I hate to get too political here, but it's been on my mind lately, and it probably should be on yours, too.
It's very easy to become complacent, or, worse yet, paralyzingly cynical about politics. But the truth of the matter is that if you don't engage in politics you are going to be subjected to the whims of those who do. Whether you're scared of the Tea Party or Sheila Jackson Lee, you need to figure out where you stand on things and have a political stand figured out.
Why? Because it's your responsibility to the rest of us. It's part of being a good citizen. Being able to choose a candidate or party platform based on informed judgement is one of the rights that borders on being a hard obligation in our society.
I promise that if you don't assert your views, and know what they are, and why you have them, there are plenty of folks out there (on either side) who are just waiting to either help you with that, or who will just assume that one or two characteristics of your life can speak for your politics.
Even if you refuse to engage politics, sooner or later it will engage you. Figure out where you stand on things and stand there.
Don't ever bother arguing with zealots, but when someone asks for your opinion you should make it known. That takes some preparation.
For example: I attach far more importance to monetary & spending issues, and gun rights, than I do to social agenda items such as gay marriage.
In fact, I've long suggested that our LGBTQIA friends should be socially pressured into marrying, just like the rest of us. Why should breeders have all the fun? Then they can learn about the politics of divorce and in-laws and all that crap we need to deal with, just like the stereotype.
Why is this relevant? Because when someone on the Right makes this a huge agenda item and says that "gay rights" are destroying America, I call B.S. on it. I'm a Christian, I have a family, and I don't care what people do in their bedrooms. I only care what they do in the political realm. And I try to say so whenever I can. And when someone on the Left portrays Christians as unworthy of their opinions, I call B.S. on that, too.
For example: I attach far more importance to monetary & spending issues, and gun rights, than I do to social agenda items such as gay marriage.
In fact, I've long suggested that our LGBTQIA friends should be socially pressured into marrying, just like the rest of us. Why should breeders have all the fun? Then they can learn about the politics of divorce and in-laws and all that crap we need to deal with, just like the stereotype.
Why is this relevant? Because when someone on the Right makes this a huge agenda item and says that "gay rights" are destroying America, I call B.S. on it. I'm a Christian, I have a family, and I don't care what people do in their bedrooms. I only care what they do in the political realm. And I try to say so whenever I can. And when someone on the Left portrays Christians as unworthy of their opinions, I call B.S. on that, too.
So even though this isn't a pet issue of mine, I have a reasoned opinion on it. I can defend my opinion without resorting to logical loop-de-loops or Biblical passages.
To have an opinion, you must be able to defend it. As a member of society, we're required to have opinions or we're not really doing our jobs.
Again, pick a stand. Find some things that will motivate you to engage and stand on those things and your reasoned opinions. Be sure to keep up with those things that are most important to you.
To have an opinion, you must be able to defend it. As a member of society, we're required to have opinions or we're not really doing our jobs.
Again, pick a stand. Find some things that will motivate you to engage and stand on those things and your reasoned opinions. Be sure to keep up with those things that are most important to you.
