Following
two weeks of constant bombardment by the Republican National Convention and the
Democratic National Convention attacking their opposing nominees, Donald Trump
and Hillary Clinton, the American people are faced with one question. What now?
Who should they elect as President of the United States and why?
Based
on the language of both parties this choice might seem a bit confusing. Both
parties claim to hold to the idea that professing to be “progressive” or
“conservative” spells out their political philosophy and where they intend to
lead our country. Their ideas are incorporated by their past actions and
beliefs and both claim to have the solution to America’s needs. Unfortunately
this isn’t exactly true.
The Republican Party
heralds itself as “conservative” while the Democrats prefer the label of
“progressive.” The difference between the two can’t be more startling.
According
to the Webster’s New World College Dictionary the word “conservative” is listed
as “…tending to preserve established traditions or institutions and to
resist or oppose changes in politics.”
For the most part the party does adhere to these principles. Some of their
beliefs include small government (although they never seem able to accomplish
much in that line), spending limits (again nothing—look at both of the George
Bush’s tax increase records), less government intrusion (Patriot Act and other
laws reflecting on freedom), and much more.
It seems whenever either party takes office nothing really changes. Yet
the word “conservative” still maintains its place as secure without
redefinition.
And so the Democratic
“progressive” label is also up for examination.
The same dictionary
states the word progressive means “continuing by successive steps,” “increasing
as the base increases,” “favoring or working for, or characterized
by progress or improvement,” and much more. You need to look up both definitions
for a more defined example.
For years the Democrats
referred to themselves as “liberal.” But over time this title was tarnished and
identified with (at least to most average Americans) outrageous policies and
laws. For starters abortion was included in their agenda as a benefit to women.
Yet a review by various polling agencies today indicates that most Americans
are opposed to the law. Welfare is another example; liberals believe that it is
government’s responsibility to provide everything from housing, clothing,
medical coverage, cel phones and whatever else in their opinion is needed. One
thing lacking however, is there is no demand that welfare recipients get a job.
Finally there is the idea
of individual responsibility. This reverts to the 1960’s hippy movement where
“…if it feels good do it!” mentality. Consequently any sense of morality or
what is considered right or wrong or of drug use, is now considered outdated by
the progressive thinking person.
It was a few years ago
that conservative radio commentator Glenn Beck warned that the liberals were
going to change their identification from “liberal” to “progressive.” Sure as
heck he was right. In only a few months’ later liberals were referring to
themselves as progressives. Why make the difference in label? Simply it is only
a question of semantics one would think. But that isn’t the real answer.
The liberal was beginning
to look like a radical misfit. And based on their trend towards issues and ideas
that were once regarded anathema perhaps such an accusation was merited. As a
result the word “progressive” took on a new meaning.
But the adoption of the
word has several ramifications. And a lot of these ramifications are designed
to destroy the very fabric of our culture.
Words mean something. Take
the word “gay” as one example.
There was a time when
someone referred to being gay meant that they were lively, happy and joyous.
And then the word was hijacked by the homosexual community the word has now
taken on a disgusting connotation. How much these folks enjoy such an emotional
dysfunction using this word isn’t borne out by the facts. The number of
suicides among those afflicted with this disorder is high compared with others
who suffer from depression. But if you put the tag “gay” on such behavior it
puts on the false idea that such activity is “normal” and acceptable. It wasn’t
until a few years ago that the “progressive” psychiatrists association deemed
homosexual behavior not abnormal.
That’s being progressive.
In other areas progressives
take pride in the changes of morality such as including couples cohabiting
without being bound in marriage. In the past children of these relationships
were referred to as “bastards,” but not so today. Such non-unions are only
addressed as a “choice.” There is no shame in illicit activity since there is
no contract (civil or religious) to bind a person to another. And, as stated, this
attacks the very fiber of our culture. Again, this is another example spouted
by “progressives.”
“Progressives” also seem
to believe that the legalization of drugs as marijuana has some beneficial
result. Getting stoned for recreational use, they say, is no different than
using alcohol. This idea would seem more appropriate to those who come to such
a conclusion after puffing on a couple of reefers. Any mind altering drug is a
hazard not only to the person taking part but those surrounding them as well.
Talk to some of the mothers of MADD.
It doesn’t take much spin
to change someone’s ideas about most things. Consequently the battle between
the Conservatives and the Progressives continues. Where it all will lead is
anybody’s guess. After watching the conventions and listening to the various
speakers—including Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump—and then hearing the
analysis of various alleged news casters you couldn’t help if you were tuned in
on the same channels or not! To be honest this writer cannot plead to be
non-partial. If I am to be labeled then I would have to admit I could never be
called a “progressive.”
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