He’s My Brother
You have all likely heard variations of the comment “he’s not _____; he’s my brother.” The point of the comment is that you cannot give someone in my family grief. The converse is that I can. 
I have a difficult time digesting most exclusively left-wing and right-wing blogs. Left-wing blogs give me problems because I disagree with most of what they say and the tone in which they say it. Right-wing blogs give me problems – let me know if you’ve heard this before – because I disagree with most of what they say and the tone in which they say it.
It’s easy to pick apart your enemy. It’s much more difficult to pick apart your friend.
When was the last time you performed an introspective on your political party of choice?
When you triage political issues in order of importance to you, based on your beliefs and daily practices, which bubble up to the top? Which fall off the table? Which do you subordinate in order to keep your party in power?
I believe that, as Americans, our politicians should be presenting a united front outside of our borders, no matter how much they bicker, argue and fight behind closed doors. I understand how extremely difficult that is in practice, and how much this practice would undermine political posturing. (I can’t believe I just wrote that.)
I believe we should have a loyalty to our country. I question loyalty to party, though. Yes, you can have too many options, but is having only two viable options any better? I say not.
February 2nd, 2007 10:32
Rick,
I agree with you regarding the need to question different sides of an issue, and not just follow a party line. However, I would disagree with the argument that politicians need to present a “united front.” Dissent is a fundamental part an open society. It is part of what makes America great. The problem I see with trying to keep dissent within our borders is that it’s impossible. With the use of the internet and other media, the discussions we have are seen across the world.
Personally, I think showing the world how we can dissent and argue, and still maintain a functioning society does far more good than harm.
February 2nd, 2007 20:22
Hi Brian,
I agree that my desire is pure fantasy. One can dream, right?
I like healthy debate about the direction of our country. I hate seeing when our elected citizens vote about whether killers in one country are “freedom fighters” while the others are cold-blooded killers. There are some debates that I believe shouldn’t be had in public.
So, I guess my concerns is more with the style points than with the debate. However, the style points are what others judge our leaders on, not the substance.
February 2nd, 2007 22:02
What irritates me is the political posturing just for the sake of politics. I mean, a non-binding resolution stating opposition to the troop surge? In my view that is worse than doing nothing.
February 4th, 2007 22:17
Agreed. The problem is that it plays well during the campaign cycle.