Dead Bloggers Society: October 2005 Archives

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October 29, 2005

You Won't Find the Whole Story in the New York Times

In "paying tribute" to the 2,000th soldier killed in Iraq this week, the New York Times ran a story that included a small portion of a "what if, after death" letter intended for the girlfriend of Marine Corporal Jeffrey B. Starr after he was killed in a firefight in Ramadi on April 30th. The bit of the letter the New York Times chose to profile was a blatant attempt to stamp out the principled ideals of the letter's author. The full content of the letter found on Cpl. Starr's computer (which the New York Times had also received) was forwarded to Michelle Malkin by his uncle. He was upset by the New York Times misrepresentation of his nephew's clear understanding of the current conflict.
The New York Times' omission is highlighted in bold:

“Obviously if you are reading this then I have died in Iraq. I kind of predicted this, that is why I’m writing this in November. A third time just seemed like I’m pushing my chances. I don’t regret going, everybody dies but few get to do it for something as important as freedom. It may seem confusing why we are in Iraq, it’s not to me. I’m here helping these people, so that they can live the way we live. Not have to worry about tyrants or vicious dictators. To do what they want with their lives. To me that is why I died. Others have died for my freedom, now this is my mark."

There is no excuse for the obvious efforts of many here at home to deny our soldiers in Iraq (and everywhere) the full support they deserve. The New York Times and other such rags are quickly losing readership because of their disgusting lack of respect for the Iraqi people's struggle for democracy, and each and every one of the 2,000 plus soldiers who have died in their effort to rid the Middle East, and the world, of a tyrant who had no bounds.

Yesterday, blogs, forums and comments trumpeted the indictment of Vice President Cheney's chief of staff. The liberal left was heralding what they claim as vindication of their charges of an "unjust war." This war is more than justified, it is an absolute necessity. Saddam Hussein was a loose canon who had all of the know how, equipment and resources within reach to quickly put together and deliver a nuclear weapon within three months time. This was an admitted goal of his regime. That we found no nuclear materials is completely irrelevant to this simple, undeniable and verified truth. Those who feel confident that this would never have happened exemplify the ignorance that caused us to experience the likes of September eleventh here at home.

The Chief UN Weapons Inspector, David Kay, described Saddam Hussein as “a completely paranoid character without any sense of responsibility or bonding to norms.” Kay also correctly described Hussein's rule as “a regime that in its brutality is mind-boggling,” and warned our Congress that “if you are concerned about... an Iraq that produces and has nuclear weapons... then you have to deal with changing a regime.” We must never allow the voices of dissent to drown out the truth about this war. Diplomacy, containment and "wait and see" policies are not successful or safe with the likes of a Saddam Hussein. We can only hope and pray that our country's national defense remains soundly in the hands of those that understand this tragic reality.

Every single soldier who has died, from the first to the 2,000th and beyond, deserves their just and noble cause be truthfully reported. Shame on the New York Times and their irresponsible, biased journalism.

See Related:

New York Times Article

Michelle Malkin, Cpl. Jeffrey B. Starr: What the NY Times Left Out

Posted by capecodcyclist at 09:15 PM | Comments (0)

October 08, 2005

My Grandfather's Gift to Me: Cape Cod's Yesterdays

Americans are living longer. The average lifespan of an American is continuing to increase in age with each generation. Today, in the United States, there are 35 million geriatric patients (over age sixty-five). Of these, 4.5 million are now characterized as the "old old" (over age eighty-five). It is projected that by 2020 there will be 53 million Americans over age sixty-five (6.5 million of them will be considered "old old"). We must be doing something right... including our procreation.

I woke up at 3:30 am Saturday morning and there was no getting back to sleep. Anyone familiar with me knows I am not prone to insomnia. I can sleep with the best of them- just so long as it is before 5:30 am. Saturday morning was different though. Whatever caused me to open my eyes at such an early hour, my thoughts immediately went to my grandfather. At ninety-one, my grandfather has now become what some would refer to as “old old.” I would not have thought of him as such until maybe a year ago. Perhaps there really is something to that golf game and Florida living. However, Friday I got a call from my Dad that really drove it home for me. “There is a dumpster in your grandfather's driveway. We could use your help whenever you can come over.”

