Reality Checked

We really are living in two realities in America. One of them must be completely wrong, but how do we deal with that? I’m trying not to pick sides, but one side believes our president is a secret Muslim, communist, fascist, dictator who wants to institute shiara law, take away their guns, and destroy democracy. The other side thinks Romney is a bit of a rich dude with all the pros / cons that come with that.

I’m not suggesting there aren’t reasons to vote for Romney.  Everyone gets their choice, and hey, I could give a damn who you vote for.  It’s your call.  But if you’re voting for Romney because you believe any of the above about Obama, you need to stop a moment and ask yourself is this really true?

I’m not trying to step on anyone’s toes, but if the only reason you like Romney is because you fear the ridiculous boogeyman that Obama clearly isn’t, then I just don’t know what to say about that.

This isn’t about politics.  Politics are dull and boring and, at the end of the day, it all seems to work out the same regardless of who we vote for.  I believe in democracy.  I’m just not sure I believe it’s very good at getting results.  But what do I know?  I’m just one guy.

Still, it’s hard not to deride this nonsense.  And frankly, I’m no longer in the mood to tiptoe around it.  Bullshit is bullshit.  There’s no two ways about it.  And while I expect disagreement (when have we ever been a harmonious species?), I also expect a certain level of clarity.  You can live in a fantasy world all you like, but don’t expect me to not call you on it when it starts getting this delusional.

Just because you fear something, doesn’t mean it is something to be feared.  For so many, the Obama presidency is like some lurking monster.  It hasn’t actually done much, but it’s out there.  Just waiting.  Like a legendary beast that everyone’s heard about, but no one has seen.

And to my conservative friends, I respect your views.  I don’t have to agree with all of them.  But I won’t call you un-American for having them, and I expect the same courtesy in return.  And I expect mature adults to act mature, to voice their concerns fairly and honestly, and to never resort to scare tactics or outright falsehoods.

We can all do better, folks.  And we should want to do better.

Keelah Se’lai

Fighting the good fight, Writing the good write,

Lee