I’d been waffling over what to write my next post about, and couldn’t come to a sound conclusion. Me being me, I was content to let it ride until something felt right. Not exactly what blogging is all about, but like it or not that’s how I roll.
Then I happened upon the latest post by my friend and fellow fire-breathing patriot over at Ugly Ass Opinions. I commented on her post, then sat back and became annoyed because I’d typoed a few things—such was my fervor. I think that’s when my guardian angel slapped me upside the head and whispered “Hey, dumbass, there’s your next post!”
Yeah, she drops a mild curse now and then, but we’re pretty tight ;^)
UOP’s post was short but meaty: I disagree with what you say and I’ll defend with my life your right to do so. Are any of you socialist, ultra-left leaning, Constitution-stomping, ‘progressive’ liberals listening? (much less thinking). Before I get to my comment to her post and then my further thought, I’d like to address what assuredly would be the weak-kneed response from an offended liberal (GASP!):
“But we pay our service people!”
Uh, yeah. As well we should. What you’ve left out is that it’s a volunteer force. Short of conscription (which we haven’t done for some time), every soldier in any of the armed services is there by choice. Sometimes their choices are practically made for them because of their current station in life, but make no mistake—they choose to enter into the service of their country.
“They’re not defending our Constitution, they’re fighting a war predicated on power politics and greed!”
While I’d bet many soldiers have thoroughly mulled over their reasons for being deployed into combat most are, in fact, following orders. They serve as they’ve been trained. Our armed forces were created as extensions of the ideals put forth in the Constitution, as a means of protecting its ideas. Greed and politics walk hand-in-hand everywhere in this great country, but it shouldn’t diminish in the least what our fathers, mothers, sons, and daughters are doing. My money is on the idea that they’re over there with a bigger picture in mind, not the small one you keep in your walnut-shaped cranium.
Phew . . . okay, I feel a little better now. Anyways, here’s my comment to the aforementioned post:
If we can’t learn from each other, even through disagreement, then how can we possibly move forward?
Should we rely upon Uncle Sam to tell us what’s right and wrong?
Should we abdicate all our freedoms for “security”?
If we can’t talk to one another, even within the tenuous confines of civil discord, then we have no soil in which to plant new ideas. If the soil goes fallow, then so does everything we cherish as a union.
Come home safe all you who protect what others are only too ready to trample.
God Bless our Armed Forces, and may God Bless the United States of America.
You might be a liberal and reading this. I applaud the fact that you can read, for starters (okay, that was harsh, but seriously . . .), and second, this world we bloggers virtually exist in, the very thing you are reading right this second, is only here because we, as Americans, have the lawful right to disagree with one another. If we incite others to riot, well, then it becomes a problem. But as long as you and I have thoughtful discourse then it’s all good.
I’d like to state one more thing for the record: I am a registered Independent. I neither vote nor conduct my thoughts or activities based upon any party line. I’m an individual, one of We the People. I possess the tiniest shard of power, yet when I hold my shard up with others like me we become a force to be reckoned with. I fuel my shard with a love of my country and its sometimes sad but awe inspiring history.
I, too, would defend your right to be a member of whatever party you see personally fit. I would defend your right to disagree with me. The whole reason we can do so is not strictly due to any law of man’s creation, but rather within an all-binding Natural Law. I’m not referring to any biblical or secular law here.
Natural Law: a law whose content is set by nature and which, therefore, has validity everywhere. Man’s Law cannot be viable unless there is some reference to Natural Law.
We are imbued, by our Creator, with certain natural rights . . . sound familiar? If we truly hold ourselves and each other accountable, as proper self-governance dictates, then Natural Law easily carries the day. There is less virtue in remaining silent on some issue you believe in, and far more honor in taking up and voicing your approval or displeasure of same. It’s the only way we can hope to keep moving forward and not two steps back.
Here’s what it boils down to: We were endowed with the divine gift of reason. Cicero postulated that reason and thought are qualities which distinguished us from the rest of the creatures. Humans have the ability to reason things out based upon a presentation of facts. We won’t always agree on those facts or reasoning, but simply doing so allows for further discussion. It’s a good thing that feeds upon itself.
At its foundation, the Framers didn’t create the Constitution with only the issues of the late 1700′s in mind. They argued and clashed for months while working on it. Every delegate in that convention knew the Articles of Confederation were never going to work for a country as complex as the newly independent America. So they constructed a framework of government based upon the requirements of human nature.
