Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Eargirl's Political Rant

I can't wait until this election is over. Know why? The chain emails. They drive me insane. Some people think that the only way to get the 'real truth' out there is to forward some ghastly and ridiculous story to their entire address book. They don't bother to check if they're passing along a hoax or not. People, 99.9% of the time, if you get an email warning you, informing you, or begging for your help in finding a child, IT IS A LIE! Really. Just google the key words of the email, and you'll find out if it's real in less than a minute. Check before you click forward, I'm begging you.
I have political views that are different from Barak Obama's. I disagree with him on some pretty fundamental issues, but the lies that are spread about him are obscene.

Guys, he's not a Muslim. (Even if he was, there are billions of perfectly nice Muslims out there. I've met some. Anti Muslim emails really get to me too.) He's a US citizen. He does, in fact, salute the flag. When he visits the troops, he does shake their hands. I got an email the other day 'quoting' him as saying that he hates our national anthem because it's taking sides. He wants our anthem to be I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing. It's a lie. Those quotes were stolen from a political satire written as a joke.
He's not the devil, or the antichrist as some emails actually purport. I think he's a good man that wants the best for his country.
I used to listen to talk radio all day to fill the silence during quiet times and as an escape during the hectic times. I would get all fired up at some 'outrage' the other side had committed that day. Then I remember listening to General Conference, and there was a talk that addressed the tendency to demonize those on the other side of the aisle, to really and actually believe that their only goal is to destroy the 'good guys' in government. As I was listening, I wanted to cover my ears and hum aloud. The speaker had no idea how evil the other guys really were! Some time passed, and I changed my habits. When I would turn on the radio, those beloved familiar voices seemed shrill and gave me heartburn.
Now, I've gone years without listening to a single political ad. For the presidential election, I went to Wikipedia and studied their platforms and voting records. I've taken an honest look at the candidates personally, and I find them both to be decent. I can see some possible benefits if either of them are elected.
Hopefully, in the next term, the war in Iraq will wind to a close; the markets (cross your fingers) will stabilize, and Americans will catch a clue on living within their means. Both candidates want this. Who will be sitting in the oval office isn't nearly as important as the way we behave in our own personal lives. Instead of freaking over political things largely beyond our scope of influence, worry over these things: speaking kindly to members of your own family, be completely honest in your dealings, help other people, and bring your friends brownies! (hint, hint)

13 comments:

Allison said...

Amen...the emails make me sick! And the thing is that most people take them as gospel! Anyway, this month's Ensign makes no bones about what we believe as a church with regard to sanctity of life and also the sanctity of gender. I've found that to be the most helpful in guiding my upcoming political decisions.

Laura said...

AAAAAAAAAAMEN sista!! I agree I am SO tired of the SINsationalism!!! It make me throw up in my mouth. Good grief I WOULD LIKE TO TEACH THE WORLD TO SING IN PERFECT HARMONY!!!

fivekidsandsomechocolate said...

I would comment, but have recently given up reading or listening to anything political. I am getting ulcers...
....what's this about some brownies....

EarlGirl said...

You caught that? I was going for a subliminal message :)

Andy Jensen said...

Did I hear somebody say brownies? Ooh, I want some!

Home of the Muddy Kids said...

I'm voting for the brownie party.

Jana said...

Oh just wait until next week when a brownie recipe is scheduled to appear on my Secret Combinations Blog! And I am totally serious!

And, did you even see that I tagged you yesterday, yeah, because I don't think these pictures were the 4th picture in the 4th folder on your computer. I'm just glad to see some political commentary as opposed to the grusome stuff that was on your blog for days and days and days. :)

Hope the little flesh wound is healing well!

Anonymous said...

I must agree - if there was a more extensive sharing of baked goods, more happiness would undeniably follow. Case in point - everytime I bring banana bread or apple crumble to work, my co-workers smile. How about that?

SkinnyJeanGirl said...

Cyber brownies your way. They are non-fat, no-cholesterol, and definately non-sinful. Oh, great, they are non-taste either. Sorry:)
Great post! I believe we all attack the other guy without really taking the time to find out the truth-something we should do more of. Thanks for the reminder.

MamaBird said...

informed, and well stated. T-H-A-N-K Y-O-U!! i'll work on the brownies... :)

Ms Renee said...

I'll bring you some, if you bring me some!

Judging from all the comments, the most important part of your post was food. I'm glad so many people have their priorities right!

Anonymous said...

Is Wikipedia accurate?

I heard that anyone can change the facts on it if they don't like it.
But I am not sure how that works.

Hmmm brownies.!!!

By the way that loaf of bread was HEAVENLY!!

Thank You Thank You Thank You

5 Knights & A Lady said...

Missy,

I really appreciate that there are others out there who don't believe all that is forwarded. Besides...who has time to read all these forwards anyways? I don't!

Those running for the presidency are men and women just like us and they make mistakes just like us. There is no one person who will be perfect. I whole heartedly agree with your beliefs that we need to have our own houses in order. Once we all do this I believe the ripple effect would reach those in public offices.