My grandmother died this weekend.
This, of course, brought our distended family together. After she had passed we spent some time catching up with each other. I got into a discussion with my brother and sister (who lives in Maine) about the war, politics, and the state of our country. I was very gratified to find that their beliefs and opinions were very similar to mine. I cannot tell you how happy that made me. My wife begs me not to talk politics when we have people over, and usually I respect her wishes. Because of this I don't have a clear idea of what members of my family think of Bush or if they voted for him.
Before the election I did broach the subject with my mother who sounded very much like she wanted to stick with Bush because she felt that it was not a good idea to change leaders in a time of war. I tried to reason with her but she did not seem willing to alter her thinking. After that discussion I found myself feeling differently about Mom then I had before. Bush's bullshit seemed so obvious to me and I was upset that I had failed to enlighten somebody who I love and feel is allowing herself to be manipulated by these bastards.
When I see the 2004 election map all covered in red I feel so sorry for our country and for the hopes of all those people who believed in this president and who must now feel so betrayed. I see Bush's approval rating and I know that there must be many, many people who have dramatically altered their opinion. Why did they not listen to us? What more did we need to do to show them that they were being lied to? It seems we missed the opportunity to save this country. I worry everyday about what is happening to America. It is so disconcerting.
I am going to be much more vocal in my opinions with family and friends I have encouraged them to read this blog and to listen to alternate news sources. It is my duty to enlighten them. We cannot allow this administration to get away with this anymore. It is time that we pointed out every lie and called them every media sleight of hand trick that they pull. And some of that needs to start at home, in our neighborhoods, and with our own families.
Man is my wife going to be pissed at me!
As I read this I was nodding my head in agreement. My oldest son is a Republican, I'm married to a conservative and thankfully the rest of my children are more liberal/indepedent types.
ReplyDeleteI grew up in a Libertarian environment so compared to them I am quite the Liberal. We do talk about politics often, and disagree quite often. It has been hard at times to keep a level of respect but it is better to keep trying to talk about it because that way there is the chance of looking for those common goals.
So, while your wife might be mad? Hopefully that will be a temporary thing.
Compliments to you on a very nice blog,