A dumpster in the driveway? He is in a retirement home, not a hospital. But then reality set in. I remembered my grandfather saying that he did not plan on being around for another Christmas after this one. Laying there in bed, I thought about my grandfather. I remembered times I visited him. I thought about how he stuck a letter I had penned to the local newspaper regarding the Ten Commandments up on his refrigerator- how he asked me (several times) where I learned to write. He brought out a story he had written in his school days and asked if I might like to read it. The story was of a gentleman (my grandfather) calling on his blind date at an all girls school. The writing brought me back to another era and struck me with just how much we have lost with each generation. When I returned the story to my grandfather, I was able to answer his question. “I think my ability to write must have come from you.” Nothing was going to cheer me up about cleaning out my grandfather's house.

What happiness could possibly come from such a depressing job? Aside from my loved ones, what two things do I most depend on for relaxation and sanity? Books and bicycles are my two favorite hobbies. Cleaning up my grandfather's house would yield both. Hidden in a corner of my grandfathers basement were treasures that, in my family, only I would be able to appreciate. Two 1950's vintage bicycles, in need of a little T.L.C., lay there waiting to be discovered. Books? There were boxes of books to be sorted through (some dating back to the 1800's). This library seemed to be anxiously expecting to be handled again, as books on my favorite subjects were always at the top of each box. I am a budding collector of books on Cape Cod and olde Cape Cod authors, and my appetite for both was sated. I left his house, not burdened by the gloom I had arrived with, but excited by the gifts my grandfather had once again given me.

The dumpster that had been intended to stay for a week was full by Sunday afternoon. It was loaded, not with treasures, but with years of children's and grandchildren's things that somehow had made their way into my grandmother and grandfather's attic and basement. My grandfather kept a tight ship, but understandingly left the kid's stuff to be throw out by the children. The treasures that my grandfather kept have been passed to another generation who will cherish them as he did, and my grandfather's influence will always be felt. Had it not been for his sharing his writing and books, I would have thought these obsessions of mine were a credit to Sandwich schools rather than my inheritance. The joy I find in reading and writing is just one of many gifts passed on to me by my parents and grandparents.

Originally, it did not feel right to me that we would be going through my grandfather's things while still blessed with his presence. It is out of respect for his wishes, however, that his house must be sold to help pay for the new home he has chosen for himself. I think it perfectly fitting that he is now in an assisted living residence located in a house that he built when it was new. What better place to finish one's years with dignity? I hope that I never forget the freedoms my grandfathers have given me and their fathers before them. We should all think more each day on what we have done and are doing to make ourselves worthy of these gifts. I will have to say good bye to my grandfather soon. When that day comes, I want to be able to say I honored him while he was still here, and pray that I continue to honor him after he is gone. There is something wrong with a society that seems to look on their elders as a burden rather than a blessing. Someday we will get our priorities straight...

Posted by capecodcyclist at 08:50 PM | Comments (0)

American Politics are Killing Progress

America on the Edge

America is on the brink of a serious catastrophe, and it is not a storm with a name. Major issues are being ignored, as a conflicted public bickers. Those of us who have not grown completely apathetic to our republic's politics, spar about war in Iraq, our government's response to natural disaster (hurricanes Katrina and Rita), global warming, race, class and the role of government in all of the above. While debate in any form maintains open lines of communication, the arguments themselves tend to take form and shadow the real issues. The passions of our convictions often keep us from being part of the solution. Emotions take the focus off of the causes we support, and all of our frustration ends up being cast as a blanket over every perceived opponent in sight. These unfocused attacks on all things government, all Democrats, all Republicans, all liberals, all conservatives, all socialists, etc. serve no purpose but to alienate and divide the people who must work together toward progress.

