Tuesday, May 16, 2017

The Right to Quibble

I don't know how many generations of my family have served in the military, except that we have served during every war since the Civil War.  We were always taught to love this great country, which makes it difficult for me to understand Republicans or Democrats.

When Democrats get in trouble, they blame rich people, like the Koch brothers.  When Republicans get in trouble, they blame the media.  (Sometimes, people just get themselves into trouble!)

Republicans believe "that government is best which governs least," and they are right.  Democrats believe "we are a village" including the "least among us," and they are right.  Why then is the partisanship so bitter?

Is it because we live in the separate echo chambers of Fox News and MSNBC?  Is it because we have nothing to bind us, like an old-fashioned war?  Is it because we have no "lift of a driving dream?"

But, we have passed the point of silly!  I remember when sexists would watch a beauty pageant and comment on the beauty of the ladies, while feminists would watch and comment on how accomplished the participants are, as well as their wardrobes.  The latest Miss USA produced a winner who was raised in Virginia Beach and has a degree in chemistry and a job with the U.S. government in nuclear engineering.  She is a very accomplished person, indeed!  Yet, there is a controversy between Republicans and Democrats, over her belief in health care being either a right or a privilege.  Is there anything partisans will not quibble about?

Which is worse . . . chauvinism or hyper-partisanship?

How many mothers's sons died to protect our right to quibble?  Or, is it a privilege?