I couldn't help but notice the flurry of boos from the crowd as Senator McCain mentioned now president-elect Barack Obama in his concession speech. Senator McCain, an honorable man at the end of an ill-fated campaign, quickly did his best to silence the ill-mannered members of his audience. Throughout his campaign, he expectedly spared few opportuinities to criticize his opponent in order to portray Obama as unfit for presidency. However, he was always quick to correct those who clearly stepped over the line -- those who claimed Obama was Muslim (heaven forbid!) or a terrorist, or any number of other things which were horrible and false. For running a relatively honorable campaign, John McCain has my respect.
It was the boos from his supporters that concern me.
I define conservatives as those who cling to traditional values with much fervor; they are certain that allowing others to act in a manner inconsistent with their own beliefs is somehow going to corrupt civilization as we know it and upset their way of life.
These people are absolutely petrified (and pretty much certain) that a liberal democrat in the White House is going to bring the end of days and/or ruin the country. Because they fear that liberalism will corrode society and threaten their way of life, I fear that many are not beyond resorting to violence in order to 'protect' themselves and/or send a message to those who oppose them.
But who 'opposes' conservatives? Liberals?
Do liberals attempt to pass legislation to take rights away from conservatives? Do liberals tell conservatives that they are not allowed to be narrow minded? That they are not allowed to go to church? That they are not allowed to be homophobic, or that they are required to have abortions? No.
So who has the advantage in the struggle between progression and tradition? Those who are irritated with, yet tolerant of their adversaries, or those who appear to stop at nothing to impress their own values and morals upon their foes?
3 comments:
Well said Craig, well said.
Before the election took place, I witnessed vandalism of election signs, words painted over, slang spray painted over names, and this was over both traditionally "liberal" and "republican."
There are such strong sentiments against the hope of our nation to survive this next presidential term, ironically in the care of the candidate that based his entire campaign on hope for the future and empowerment to the people regardless of political distinction.
I wasn't there to truly understand the temperament of a nation after a civil war, yet I imagine flares of that fear, hatred have infiltrated the present. An extremely eloquent President brought a divided nation together. I hope that can also be our fate, to be brought together once more regardless of personal beliefs and ideals on how the American peoples can achieve life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Craig,
Before I respond to your well written, cleary expressed ideas about this nation and her constitution, please accept my commendment for your active role and voice of concern for our nation.
I think you make a valid point that someone or some people who are willing to allow and accept other's viewpoints but not necessarily agree with them, or even respect them are cut from a special fabric. These types of people are not normally confrontational, nor will they generaly stress to impress their beliefs on others. They are content to live quietly among a vast sea of others. The question is this: When do these people feel the need to speak up? When do they take a stand against something they dont believe in? Does this make them ridged or incapable of accepting others unlike themselves? Does this make them conservatives, who, by your definition, value traditions?
There are some things in my country that I do not want to see accepted. There are some things in our country that I do not agree with. There are changes being made that I will never endorse. Let me be clear about one thing here, these traditions that I cling to are not because they suit my needs. These traditions I will fight to maintain are what has preserved our way of life. We are enjoying the fruits of our labor from seasons passed.
Wouldn't we be remorse in our patriotic and political duties if we did not self cleanse? Not every idea is good. To remain passive on issues that will deteriorate the integrity of our nation, the traditions we were founded on, is for followers. We are founders my friend.
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