America Has Serious Issues

In oil shortages and fuel prices we have real issues that affect us all. The following quote is an example of how passion for this issue gets the best of us, and the all encompassing blanket of blame makes forward progress an impossibility:

“Those who scoff at Peak Oil, and argue that Peak is not real, are missing the only important point. The criminal acts of this Empire—from 9/11 to the sequential oil war under the "war on terrorism" rubric, to the USA PATRIOT Act and militarization of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast (a rehearsal for the military control of the United States under post-Peak conditions), and unfolding economic crises—are continuing, as if Peak is real. The entire argument has been rendered academic by actual events. It is time to stop wasting time.”

Larry Chin, Online Journal Associate Editor

Whether you agree with these comments or not (if you do, please seek help), you have to agree that there is no room for debate or forward progress here- no possibility of finding common ground we can begin a discussion on. Even someone, like myself, who agrees peak oil is a serious issue is left unable to support or work with someone of these convictions. Such fantastic conspiracy theories only alienate those who might otherwise be interested in the same goal.

In Iraq, we are witnessing the war on terrorism in progress. We need to appropriately address the very real issues of unacceptable armor for our troops and lack of adequate support for the troops and their families from those of us safe at home (including our government). Instead of talk about the real issues of the Iraq war, we get tirades like this:

“George Bush needs to stop talking, admit the mistakes of his all around failed administration, pull our troops out of occupied New Orleans and Iraq, and excuse his self from power.”

Cindy Sheehan, anti-war, anti-Bush activist

Ms. Sheehan has become the poster woman for the anti-war and anti-Bush movements. Cape Cod Today commenter “Since 1969” described her best: “she [Ms. Sheehan] is intoxicated with her own celebrity and reliving her youth as are many of the anti-war people.” Hate for the President seems the driving force behind the agendas of these activists, and there is no communicating with hate. There is no possibility of a sensible dialogue with people so intent on destroying our country, our government and our military.

While the media anxiously backpedals on its post-Katrina coverage, trying to get the facts separated from the propaganda that was originally reported as news, we are left with very serious questions about FEMA and a government grown too big for its britches. When we have FEMA people telling disaster victims who have no phone service or internet to call a phone number or go to a web site for aid- we have a serious problem (and there is nothing political about it). The problem here is a bureaucracy grown too big to handle. We can focus on FEMA, President Bush, Homeland Security or anyone else we want to blame, but our government monster has just grown too damn big to function effectively. The answer is less government, not more... which brings me to tax cuts.

Several times in recent weeks I have witnessed numerous assaults on conservatives that included the subject of tax cuts- comments such as these from right here on Cape Cod Today:

“I bet you and the rest of your right-wing kook friends have a pool going as to when the 2000th American soldier will die in Iraq. I'm sure you and your buddies will get your rocks off over that while spending your undeserved tax cut!”
Mr. Mike

For now, I am talking about tax cuts, I will ignore the incredibly stupid implication that any true American wishes harm on our troops. What tax cut could possibly be undeserved? That is the most ridiculous statement I have ever and perhaps will ever hear. Regardless of who receives a tax cut, whether it is a large corporation or you and I, taxes are our money! Perhaps you are in a situation that somehow allows you to live tax free, but the majority of us are not. I, for one, find the current drain on my pay check unconscionable. It is also a proven fact that tax cuts boost the economy and bring in... more tax revenues! Again, bigger government and more government spending on programs is not the answer- lower taxes and limiting government is.

Issues of race, class and poverty: we have a critical breakdown of the family unit, entire communities completely dysfunctional, and a rampant decline in values that are the real causes behind all of these. We can create government programs until all of our resources are exhausted, but without addressing these issues, these problems will never be fixed. These issues deserve far more space and attention than a short paragraph, but I do no purport to have all of the solutions. That those who bring these problems up are marked as racist or uncaring speaks to the perpetuation of this dilemma itself. Real solutions start at the individual and community level and are something we should all have a hand in.

