Anger is a reasonable human emotion in certain circumstances, but anger, in and of itself, is seldom constructive over a prolonged period of time. In fact, just the opposite is true. Unchecked anger is frequently the source of widespread destruction, violence, pain and suffering.
For those reasons, I find myself shaking my head at the National Tea Party Convention being held today through Sunday in Nashville, Tennessee. The Convention is an "anger fest" masquerading as a political movement.
"Tea Party Nation" describes itself as a "user-driven group of like-minded people who desire our God given Individual Freedoms which were written out by the Founding Fathers. We believe in Limited Government, Free Speech, the 2nd Amendment, our Military, Secure Borders and our Country!" And they're angry and ready to fight anyone who stands in their way.
A seminar on defeating Liberalism, a speech by liberal hater and Alabama ex-judge, Roy Moore and a seminar on how to fight for Christianity in politics top today's agenda at the convention, a clear signal that today's offerings will not be love fests of tolerance and respect. It's more like - "my way or the highway".
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Hate Is A Heavy Word
Hate is a heavy word. It consumes people. It engulfs their souls. From the dawn of mankind hate has been responsible for countless horrors and atrocities. There is nobody living on this earth that hasn’t experienced in some form hatred’s destructive force.
I recently read an editorial letter where the writer expressed hatred of liberals. All week, I’ve been haunted by her words. I’ve wanted to ask her why. I’ve wanted to figure out what about me (a liberal) gives rise to such loathing. I’ve struggled to understand the reason behind the venom. Unfortunately, all I have are questions.
I’ve heard it said that, “Hate has no rational answer”.
It’s become commonplace for folks to use the word liberal in much the same fashion as racists hurl the “n-word” at African Americans. If you listen closely enough, you can hear the hate. Although few are as honest and forthright regarding their hatred of liberals as the editorial letter writer I mentioned, that same hatred for those espousing liberal beliefs has spread in our society faster than cancer. And like cancer, that hatred has consumed, divided and engulfed souls.
America was born of liberal men who eschewed hatred, yet two centuries later, segments of society appear hell-bent on crushing liberal principles in the name of our forefathers with hatred as their weapon. Politicians routinely invoke the values of our nation’s founders in the same breath as they sling the word liberal as a political epithet. Underlying it all is hatred and every one of us, conservative and liberal alike, suffers as a result.
Although I espouse liberal beliefs, I cherish my friends and neighbors who are conservative. I may not agree with their political and/or social beliefs, but they enrich my life with unique perspectives that would otherwise be lost if everyone followed the same mantra.
God bless liberals, God bless conservatives and God bless “haters” too! Hatred is simply too heavy a burden to bear.
I recently read an editorial letter where the writer expressed hatred of liberals. All week, I’ve been haunted by her words. I’ve wanted to ask her why. I’ve wanted to figure out what about me (a liberal) gives rise to such loathing. I’ve struggled to understand the reason behind the venom. Unfortunately, all I have are questions.
I’ve heard it said that, “Hate has no rational answer”.
It’s become commonplace for folks to use the word liberal in much the same fashion as racists hurl the “n-word” at African Americans. If you listen closely enough, you can hear the hate. Although few are as honest and forthright regarding their hatred of liberals as the editorial letter writer I mentioned, that same hatred for those espousing liberal beliefs has spread in our society faster than cancer. And like cancer, that hatred has consumed, divided and engulfed souls.
America was born of liberal men who eschewed hatred, yet two centuries later, segments of society appear hell-bent on crushing liberal principles in the name of our forefathers with hatred as their weapon. Politicians routinely invoke the values of our nation’s founders in the same breath as they sling the word liberal as a political epithet. Underlying it all is hatred and every one of us, conservative and liberal alike, suffers as a result.
Although I espouse liberal beliefs, I cherish my friends and neighbors who are conservative. I may not agree with their political and/or social beliefs, but they enrich my life with unique perspectives that would otherwise be lost if everyone followed the same mantra.
God bless liberals, God bless conservatives and God bless “haters” too! Hatred is simply too heavy a burden to bear.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)