Being subtle... that's something I really never learned how to do. If I like something, I obsess over it. If I hate something, everyone around me will suffer if they enjoy it. They say the two things you should never, ever talk about in polite conversation are religion and politics. But those two things are pretty much what make me the person I am. Does being "subtle" mean you have to be insubstantial, just for the sake of polite conversation?
I put my opinion out there constantly. Between Facebook, Twitter, and everyday real-life conversations, I never meet a stranger, and there is never any ambiguity about how I feel or what I believe in or how passionate I am. I try to be polite (and sometimes I fail miserably) but I never let my voice go unheard. After all, the tagline of this blog is "the 'not so subtle' elephant in the room." Sometimes I have to ask, though... should I be more subtle in political conversations?
Ok, most of you are probably wondering why am I writing all this. It's different than my usual posts, yes. But there is a reason, and it's very important. This weekend I saw a post on a friend's Facebook page from an individual saying, essentially, that "Obama won and now we have to suck it up and compromise." Whoa. Whoa. Whoa. Whoa..... No.
When the Westboro Baptist Church taints Christianity, do you stop going to church? Do you stop preaching to the lost? Of course not!
When progressives demonized a private company and decided to boycott, did you vow to never again eat at Chick-fil-A? I sure didn't, and I know many of you that did just the opposite. Some of you even ate 3 square meals of chicken that day!
So tell me, why would you stop standing up for conservative principles just because there is an obstacle in the way? Most people I talk to say it's "just too divisive" and "they don't like the drama" or "it's not worth losing friends." I think it's worth every bit of it.
This election was not in my favor. I am sad for this country and I worry about the future. But the unfavorable outcome doesn't mean I should roll over and abandon my principles. I'm convicted daily by my faith and my strong beliefs. That doesn't change just because there is some guy sitting in a circular office trying to call the shots. But it can be silenced by those who say they are conservatives and vote that way, but stop the pursuit of conservatism after a loss. Battles and wars, y'all. Know the difference. We were defeated in battle... but are you going to stop going to war for your country now? I know I'm not. Guess I haven't yet mastered the art of subtlety.
You go, girl!!! Exactly how I feel!!
ReplyDeleteHey, I thought this was interesting because I have been reading about political polarization a lot recently. I was interested to know what you think about compromise. Do you think that you can govern effectively without compromise or when both sides dig in their heels on their position and refuse to come to the middle? If not, do you think effective governance is important (especially now given that our economic problems need sound and consistent policy to be solved)?
ReplyDeleteI have been thinking about this with regards to the debate over the fiscal cliff. In my opinion, the election mandated that both sides need to start working together and finding compromise to meet our fiscal challenges. For the fiscal cliff I think that means that spending cuts and marginal tax rate increases need to be on the table. From the policy papers I have read, it looks like closing loopholes and getting new revenue through dynamic scoring and future growth (which is what I believe Boehner and the GOP want) wont raise enough revenue to solve the problem. And with Obama campaigning on raising income tax rates on people making over $250,000/year I feel like a majority of the electorate agrees with Obama's position that tax rate increases on the wealthy and spending cuts (that the poor feel the most) are needed.
I think that standing for your beliefs is great, but I wonder what you think about the balance between standing for what you believe and finding solutions with people who believe different things.
I enjoy reading your blog. I have been writing one off and on myself and like to see how other people do it. I don't find too much that I agree with because I tend to be a little left of center most of the time, but I like hearing what those on the right have to say.
-Kyle
Thanks for reading/commenting, Kyle!
ReplyDeleteI DO think compromise is an integral part of the political process; that being said, the conservative folks who were elected on the promise of "no new taxes" should stand by that promise and appease the people who want their representation. I need to do a post on compromise/bipartisanship from elected officials... This particular post was aimed much more at the voter/activist, instead.
I will have to disagree that raising taxes is a viable solution to an over-spending problem - I'm staunchly opposed to the idea of taxing one's self into prosperity. Cutting spending is a must, but increasing tax revenue decreases job growth, pay checks, and the private sector as a whole. I'm further opposed to the idea that someone has "made enough money" and "doesn't need that extra money." If someone works hard and earns their paycheck, I think it is immoral for the government to take it from them. I'll be sure to add your blog to my RSS feed so I can see your posts!
Hey Tori,
ReplyDeleteI'm hoping to hear your opinions Grover Norquist and the pledge from representatives to not increase tax rates.
Thanks!