Global warming should not have to be an accepted, proven fact or debated. Regardless of your take on the issue, the simple fact is we are seriously screwing with our environment. Many of those crusading on global warming have been lost in the debate and have lost focus on the real issue of reducing pollution. For example, a recent Google search turned up only one organization in our country with an “Idle Free” program that seeks to limit automotive emissions by idling vehicles. Everyone is so caught up in the argument, that real solutions are not even addressed. Canada and other countries have the right idea with “idle free zones” where you will face fines if caught idling a car or truck. I have called businesses that charge the company I work for fuel surcharges for deliveries and asked them why they don't institute a no-idle policy for their trucks if they are so affected by fuel prices... no answer to that one. The question isn't even part of our consciousness here in the United States, and that is because we are too busy arguing and finger pointing to look at our own behaviors. On Cape Cod we have the unique opportunity to have the first wind farm in the country right in our back yard. Here we have a perfect example of progress that is being killed by politics.

Opportunity for Progress

In Technology and Democracy, Daniel J Boorstin defines the democratic society as one which is ruled by the ideal of equality, and the desire to give “everything to everybody.” Electronic media and new technologies have often perpetuated the separation and divisions between us. Now, with internet technologies such as blogging we have succeeded in leveling the playing field, and offer everyone the opportunity to participate. In the blog, we have found a means of breaking down the walls between us; we have also removed the barriers that prohibited our experience of reality. Where other technologies have made it easier for us to avoid meaningful contact and communication with others, the blog has made immediate, intelligent interaction between people commonplace again. Yes, for many the blog is a simple means of self expression, a means of communicating with the inner self, no feedback required. For others it is just a game, a hobby or a fad. Businesses are now adopting them to communicate with customers, to encourage peer to peer communication, and to keep stock holders updated. We have blogs on every subject, from history to collecting stamps. Friends keep tabs on each other and parents share their daily trials. But it is public blogs, reporting news and expressing opinion, that have reversed years of technology induced isolation. Although the communication is limited by our being hidden behind computer screens (and often the anonymity of screen names), it is real dialogue. At least in communication we have hope of progress, because without it there would be none.

Were we less focused on the popular seek and destroy mentality found in blog comments and forums, we might find more similarities between us. Unfortunately, there are some for whom common ground is not possible. Several times in my blogs, I have pointed to this mentality as being the scourge that molded me into the conservative I have become. If a “Christian” handed me a bible tract telling me I was going to hell as I walked down Main Street in Hyannis I would be offended. What is “Christian” about judging someone you have never seen in your church? In politics we suffer the same affliction, and I have yet to have anyone address this in any comments here. In my post, How Katrina Turned Me Republican, I honestly explained my aversion to the rudeness and self-centeredness of these attackers. This article has since been described as “transparent Republican propaganda.” Unfortunately, there is nothing transparent about what I am saying– I hide nothing of my distaste for rudeness and personal attacks on people based on their beliefs. The pervasiveness of this disgusting habit is the single most overlooked and unarguable cause behind my conversion to conservatism. Most people take serious issue with being judged (and verbally assaulted) by anyone who does not know them. Although our beliefs may differ, we share many common needs and goals. We can only hope that the more we are exposed to “the other side” here in the blogoshpere, the more human we may seem to each other.

Posted by capecodcyclist at 07:48 PM | Comments (0)

Debunking the Liberal Monopoly on Goodness

“If this is what integrity looks like, let's bring back Oval Office **** jobs.”

This example of liberal perversion is from Arianna Huffington in The Huffington Post (the famous martyr Cindy Sheehan posts to this same site). I find this quote to be not only objectionable, but a perfect example of the shameless lack of morals observed in those attacking the President. Perhaps I will not receive criticisms telling me I should not be using my blog to blast opinions I don't agree with, since this quote is not from a local blogger.

