Let's "agree to disagree," and call it a day, mmk?

This has nothing to do with the post below; I just think it's pretty.

"Without feelings of respect, what is there to distinguish men from beasts?" - Confucius 

Four years ago, I decided to use this forum to be vocal about my thoughts and opinions about the political issues of the day, primarily the presidential election. This backfired, and I received some pretty acerbic (not to mention anonymous) comments that didn't just attack my personal beliefs, they attacked me as a person. 

Because of this, I opted to stay pretty silent about my opinions this time around... at least here on the blog. But I kind of sort of really got sucked into sharing my opinions on Facebook. (Oh Facebook, you dirty temptress, you.) Foolishly, I thought that by doing so in a respectful manner (i.e. posting things on my feed that are important to me, without going on the offensive and attacking or insulting others who feel contrary), I would then be afforded the same courtesy. Especially since you can't really pursue the whole "anonymous" route in this forum. (Plus, you always have the option of "unsubscribing" to someone's feed. Just saying.) However, again, I was disappointed.

I suppose I just don't understand why something like politics has to be so divisive and polarizing all the time. I don't understand why you can't have a meaningful conversation about issues (even if they are negative) without engaging in personal attacks. (Perhaps those sentiments are overly-naive or idealistic, but it's truly how I feel.) While I certainly have strong opinions that I have developed based upon intensive study, that doesn't mean that I will discount another's equally fervent convictions if they are dissimilar to mine. I like surrounding myself with a diversity of thoughts, ideas and beliefs, because I feel that doing so enriches my life.

I mainly just think it's important to vote because it's a right that so few people in the world have. And I don't think that there's such a thing as a perfect candidate, either. You just have to weigh all of the issues and choose the person whose platform more closely aligns with your personal convictions and beliefs. It's really that simple.

So, to those who might feel that it's incumbent to insult, belittle or deride someone who believes differently than you do, I would (nicely) implore you to stop. Because you're better than that. Leave it at, "let's agree to disagree," and call it a day.

And that's all I'm going to say about that. 

Some things I know (right now)

1. The recent recurrence of my age-old insomnia issue is not awesome. Not awesome at all.

2. Magnum Minis are going to be the death of my waistline. And thighs. And other stuff that has the potential to become jiggly.

3. The reason I am not officially tied to either political party is because I don't feel like I fit into either party's "box." It's strangely liberating and frustrating all at once.

4. Speaking of the dreaded "p" word, why all the negativity and vitriol this election season? Can't we all (try) to get along? Or at the very least, "agree to disagree?" Think about it people: if I can be friends with Red Sox fans, anything is possible. (Please note the humor that has been injected to lighten the mood. Giggles regarding the aforementioned humor-injection are also appreciated.)

5. Motherhood has severely inhibited my vocabulary (not to mention my ability to pronounce said vocabulary). Unless it's Sesame Street's "word on the street," it's probably no longer in my purview. (Not that I let my child watch mind-numbing TV or anything...)

6. I really enjoy freelancing. And I'm really glad that I have been provided the opportunity to do so.

7. College doesn't seem that long ago. But it was.

8. It both terrifies and intrigues me that my daughter is exhibiting my stubborn streak. It's like she's one going on sixteen. Yeah.

9. Season 4 of "So You Think You Can Dance?" was the best season. Hands down. They probably should have just stopped at that point. But I'm kind of (sort of glad) they didn't.  

10. I am still convinced that the camper parked outside of my building is a moving meth lab (sans Walt and Jesse, I'm afraid). And I'm 99.9% sure that its tenant used our bushes for some bathroom time the other day. Which maybe means that I'm (almost) ready to move back to the 'burbs. Almost.  

Thanks, Colin, I no longer feel like I'm taking crazy pills

The following excerpt was taken from here:

[Powell] blasted radio commentator Rush Limbaugh, saying he does not believe that Limbaugh or conservative icon Ann Coulter serve the party well. He said the party lacks a "positive" spokesperson. "I think what Rush does as an entertainer diminishes the party and intrudes or inserts into our public life a kind of nastiness that we would be better to do without," Powell said.

Well said, well said.

{today was probably one of the most craziest days that i've ever had at work. hope you all had a lovely day. i'll be back tomorrow.}

UPDATE:

I will now post Rush's reply to Powell's statement (though with reticence, because his statements are truly so idiotic that they make me want to throw something) to illustrate the idea that as long as Republicans listen to his drivel, I won't be affiliated with the party. Read it and see it here:

Today on his radio show, Limbaugh responded by calling Powell “just another liberal.” Limbaugh said Powell should “close the loop” and leave the Republican party instead of “claiming” to be interested in reforming it. Additionally, Limbaugh reiterated his previous claim that Powell endorsed Obama only because of his race:

LIMBAUGH: [Powell] is out there saying I am killing the republican party while he endorsed and voted for Obama. … He’s just mad at me because I’m the one person in the country who had the guts to explain his endorsement of Obama. It was purely and solely based on race! There can be no other explanation for it. What Colin Powell needs to do is close the loop and become a Democrat instead of claiming to be a Republican interested in reforming the Republican party.

Limbaugh concluded, “The only reason to endorse Obama is race. I don’t think Powell thought he could get away without with not endorsing Obama. … So I don’t care.”

I mean really? REALLY? He is actually going to sit there and assert something that asinine? About Colin Powell? First, he declares that Powell is a liberal, but then declares that the only reason Powell voted for Obama was because of race? Isn't that a bit contradictory? Glad he's earning that 45 mil a year. Driving the GOP into the ground. Blech.

A letter.

Dear Glenn/Rush/Sean,

I would greatly appreciate it if you would, how do I say this politely, stop talking. I believe the words you are speaking now are the very kind of words you would have deemed "un-American" if said by your opponents in reference to the previous administration. Seriously.

Look, I get the fact that you disagree with the current administration. Which is cool I guess, because it's your right as an American. That's what makes our country great. You can disagree and spit vitriolic libel and fear-monger until you're blue in the face. And it's all protected by the 1st Amendment. But honestly guys, why would you want to do that? What motivation besides fiscal gain is there to do so?

I'm just getting really tired of hearing about it all. Because if the stuff you're saying is getting to my delicate eyes and ears, and I don't read your words or listen to your programs, it's getting a bit out of hand, don't you think?

If we ever become a fascist/socialist/whatever kind of -ist you decide is the weekly -ist nation, then I will redact these statements and laud you three as the voices of reason in a sea of chaos.

I'm thinking it's more likely that hell will freeze over first.

Sincerely,
An Independent with a headache