Unless you were living under a rock, you know that last week was the Republican National Convention (RNC) and this week, we are currently in the middle of the Democratic National Convention (DNC). {As a complete aside, I’m slightly bitter because President Obama’s address forced the Dallas Cowboys season opener to be on a Wednesday, which is one day earlier (bonus), but also right in the middle of youth group! (boo)} Also, let me preface this post by saying I have not watched any of either convention. So my thoughts are not based on anything presented in the conventions themselves by any of their high-profile speakers. My impressions of the conventions are strictly based on the reaction of the public, primarily through social media outlets such as Facebook and Twitter. Here’s what I found.
Supporters’ reactions to their side’s speakers was almost identical. The supporters on the right during the RNC were singing the praises of their speakers and even spiritualizing the rhetoric. Comparisons were made that some speeches were “like going to church” or that the orator “preached a sermon.” Since the Republican party is closely supported by the Christian right, this was no shock. Particularly in the last 20 years the conservative side of politics has been deeply rooted in the evangelical church. But what was interesting to me, was that when the DNC came on, the left’s reaction to the speeches was an almost identical reaction as that of the right. Of course, the issues were different; the content was different; but the reaction was the same. People held the speeches out as spiritual experiences and were singing the praises of the speakers for the Christian messages in their speeches. I’m not saying either side has it right or wrong. I just find it interesting.
Reactions to the opposition were almost identical. Issues were different. Approaches to size of government, government spending, taxes, economics, and a number of social issues were miles apart. But the reactions on both sides of the aisle to opposing views were almost identical. Both sides screamed how the opposition was going to bring about the destruction of America and how everyone would be so much better off if their side was chosen. Both sides spoke of their antagonists in a diabolical fashion, vilifying their every word with disdain laced with a tad of snark.
Many Americans were caught in the crossfire. For every one who drew a line in the sand and stood up for their side and their idea of America, there was someone who watched the fray from the distance and said, “Is this what we’ve become?” Most of them were content to keep watching their ball games, reading their books, etc. while the lines that divide our country became more and more defined. Folks in this camp have become disgusted with all the hate rhetoric and blame games. They just want people on both sides to play nice and don’t mind voicing their opinions about that. And, when you really evaluate the situation, this is the most important group. These are the swing voters. These are the ones whom, if they choose a side, can be the deciding factor in an election.
So where does that leave us? Well, I don’t know. I do know that voting is a privilege; a privilege many people in other parts of the world would die or kill to have. I know the cost of our society was no small price. I also know that for all races, genders, and creeds to be able to vote is something not found everywhere. But I also know this. There is a right direction for our country. There is a path which we need to take to get us to the place we need to be. And as long as the loudest voices in our country are content pointing fingers and casting blame, we’re never going to get there.
What do you think?
Other than Jimmy Carter, Obama is the worst President this country has ever had. Although the news media other than Fox won’t report it I suspect Romney will win the election quite easily and get this country back on track.
Yes to all of the above points! There is a right direction and we must carefully consider the words spoken and the words not spoken to find it. And as one of the swing voters, I take that responsibility seriously.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read and comment!
Well said, my friend. Except for your kind words about the Dallas Cowboys. The fact is everyone who says that their candidate or party has it all right is showing that they have no idea what the situation actually is with our government. Thanks for the reminder that it doesn’t work at all if we don’t work together.
I haven’t checked comments in a while. Happy late comment day!