Hello. My name is SaraBeth, and I am part of the "Angry Left". I admit it openly. I own my anger. It took me a long time to admit this. It has taken me a long time to accept it as true...and you know what?
I WILL NOT apologise for it.
For years now we Liberals/Progressives have been accused of being "uncivil" or "un-American" or worse, "traitors" by the Far Right. Simply because we have, in reasoned debate, debunked, derided, and decried the policies and actions of the out-of-control Bush Administration and the Corporate owned GOP Congress.
The FAILURES of our current government across the board have brought me to this place. I tried to "be nice". I have tried to listen to opposing views. I have tried to be reasonable and tolerant. I have tried.
I cannot try any longer.
I am beyond reason. I am beyond tolerance of the incompetence, the greed, the immorality, that is the stock and trade of the GOP and their slime machine.
It is time, as former President Clinton has shown us, that we allow our anger to show. It is not "un-civil". It is totally justified. It is a natural emotional reaction to the lies and slander. It is a matter of honor now. It is imperative that we control it - but still allow it to show. Anger is NOT a negative emotion. It is healthy. Studies now show that anger is actually good for you.
People who respond to stress with anger or indignation have a sense of control. And they display more optimism than those who respond with fear. And FEAR is the GOP's stock and trade. That is ALL that they have.
I am tired of FEAR and am embracing my anger. The next time a Right Winger accuses me of being part of the "Angry Left" I will say, "Damn straight I am angry! And it is YOUR FAULT!" What is WRONG with being angry? Why do so many Progressives/Liberals deny they are angry as if it is somehow distasteful? We SHOULD be angry! In fact, we should be outraged!
The GOP and the Bush Administration only have themselves to blame for the anger that is building among Progressives. Don't be afraid to admit to your anger. Embrace it! Use it! Combined with intelligence (which IMO the Left has far more of than the Right) it can be a force for change that will be to the betterment of mankind.....
Anger is a great motivator. It surely motivated our Founding Fathers. Anger has motivated every revolution in history. Throughout history anger has set people around the world free from slavery and abuse at the hands of those who would control us. To rule over us rather than lead us. Anger is what gives people the ability to stand up and shout, "I am mad as hell and I am NOT taking it anymore!"
Are YOU angry yet?