There is the key—human nature.
I understand you’re human, and I am equally so. Are you willing to stand up for my right to disagree with you?
The Amercian people seem to think that while they are the major part of forces fighting in the Middle East and Afghanistan they are the only ones whose sons and daughters are defending freedom and in some sad cases losing lives. A few weeks ago the UK army lost 8 soldiers on Afghanistan and have lost many many young lives in the middle east.
Barry
That’s the greatest thing about a nation like the US or in fact any truly democratic country. The right to disagree is part of what fuels democracy – discussion and free speech are what form opinions and change them.
Whenever I’m having any sort of political discussion with a friend or acquaintance, I remember that the fact that I’m simply allowed to do so is a thing worth cherishing.
First, (to Barry), I don’t think the post was meant to leave out any other country’s people that have lost loved ones from conflict, but it was rather directed toward our own American people and the disagreements we are having in our own country. Or at least that is how I read it.
Anyway.
Loved this post. For the record, I am also registered as Independent. It grates me that when I don’t agree with someone more liberal, they automatically assume they know my stance and opinion on every issue.
I also like what you said about the choice to serve in the armed forces. I have family and friends serving our country, and I know for a fact, because I’ve discussed it with them, that they are proud to serve our country. I am grateful to them, and I am grateful to live in a country where I am free to make the choices that I do, and free to say what I want to say.
Okay. I’ll be quiet now.
M.
Barry: You’re absolutely correct. While my thoughts pertained to what our troops serve for, there is no doubt as to the contributions and sacrifices of soldiers from coalition countries–Britain, Canada, etc. I in no way intended to lessen or denegrate any soldier’s involvement in the cause.
Em: Home awaits you . . . again :^)
M.: Look! I have my own M&M!
Seriously though, I would ask that you please thank your siblings and friends for me, for what they’re doing. And in this forum, M, there is never a mandate nor request to keep quiet!
I love that we can agree to disagree. That is what this great country is about. I also feel we need all parties in order to make each other think before acting. If we had only one, things would always just go that way. I like the division of things. Does that make sense? I hope you know what I mean by that. I like the discussions. Take health care right now, if it were only Democrats in the White House, we’d be screwed. Take abortion, if it were only the Republicans, we’d be screwed. I guess it also depends on where you stand. I vote for the man and not the party.
Great post again.
Sure will.
Stands and applauds. Sits down, thinks better of it, then stands and applauds again.
Storyheart, we are all brothers in humanity. The sacrifices made by your countrymen for a greater good are no less important than those made by US soldiers. We all bleed the same.
J.W., I am also an Independent. And like Joy, I believe the different parties are required to keep a balance in our country. What I don’t like is that the hoops placed by congress for a presidential contender to jump through make it nearly impossible for anyone other than a Republican or Democrat to become President. But that’s a whole other post.
Ok J.W. 2 things…
…First off how can you defend the brave men and women that wear the uniform and NOT VOTE. I understand most Americans respect the armed forces but you still have to voice your opinion every vote counts even if it’s in a group and not a sole voice…….
..
…there are independants out there that could capture Americas imagination and vote..but most of them their ambition usually falls dead for the serious issues….i.e. Ralph Nadar….
You have my attention now …Zman sends……..Navyman
There will likely never be a president who is able to make everyone happy. I get that. As for voting, I absolutely vote—it’s a priviledge, not just a protected right, and I take it seriously. Given the candidates it’s not always a painless decision either, but I try—as I suspect many do—to vote for the candidate who has the country’s best interest in mind, and not just their own party or self-interests.
Steve, I absolutely agree with where you’re coming from on the independent candidates. One of my concerns are these yahoos who up and switch parties because it’s politically convenient. The time will come when one of them suddenly jumps onto the independent bandwagon. While it will make Indies more of a political force it also serves to fragment the vote. Bottom line though, if everyone votes more their conscience than their party we may just begin something truly good for America.
I’m deeply concerned about the road we travel currently. America has meant so much to so many, while the few have been allowed to pillage and desecrate to satisfy their own needs for self-consequence. It heartens me to see people such as you all, participating, thinking, and loving your country as I do.
Thank you all very much for your support!
You’re so damned talented. I’m priveledged to know you as a blogging friend.
That inappropriate chasm I call my blogging crush on you, only widens.
LK