I started my political life thinking that I was a Democrat. After all, they are the ones who want to help people. Right? Then I thought I was a Republican. They are the responsible ones. Right? I really thought that I knew who I was politically when I heard Jimmy Carter say that he was a fiscal conservative and a social liberal. Ah. Perfect.
For many years, I was happy with describing myself the way then candidate and President Carter described himself. But as the political landscape has become dysfunctionally more polarized, the original definitions of Mr. Carter’s terms have become obsolete. “Fiscal conservative” no longer means simply handling taxpayer money efficiently and having tax and regulatory policies that support robust, responsible economic growth. For many, it is coming to mean that you are at least somewhat suspicious of the Federal Reserve, support a return to the gold standard, and want a retreat to the original Federal Income Tax rate of 2%. Similarly, “social liberal” used to mean, at least to me, live and let live when it came to lifestyles. Now, it seems to be morphing into meaning “anything goes.” And not only simple tolerance for the anything that’s going; we have growing numbers of groups demanding elaborate accommodations for, well, just about anyone who declares themselves to be different. So now what do I do? How do I describe myself politically? Can I find a home? Create a home?
Conservative. Liberal. Republican. Libertarian. Moderate. Democrat. Progressive. Independent. Fiscal conservative. Social liberal. Those are the descriptors that people apply to themselves.
Here’s what some people call and say about the others: “Libtard”, “Trumpist”, and, “You’re a Fascist,” “No, you’re a fascist.” These labels have lost all ability to fairly identify, educate and inform; they are simply insults. And we often hurl these “labels” at each other.
We have weaponized labels.
Stop. Restart. Together. Focus on Common goals (how’s that for the name of a party?) “Common Goals” will be the subject of our next talk.
Will Luden, writing from my home office at 7,200 feet in Colorado Springs.
The core, driving principles at Revolution 2.0, are:
1. Personal Responsibility. Take it, teach it.
2. Be Your Brother’s Keeper. Taking care of our brothers and sisters.
If we apply those two core principles simultaneously, we will inevitably be on the right path.
- Ending Gun Violence: Punish The Criminals (EP. 405) - July 15, 2022
- How To Get Good Government: The Formula (EP. 404) - July 1, 2022
- The Candy Bomber Lives: Is It You? (EP. 403) - June 24, 2022
10 Responses
Politics seems to be the number one thing that has divided our country. It has become the main way people identify each other and categorize into the “other” group. Once people find out which party you have chosen, they will de-friend you on Facebook, etc., and every family is divided over this now. The last presidential debates reached a new, horrifying low, and I feel obligated to apologize to people younger than me. No one expected politics could really get this dirty.
I agree we need to STOP. RESTART TOGETHER. A great invitation to look at common goals and move forward. There are many young people out there who sincerely want to understand and are increasingly frustrated at what they read in the news and on social media. Both sides are blinded to the truth and also have insight. We have got to come together, because a country divided cannot stand. Looking forward to the next podcast!
STOP. RESTART TOGETHER.” Tricia, I am with you. “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever does.” Margaret Mead.
Hi revolution2-0.org owner, Your posts are always well-supported by facts and figures.
To the revolution2-0.org owner, Thanks for the valuable information!
Dear revolution2-0.org admin, Nice post!
Hi revolution2-0.org administrator, Your posts are always a great source of information.
Hello revolution2-0.org webmaster, Your posts are always on point.
Hello revolution2-0.org webmaster, Your posts are always well-received and appreciated.
Dear revolution2-0.org administrator, Your posts are always well structured and easy to follow.
Hello revolution2-0.org webmaster, You always provide great examples and real-world applications.