I don’t particularly enjoy talking politics. It’s a painful process in any crowd. Your first thought may be to the classic argument you have with some family member that is across the party line from you, and yes, that’s a pain in the ass. But talking with friends about a topic is almost as bad. You settle in with a drink, looking to talk about the issues of the day, and next thing you know you’re listening to a near-rabid diatribe about what’s right and wrong with politics today.
I understand that we’re talking about politics. Governments make sweeping decisions that change the shape of our lives, in major and minor ways. Still, one has to consider the scope. I’m usually listening to an argument about national politics. National. Politics. That’s HUGE! There is so much going on at that level! We throw our weight around about politics the way armchair quarterbacks call plays. Easy for you to say! Why don’t you get in the hot seat and try to make the calls? You’ll find out pretty quickly that being a President, Senator, or Supreme Court Justice ain’t a piece of cake.
So going through today was, frankly, hell.
I work with a diversity of people, but there is a cluster of politically minded men that don’t share the same perspectives on politics that I do. I knew, on the heels of the death of Osama, that they would have something to say. I wasn’t wrong. I heard everything along the spectrum, from how we need to go bomb Pakistan to how our current commander in chief is an absolute moron. As usual, I exhibited an amazing amount of patience, and told those with differing opinions that I’d consider what they were saying. I did–fair is as fair does.
But how extreme can you get?!? I understand that, deep down, everyone fights for what they believe in. When I hear these people tell me how they get sick to their stomach over the way America is perceived in the world, I understand that it comes from a place of patriotism. But can you really look at our daily lives, complex as they are, and think that the goings on at the global level are that simple? How many forces push against each other to make a moment happen?
I’m tired of the strife that plagues our country. I’m tired of seeing members of Congress shot because they aren’t in the popular party of that state. I’m tired of hearing people who are dedicated to this country talking about rounding up people that disagree with their politics. Much of what I’m seeing, hearing, and feeling in this modern day of the USA is disturbing, and not what our Founding Fathers intended. I don’t think any party out there has it right, and they’re not going to—it’s not their responsibility. It’s our responsibility as citizens. We have a role to play in our government, as the Founders intended. Hell, even if you think the Founders were idiots, it boils down to one statement: It’s your country.
I’m going to spend the next few days dodging Obama talk and listening to what people have to say. I hope, after all the rage, grief, and frustration is vented, I’m not the only one that finds a little peace in the silence.