We should be afraid. We should be very, very afraid. Why? Because this is truly how these people think. The liberal left is beyond reproach and so caught up in their “goodness” that it is impossible in their thinking processes to conceive of anyone but themselves having these principles. Liberals seem to think they have some sort of monopoly on clear, rational thought. It becomes increasingly apparent that they have a monopoly on a twisted sense of right and wrong, and fact and fiction as well. A comment like the above makes perfect sense to them, while explaining the real dangers posed us by terrorists, for example, somehow does not compute.

Speaking of the real dangers of terrorists- after House Majority Leader Tom Delay stepped down, many liberals were suggesting that the terror level would soon be elevated or that a chief Al Qaeda operative would be taken down. They honestly believe that our terror level warnings and Al Qaeda battle successes are somehow tied to the ups and downs of Republican politics. Are these the people you want in the White House or any other place of authority? Terrorists are a very real danger to all of us. Where were these people on September eleventh? Irresponsible and ignorant are only the beginning of the words that come to mind...

When these people come down from their high horses and wake up to reality, I will stop blogging about them. Until then, these people have some serious cleaning up to do before claiming the moral high ground.

Posted by capecodcyclist at 07:46 PM | Comments (0)

Bloggers and Mainstream Media: Knowledge vs. Credentials

“If all mankind minus one, were of one opinion, and only one person were of the contrary opinion, mankind would be no more justified in silencing that one person, than he, if he had the power, would be justified in silencing mankind. Were an opinion a personal possession of no value except to the owner; if to be obstructed in the enjoyment of it were simply a private injury, it would make some difference whether the injury was inflicted only on a few persons or on many. But the peculiar evil of silencing the expression of an opinion is, that it is robbing the human race; posterity as well as the existing generation; those who dissent from the opinion, still more than those who hold it. If the opinion is right, they are deprived of the opportunity of exchanging error for truth: if wrong, they lose, what is almost as great a benefit, the clearer perception and livelier impression of truth, produced by its collision with error.” — On Liberty, John Stuart Mill

I have been thinking some this week about criticisms that were recently posted here on Cape Cod Today. After I quoted a blog that offended me, it was stated that this was not what blogging was all about. Based on people's reactions, I was concerned that there was some blogging etiquette that I might have missed. Subsequently, in researching this, I have found these fears were unwarranted. As a matter of fact, quite the contrary, it seems that many politically minded individuals find this to be exactly what blogging is all about. As a perfect example, the same offended person (who shall remain nameless) actually uses this method themselves when they quote our President in their blog and pontificate about matters political. Yet, when I quoted this blogarreah and was offended by it, I was somehow traveling a different road. An interesting bit of hypocrisy...

This week is Banned Books Week; I honestly hope we will never have the need to invoke Banned Blogs Week. The American Library Association uses Banned Book Week to “emphasize the freedom to choose or the freedom to express one's opinion even if that opinion might be considered unorthodox or unpopular and the importance of ensuring the availability of those unorthodox or unpopular viewpoints to all who wish to read them.” I don't think there are many of us who would question this freedom. However, I do think it is critical to remember that this same freedom also guarantees all of us the right to express our disgust at any of this free expression we find repulsive. I am not sure when these freedoms came to apply only to the liberal viewpoint, but a bit of self correction in this area might be in order.

The blog was considered on the cutting edge of the web not all that long ago. When the weblog had its beginning, it was simply defined as an often-updated site that directed people to outside articles on the web (and to other shared pages); these sites often included comments about their links. The blog is still that and so much more. The Blogfather recently forwarded a New York Times article to me that, in part, examined the effects that “upstart” bloggers are having on “the conventional news media.” While the article provides an interesting look into the mainstream media's fear of losing their audience, its exploration of blogs reveals a self-centeredness that bespeaks why their fears are justified. The article's description of bloggers as “mostly amateurs” is the key to where mainstream media is losing its audience. What much of the media fails to recognize is that it is “mostly amateurs” who are their audience, and “mostly amateurs” whose dollars pay their salaries. The problem with the journalistic establishment is that they are thoroughly convinced of their superiority and goodness and that the only way to salvation is by following their lead. The mainstream media has become so blind to their own bias, that they have repulsed many people who used to rely on them for their news. The media somehow misses that they have forced their own audience, their consumers, to take on the amateur endeavor of reporting news to professional standards. There is nothing professional about simply reporting the news, but it takes professionalism to report it without letting feelings and preconceived notions color the reporting of it.

