Keeping Our Political ‘Sides’ In Power

How Our Ideological Leanings Are Not Always What We Think

Sides are drawn between the right and the left. If you’re a leftist, you are a genderless baby killer who supports a communist regime that is infiltrating schools and corporations, hell-bent on destroying this country. If you’re on the right, you are a racist, gun-toting psycho who supports an authoritarian regime that is infiltrating schools and corporations, hell-bent on destroying this country. 

What about those of us who acknowledge that though there are stances that may fall in one political category or the other, but still believe that what we have in common far outweighs whatever differences we have politically? What about those of us who put far more importance into how we treat people as opposed to lashing out over someone’s opinion? 

Each side wants us angry, full of mistrust and despair. And they want that anger to be transformed into vitriol and hate toward their political adversaries. 

I’m done being controlled. My emotions will be controlled by me, not by some politician or influencer.  The world is too complicated to observe only two world views. There are too many nuances to every widely debated subject that make it impossible to have only two concrete stances on it. 

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For example, I’m pro-choice, but I have a hard time coming up with reasons to support late-term abortions. 

I’m reluctantly pro-second amendment. That stance is a little harder to explain in one or two short sentences, but let’s just say, I believe the second amendment is sort of like a Jenga piece and once it is pulled, many things will fall along with it. 

I support LGBTQ rights, but I don’t support attacking people who are willing to be tolerant but may feel they are being forced into acceptance and ultimately compliance. 

I don’t believe gender/sex is malleable. However, I acknowledge the existence of trans men and women and support their right to live freely in this country. While I do not support any legislation that attempts to control language, I personally observe someone’s pronouns or gender out of respect for a fellow human being. 

I believe parents should be left to raise their children as they see fit without interference from any government-controlled entity. 

There are a few reasons why I decided to start writing opinion pieces. 

First, I want to archive my beliefs and principles and attempt to present them in a respectful, compassionate manner while being true to who I am. There are stances I support that supposedly don’t align with what is publicly acceptable. My contention is there are more people who will agree with many of the things I will write about, but are hesitant to vocalize because of potential backlash from extremists from each respective side. 

Secondly, I believe our ability to think critically and then share in a public forum is under attack. You already see the government dipping their toes into those waters under the guise of protecting subsets of groups from “hate speech”. There was a time when it was a liberal platform to protect the right to free speech, no matter how vile the position is. Now, it is more likely any views subjectively chosen as being troublesome or dangerous are being suppressed for the good of the general public. 

Lastly, I have reached a point in my life where I want to start documenting my thoughts and beliefs to leave something to the people I love when I am not here or unable to share them. Dementia is something that has affected quite a few people in my family. It can come gradually, or it can hit you very quickly. Thankfully I feel good and plan on working with my doctor in the fall to do everything I can to avoid this. 

But just in case, I want my son to remember me for who I am, the good along with the bad. I have found it enjoyable to write short posts on social media, and writing is something that makes me happy. I want to engage in this hobby for as long as I can because you never know when something will be taken away from you. 

Turning 50 has made me realize I’ve traveled more roads than I have in front of me. I want to spend that time being who I am while trying to be a part of making this very small piece of the world I live in a better place.

I am completely disenfranchised by politicians who have allowed oligarchs and activists to run this country. In order for these people to take over, regular people like us need to have our attention diverted with the current culture war. They need us to take sides and villainize the opposition. 

In reality, it’s a uniparty that inhabits the congressional halls in Congress, and I’m sick of pretending this isn’t happening. It’s time for us to unite under what we have in common as responsible, compassionate human beings instead of creating division over political differences. 

If you are unable to do that, at least be open to holding your respective party up to a higher standard. Make them accountable for what they promise you. When you cast your vote in November, try to show support to a candidate you honestly feel deserves your vote, not some slimy politician you are throwing a vote toward for the sole purpose of keeping your side in power.