Nov 13 2008
To Ms. khlindsey.
“If it is possible to be heard over the deafening applause, may I please say: As a native Texan, although recently relocated to VA, I resent the stereotype that intelligence, rational thought, and intellectual vigor is predicated on some geographical point of origin.
“When Americans get scared, they seem to revert back to conservatism. Conservatism is easy. It doesn’t challenge the mind in a lot of ways.” Conservatism is not easy if you are a thinking person. It forces the mind to stand still, reverse course, and reject all knowledge acquired in order to maintain an un-natural position, a constant resistance toward forward motion. When people allow their fear to dictate their actions they become “fear based”. The fear informs the horizon of their life. From where I sit, that is tragedy. That is disgusting; yet, I know with all my being that is choice. Choice to be left behind. Choice to be passed by. And ultimately, the choice to “be scared”. Fear does nothing but weaken the spirit and prepare the soul for domination. Not this Texan… ~k”
Of course geography has no bearing on intelligence. Yet stereotypes exist for a reason. I don’t think it’s any stretch to say Texas is more conservative than Vermont, or would be more likely to maintain mores the rest of the country has long since abandoned.
I truly don’t believe one party is more virtous than the other, or has a lock on good policy.
I’m a social liberal and econmically split between liberal and conservative. I believe what I believe because of things I’ve witnessed and how I’ve been socialized in my life. I can fully acknowledge that in different circumstances, I may have turned out as a conservative, or a bleeding heart liberal.
I don’t think being a conservative is a concious choice to regress. It’s an unconcious choice to maintain the status qou. Most people in this country are socially conservative to various degrees.
As far back as I can remember, I’ve been pretty uncomfortable with homosexuals. Only in the last few years, as I’ve been challenging myself and what I believe on a lot of issues, did I come to believe in personal freedom and rights to the extent I do today.
I’ve met gay people, I’ve shaken their hands, and no, it turns out it’s not contagious. But in another life, who knows if I’d make that jump? When you discuss gay marriage with people, most people see the logic of your position. Most people move at least somewhat to the left on it.
It’s a challenge: do I push myself and my beliefs, or do I choose to stay where I am?
But I think you’re right. There are plenty of people, liberal and conservative, who choose to live in fear. Fear of blacks, gays, terrorists, the economy, whatever. It takes a lot of brainpower, and a lot of courage to move beyond that fear and to embrace what makes you afraid.
Someone I know once said Libertarianism is great because it really gives you the freedom to be a nut.
You think the thought of legalizing drugs isn’t terrifying to me? It is. But it takes courage to move beyond fear, and embrace the rational argument beyond what makes you afraid.
The way we move this country socially is to keep talking about it, keep challenging ourselves and those we meet to think rationally. I do it nearly every day, and I’m proud to say I’m still moving to the right on some things and to the left on others.
If someone likes politics for politics sake, it’s not that important. But if you’re serious about being right, about finding the truth in between the shades of gray, nothing is more important.
2 Responses to “To Ms. khlindsey.”
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Just a few points…
It sounds like you’re basically agreeing with everything K said. Stereotypes exist in 2008 because ignorance begets ignorance, and unless you have life changing experiences, which can be as simple as visiting someplace else, you will remain ignorant.
You addressed your response post to me to Bill; I’m not Bill, I’m Steve. I know it can be easy to confuse us…we even went to different high schools together.
Most Libertarians I know don’t want across the board legalization of all drugs. It’s a common misconception purported by people that are scared of pot used to illustrate the “slippery slope” argument.
Cheers
It’s always a good idea to get out of our comfort zones and avoid conforming to a single party or ideology. In my experience though, reality has a liberal bias.