Let us seek to understand...
When I was living in Waterloo I went to a talk at the Centre for International Governance Innovation (http://www.cigionline.org/) on a Canadian perspective on media. The panelists were all heavily involved in Canadian media (Toronto Star, CBC, and former head of Aljazeera English). One comment stuck with me made by a CBC reporter: "I may not agree with the polarization of American politics but there is a debate that goes on within the general population that you don't find here in Canada." The comment intrigued me and little did I know I would be engaging in discussions a few months later that would prove this point.
I was walking along the rim of Bryce Canyon admiring the changing hues of the sandstone hoodoos with a setting sun and a storm brewing on the horizon when I spotted a man in his sixties with an interesting t-shirt. It read: "Liberate Texas. Make the republic free." I stopped the man and asked him about his shirt. It was an informative discussion that ensued.
He explained how the US was going to hell in a handbasket and that Texas needed to take a stand.
Sporadic Nomadic: "What kind of stand?"
Patriot: "Well Texas is the only state that has the right to secede from the union."
Sporadic Nomadic: "Do you think this will happen?"
Patriot: "A strong chance if Obama gets reelected."
We then got onto the topic of the current presidency. I knew I was in trouble when he said the following:
Patriot: "I was listening to Rush Limbaugh this morning..."
Sporadic Nomadic: (groan) "Oh really?"
Patriot: "Yes, and he said that US debt had gone up by 30% since 2008. It would have been better for America to have NO president than to have Obama in power. His socialist policies have been driving this country into the ground."
Patriot: "Clinton really messed this country up as well. He sold ICBM technology to the Chinese. Think about that! He should be tried for war crimes."
I found it slightly odd that President Bush did not get an honorable mention for his significant actions during his eight years in the oval office. As the rain was coming down hard at this point I had time for one last question.
Sporadic Nomadic: "I find this perspective interesting. What are your thoughts on Obamacare as it's a hot topic right now in the US?"
Patriot: "We don't need it. We don't want it. He's making healthcare more expensive for everyone."
Sporadic Nomadic: "But don't people need healthcare? I mean don't all Americans have a need for this plan?"
Patriot: "Not us. I have issues with high blood pressure. I just take lavender oil, put some under my nose and my blood pressure reduces. Alright well, we need to go. Take care."
I do agree that much can be done for preventative health within the healthcare system. Yet I was left wondering - is this what people really believe?
- That what is causing a US decline has been the Clinton and Obama administrations? There appears to be an omission of history among some folks further on the right of the political perspective that Bush did not cause problems in this country but saved it from the demise of left leaning Democrats.
- That the Democrat and Republican parties are very different from each other? On many different issues it would appear that there is only one political offering here in the US. Political commentators from Europe have observed that there are no nationalist or social democratic parties in the US, rather you have two parties offering similar shades of right-of-centre ideology.
- That healthcare is not a right for all people. When the US Supreme Court voted in favour of upholding Obama's health care plan Mitt Romney came on the air and told the American public that the first thing he would do would if elected would be to overturn this ruling. He has not proposed an alternative plan to provide healthcare for all peoples. He seems to be playing into the hype of sentiment against this "socialist policy."
I love America. I love the friendly nature of so many people I meet here. The physical beauty, diversity and protection of wilderness is outstanding in many parts of this vast country. I do find evidence of the politics becoming more devisive in the last several years. What is most troubling is that the US foreign policy has been so devastating for the majority world (developing nations) over the past 40 years and it continues.
Yet as I talk with some people I have hope. When I see parents taking their children up challenging hikes to show them the beauty of nature, I smile. When I observe a stranger doing a kind act for another, I am encouraged. When I greet someone and an hour later we are engrossed in a fun and interesting conversation, I have hope.
Let us love, particularly when we do not understand.
Sporadic Nomadic
I was walking along the rim of Bryce Canyon admiring the changing hues of the sandstone hoodoos with a setting sun and a storm brewing on the horizon when I spotted a man in his sixties with an interesting t-shirt. It read: "Liberate Texas. Make the republic free." I stopped the man and asked him about his shirt. It was an informative discussion that ensued.
He explained how the US was going to hell in a handbasket and that Texas needed to take a stand.
Sporadic Nomadic: "What kind of stand?"
Patriot: "Well Texas is the only state that has the right to secede from the union."
Sporadic Nomadic: "Do you think this will happen?"
Patriot: "A strong chance if Obama gets reelected."
We then got onto the topic of the current presidency. I knew I was in trouble when he said the following:
Patriot: "I was listening to Rush Limbaugh this morning..."
Sporadic Nomadic: (groan) "Oh really?"
Patriot: "Yes, and he said that US debt had gone up by 30% since 2008. It would have been better for America to have NO president than to have Obama in power. His socialist policies have been driving this country into the ground."
The rain clouds had come overhead and began throwing cold droplets down on us. As we made our way off the rim of the canyon with lightning coming down around us he delved into the Clinton era.
Patriot: "Clinton really messed this country up as well. He sold ICBM technology to the Chinese. Think about that! He should be tried for war crimes."
I found it slightly odd that President Bush did not get an honorable mention for his significant actions during his eight years in the oval office. As the rain was coming down hard at this point I had time for one last question.
Sporadic Nomadic: "I find this perspective interesting. What are your thoughts on Obamacare as it's a hot topic right now in the US?"
Patriot: "We don't need it. We don't want it. He's making healthcare more expensive for everyone."
Sporadic Nomadic: "But don't people need healthcare? I mean don't all Americans have a need for this plan?"
Patriot: "Not us. I have issues with high blood pressure. I just take lavender oil, put some under my nose and my blood pressure reduces. Alright well, we need to go. Take care."
I do agree that much can be done for preventative health within the healthcare system. Yet I was left wondering - is this what people really believe?
- That what is causing a US decline has been the Clinton and Obama administrations? There appears to be an omission of history among some folks further on the right of the political perspective that Bush did not cause problems in this country but saved it from the demise of left leaning Democrats.
- That the Democrat and Republican parties are very different from each other? On many different issues it would appear that there is only one political offering here in the US. Political commentators from Europe have observed that there are no nationalist or social democratic parties in the US, rather you have two parties offering similar shades of right-of-centre ideology.
I love America. I love the friendly nature of so many people I meet here. The physical beauty, diversity and protection of wilderness is outstanding in many parts of this vast country. I do find evidence of the politics becoming more devisive in the last several years. What is most troubling is that the US foreign policy has been so devastating for the majority world (developing nations) over the past 40 years and it continues.
Yet as I talk with some people I have hope. When I see parents taking their children up challenging hikes to show them the beauty of nature, I smile. When I observe a stranger doing a kind act for another, I am encouraged. When I greet someone and an hour later we are engrossed in a fun and interesting conversation, I have hope.
Let us love, particularly when we do not understand.
Sporadic Nomadic
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