After the recent mid-term elections, the media beating the drum about all our woes (ISS invasion, Ebola plague, economic ruin, police state, race relations and Obamacare terribleness), and living in a red state (Indianapolis, Indiana) I need a moment to reflex on my political views and what is means to our society.
Please see my commentary below the orange line regarding what you could be thinking about your political views and actions during our current society “crisis”.
As stated I live in the reddest part of a red state. People think Reagan is the second coming, and would have no problem voting for Hitler (Republican) versus Jesus (Democrat) - my guess is they would say "well Hitler has some bad points, and Jesus seems like a good guy but he is a Democrat so I need to vote for the Republican".
So here I am, a middle aged middle class white guy (reason for these specific demographic details is to help paint the story) and everyone thinks I am a Republican; however, deep down inside me rages a storm. I hear every day that liberals are bad and conservatives are good; however I know this is not the truth I can feel it in my heart and soul. Why, because I have a brain and reason this understanding from both an emotional and historical standpoint.
At each crucial moments in history each great leap forward in societal and civilizational advances have been due to liberal thinking or in my mind progressive individuals/thinkers (Plato, Socrates, Aristotle, Leonardo da Vinci, Martin Luther and many more http://en.wikipedia.org/... all of the American Revolution leaders, plus all the last few centuries of great thinkers, leaders, and inventors).
Think about it, the great expansion or growth of abundance, or benefits to society; Greek culture and philosophy, Rome rising up and creating a great empire out of the tribes of the seven hills around Rome. Look at the awakening of the renaissance from the Middle Ages, printing press, the Reform movement, any revolutions (French, Russian, Industrials), America’s founding, and our age of enlightenment (where education is expected and abundant), and the great leaps in technology and medical care.
For each positive instance on this planet, there has been great burst of individuals or thinkers that are different from the norm, think outside the box, or progressive in nature. These individuals were many times ostracized or look upon by many people as odd or different because they did not think or act like everyone else (conservatives). For this progressive behavior by a few but great individuals, I am happy and celebrate because my life is better due to their actions.
So when people get down on liberals, and are unhappy about potential changes, I think to myself that I am happy to be a distinct character or in the minority because guess what- I am a progressive. I am different and unique, but I celebrate because there are others like me- you.
That is what a progressive means to me. We see what is right, we think beyond just what is today, we dream the good dreams, we fight the good fights, and we make the positive difference in the world. Even though we are considered strange, different or odd, “We are the music makers, And we are the dreamers of dreams”, please refer to a poem written by the English poet Arthur O'Shaughnessy.
So when a conservative comes up to you bemoaning all the woes of the world, of our president, or our society ask them what is truly the problem, not the talking points, but challenge them by asking what is truly wrong? My bet is they will not have an answer because they are afraid for no reason and they cannot truly think for themselves because they are not the “Music makers, and the dream dreams”. After they fail around or get angry about it just smile to yourself, be patient, explain the truth even though they will not hear, understand or even get upset just celebrate you are not one of them. Remember, their ancestors were the ones that came of out the dark forest, saw the moon and threw rocks at it.
Thank you for taking the time to read these comments , I hope it helps you(because it helps me) and remember we will make this world a better place (equality, justice, and peace, improved health physical and emotional) for not only us and them but for everyone even when they do not understand or even fight us for it.