Journalists and mainstream media still seem reluctant to embrace the blogosphere and they obviously underestimate the intelligence of its participants. It also seems that any technology that benefits them is worthy, but any that empower us are suspect. The New York Times article admits to the advantages the blogger has over the traditional journalist, but seeks to explain these advantages away. It is apparent that it is the rare professional journalist who would accept a blogger as their equal. The media is under the impression that they have a captive audience and are dependent on what they view as our limited knowledge. This will be the downfall of the elite news media; they presume their credentials place them above the rest of us. Until the media gets over themselves and accept views contrary to their own agendas as equally deserving of respect- the media will find far more escaping them than advertising dollars. The blog is not going to replace the media, any more than a camera phone will replace a photo journalist. Until the mainstream media views bloggers as their equals and embraces these new technologies as a benefit to us all, they may very well find themselves left behind... lost in the dust of antiquity.

My Blogisms for the week:

You may disagree with other's views, but do not propose to tell anyone what blogging is about. The web log is as unique to each one of us as we are different from each other.

In libraries there are books on subjects we would never elect to read – in blogs we can rarely escape that we wish we hadn't.

Bloggers are no different than the authors who grace our library shelves... only their critics are closer and quicker to respond.

“This country is not worth dying for” Anti-war Protester, Cindy Sheehan

“This country is not worth dying for” Anti-war Protester, Cindy Sheehan
~from transcript of Pro-Stewart Rally, San Fransisco State University, April 27, 2005

How does that statement make you feel? Yes, we all feel the pain of this woman and try to understand her loss, but does this statement move you as an American? Is America not worth dying for? Are not your neighbors, the people you met today, your coworkers, family or friends worth dying for? Because that is what we would be saying if we spoke the words above. If we had all of those people with us on a cruise ship and we knew the ship was sinking, would we do whatever it took to get only ourselves to the life rafts because these others just aren't worth saving? Please explain the difference to me. Try to picture America as the cruise ship. We know there is a very real danger to the ship, yet all of these people just aren't worth the sacrifice? What was September eleventh, a hoax? Do you think Saddam Hussein, if given the opportunity, would not have done anything in his power to bring harm to any one of us? Do you think there is some game being played with American lives?

America and her protection is worth every ounce of blood that has been spilled. Regardless of race, political affiliation, beliefs or status, this country affords us all an equal opportunity in the pursuit of happiness. It is the men and women of the armed forces who preserve and protect that opportunity for us on a daily basis. We owe them all a deep debt of gratitude and all of the backing we can provide. Every available resource should go into insuring that no unnecessary blood is shed and that no existing means of protecting our soldiers has been neglected. Our military is the single most important element standing between us and a hornets nest of terrorists that will do anything in their power to stomp out the America we know and love.

The amazing generosity we have witnessed in relief efforts following the recent storms that have pounded our country should be equaled by a daily outpouring of thanks and support to the men, women and families of those serving in our military. Were there more widespread support for the victims of war, as we respond to the victims of natural disasters, we can only hope that the Cindy Sheehan's of this country would feel more comforted that their child did not die in vain. They might see some real example that something good is being protected by their son or their daughter. What are we showing the parents and families of our military personnel? We certainly aren't giving them the respect they deserve. There are many groups out there to show your support, but the America Supports You website has the most comprehensive list of ways you can help. Regardless of your beliefs, I hope you will see fit to give something back to the men and women who guarantee us the freedoms we enjoy.

