America is falling behind in education in so many ways. It doesn’t help that many teachers are shit-scared to teach evolution in science class because of backlash from parents, but that’s another post altogether…

Julie

I liked your posting. It was interesting and well-written. Can I ask you, however, to consider modifying your approach? Paint with a smaller brush. Most reasonable folks would say most left-leaning agents of change care about justice, equality, and strengthening the Nation. I believe large numbers of right-leaning conservatives are driven by the same motivations. Speaking for some of them, I can tell you they believe that initiative, personal accountability, and enterprise were keys to making the US great. And they’re worried that those are under attack. Saying the resistance to leftish policies is driven by greed and fear isn’t fair.

In my view, it’s the extremists on the left and right who are the real threats. Rush Limbaugh. Michael Moore. The yelling. The lack of listening and understand. Four years ago, it was apoplectic reactions to the Bush Administration. Today, the opposite fringe camp is going berserk over the Obama Administration.

Some conservatives want to hear and understand the concerns of the Left (believe it or not). That’s really important. The sooner we realize we’re all in one boat, the sooner there will be more listening and less yelling. And the Nation will be better off! Oh, and thanks for listening.

That being said, one thing that I’ve always noticed is that a characteristic that stands out in Liberal economic policies is that they are “simple, but not easy”. A person can understand them and the logic is always straightforward. They’re hard to implement, however, because of the greed and fear of those who would impede the progress of human civilization.

Conservative policies, however, almost by definition, defy the very natural and healthy process of change. They are always “complex”. It’s difficult for any sane person to understand them because they are usually based upon some hidden agenda and are presented as “truths” that are actually carefully designed lies which are created for the purpose of manipulating others to go along with that hidden agenda. So, if they confuse you, THERE’S A REASON FOR THAT!

Then, of course, comes the piece de resistance…

…the conservatives can accuse you of being rather simple for not being able to “understand” their policies, you poor dear.

And so you must also have a great deal of inner confidence to see through them…and if you don’t, well…you might not. But it will feel so good when you’re finally “part of the crowd” and start saying that you understand them and go along with them.

Someone once said something like, “I don’t know whether to applaud with joy or cry for someone who has finally come to his senses”.

Either choice would be appropriate.

It’s a good thing to have sense.

But it hurts.

Especially when we have to witness the reactionary crap that is going on in this country as a result of the attempts of the courageous to try and fix it.