I am the first to stand up for our right to free speech. I am accepting (not simply tolerant) of those from other countries, other religions, other parts of our country, different colors of skin, any sexual orientation or gender, other political parties and backgrounds. Not only am I accepting of these things, I think it makes life, our country, our world a better place with all of this diversity in it.
I try not to assume, but to ask questions instead. I try to be respectful and not lose patience with certain points of view. I do try…even if I am not always successful.
However, it's no longer enough to say "Hey, we are all entitled to our own opinions." "We can agree to disagree." "That's the great thing about the country, we don't all have to agree." "Where's the respect?"
But I am certainly not advocating for name calling or ugliness.
What I am clumsily trying to say is that there is a difference between disagreeing about whether to spend more on infrastructure which would raise taxes and disagreeing about whether it is acceptable for our president to tell blatant lies (repeatedly) and call people ugly, rude names and treat them like dirt any time anyone does not agree with him or dares to ask questions of him (or any of the MANY other things he does that is questionable, out-of-line or even against the constitution, a policy or law).
This is simply a very limited example of what I am addressing.
The difference between these two examples and agreeing to disagree is that regarding government spending there are (at least) two arguments to be made in debating and deciding what is best for our people and the country and the budget, and we can respect each of the positions made.
In the instance of our president telling lies (that can be easily checked to determine what the truth is), making up things that don't exist and calling people names and being really ugly to those who disagree with him and ask questions of him, there is never a time his behavior should be acceptable as the president of the United States of America. There are not two arguments to be made. There are not two sides to this coin. Period.
Your opinion on areas like taxes, military engagement, use of our land, environmental issues, health care, etc., are welcome and we can agree to disagree if that is how we end up. Again, these are normal political issues with multiple positions and considerations.
Telling lies, being verbally abusive and generally rude and ugly and throwing around one's weight for the sake of power are not political issues. We, as Americans with a democratic government, should never accept a leader who acts this way. NEVER!
{Warning: this is where my husband, Will, would like this post to end. Continue reading if you want my version of the ending.}
So, when it comes to agreeing to disagree or backing down from taking a stand or taking flak for not being respectful to the president or to others in ELECTED offices, I will not just get over it or be nice or take off the gloves. The liberal/broad-minded people have done that for far too long. That is why it's so shocking to the conservative/narrow-minded folks. The left wing is refusing to stand quietly in the corner while the right wing shouts down from their pedestal demanding respect and tolerance and religious freedom…based on their own narrowly drawn definitions….all while standing with a man who bows down to the golden calf and worships at the temple of greed and lust, throwing anyone who dares to stand in his way into the pit with the lions.
So, I am finished tiptoeing around, wearing the gloves to deal a soft blow or pretending I'm OK with someone's position to agree to disagree about how we treat people in this country. I will not call you names. I will not threaten you. I will not be apologetic for my position. I will not back down or shut up. I will not stop.
I will take a strong position. I will use my voice. I will call you out for your ignorance, if necessary. I will further explain my stance, if needed. I will agree to disagree on the political issues. Over and out…
Anna
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