In Loving Memory of
SFC Robert Edward Rooney
July 8, 1960 – September 25, 2003

Posted by capecodcyclist at 07:37 PM | Comments (0)

October 01, 2005

American Politics are Killing Progress

America on the Edge

“Those who scoff at Peak Oil, and argue that Peak is not real, are missing the only important point. The criminal acts of this Empire—from 9/11 to the sequential oil war under the "war on terrorism" rubric, to the USA PATRIOT Act and militarization of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast (a rehearsal for the military control of the United States under post-Peak conditions), and unfolding economic crises—are continuing, as if Peak is real. The entire argument has been rendered academic by actual events. It is time to stop wasting time.”
Larry Chin, Online Journal Associate Editor

In Iraq, we are witnessing the war on terrorism in progress. We need to appropriately address the very real issues of unacceptable armor for our troops and lack of adequate support for the troops and their families from those of us safe at home (including our government). Instead of talk about the real issues of the Iraq war, we get tirades like this:

“George Bush needs to stop talking, admit the mistakes of his all around failed administration, pull our troops out of occupied New Orleans and Iraq, and excuse his self from power.”
Cindy Sheehan, anti-war, anti-Bush activist

Several times in recent weeks I have witnessed numerous assaults on conservatives that included the subject of tax cuts- comments such as these from right here on the Cape Cod Today web site:

“I bet you and the rest of your right-wing kook friends have a pool going as to when the 2000th American soldier will die in Iraq. I'm sure you and your buddies will get your rocks off over that while spending your undeserved tax cut!” Mr. Mike

For now, I am talking about tax cuts, I will ignore the incredibly stupid implication that any true American wishes harm on our troops. What tax cut could possibly be undeserved? That is the most ridiculous statement I have ever and perhaps will ever hear. Regardless of who receives a tax cut, whether it is a large corporation or you and I, taxes are our money! Perhaps you are in a situation that somehow allows you to live tax free, but the majority of us are not. I, for one, find the current drain on my pay check unconscionable. It is also a proven fact that tax cuts boost the economy and bring in... more tax revenues! Again, bigger government and more government spending on programs is not the answer- lower taxes and limiting government is.

Issues of race, class and poverty: we have a critical breakdown of the family unit, entire communities completely dysfunctional, and a rampant decline in values that are the real causes behind all of these. We can create government programs until all of our resources are exhausted, but without addressing these issues, these problems will never be fixed. These issues deserve far more space and attention than a short paragraph, but I do no purport to have all of the solutions. That those who bring these problems up are marked as racist or uncaring speaks to the perpetuation of this dilemma itself. Real solutions start at the individual and community level and are something we should all have a hand in.

Were we less focused on the popular seek and destroy mentality found in blog comments and forums, we might find more similarities between us. Unfortunately, there are some for whom common ground is not possible. Several times in my blogs, I have pointed to this mentality as being the scourge that molded me into the conservative I have become. If a “Christian” handed me a bible tract telling me I was going to hell as I walked down Main Street in Hyannis I would be offended. What is “Christian” about judging someone you have never seen in your church? In politics we suffer the same affliction, and I have yet to have anyone address this in any comments here. In my post, How Katrina Turned Me Republican, I honestly explained my aversion to the rudeness and self-centeredness of these attackers. This article has since been described as “transparent Republican propaganda.” Unfortunately, there is nothing transparent about what I am saying– I hide nothing of my distaste for rudeness and personal attacks on people based on their beliefs. The pervasiveness of this disgusting habit is the single most overlooked and unarguable cause behind my registering as a Republican. Most people take serious issue with being judged (and verbally assaulted) by anyone who does not know them. Although our beliefs may differ, we share many common needs and goals. We can only hope that the more we are exposed to “the other side” here in the blogoshpere, the more human we may seem to each other.

Posted by capecodcyclist at 10:04 PM | Comments (0)