitled to our opinions, but we are NOT entitled to act like children and treat each other like garbage simply because we have not come to the same conclusion on who should lead the country. If you want me to change my mind, send over some well-informed, well-thought out information. Calling me stupid will not help your cause, I promise.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

stupid...

hee hee just kidding. I agree completely.

Even middle of the road sites like www.dividedwefail.org are coming down to the level of biased name callers. It's very frustrating.

Lamar The Revenger said...

amen sister.

Anonymous said...

Sorry, Maribeth. Unfortunately, it's nothing new. But the last decade has been particularly bad. It is easier to talk about issues and problems than about candidates. Once people commit to a candidate, it becomes a personal connection. Criticizing the candidate becomes like criticizing a family member. Which is why everyone gets nasty.

Once you have your political principles sorted out, there is usually only once choice for office (sometimes none). It's hardly worth arguing over, or even debating. Which is why I mostly tune out this stuff just before the election. I already know what I think, and nasty debates aren't going to change my mind.

Anonymous said...

ditto...
ditto...
ditto...

Anonymous said...

Bravo MB!!! Well said, and if you find just such a utopia as the one you're seeking - please do share!