Someone recently remarked they were somewhat surprised by how unyielding and inelastic the opinions on this blog seem to be. I think the statement was in reference to Barack Obama. This person said they were surprised that Obama never received much of a break, the benefit of the doubt, or even the smallest nod of positive expectation, (the word “unfair” was actually never spoken).
I think this person’s observation is pretty accurate. But, it should be noted it is not because conservative mantra is chanted here, there are no Republican talking-points and we do not engage in group Kool-Aid toasting. These are individually formed opinions. They are also informed opinions.
It’s OK to form an opinion, The very word “form” refers to a process: gathering information, investigating various points of view, then filtering them through the prism of life experience to arrive at a conclusion. Two people can view the same facts and form two entirely different opinions, and that’s OK too. But the opinions expressed here are considered and fact-based. (if not, PLEASE feel free to have at us!)
But the conversation did get me to thinking… How could I, an admitted conservative, demonstrate giving Obama “a little slack” as it were? How can I “reach across the aisle” in the name of fairness?
Perhaps individual liberty could be co-mingled with a dose of Marxism. For example, one might have the freedom to pursue the American dream, but only to a point. After reaching a certain level of wealth – that level to be determined by the government – you will have all “extra” money taken from you and given to someone else who didn’t work for it like you did.
Maybe a strong pro-life stance could be balanced with a nod to the pro-abortionists – some sort of mutually acceptable quota perhaps. After all, If we can just get those botched-abortion live baby killings down to a bare bones minimum….well, that would be a compromise, wouldn’t it?
Rather than immediately bring our troops all the way home from Iraq, we can just put them somewhere close by in case they might be needed later.
Since so many seem to have discovered a Constitutional “right” to healthcare, and since we strict Constitutionalists do get a bee in our bonnet about “original intent” lets just go for the simple solution in this case. Someone grab a black Sharpie pen and simply write in “universal, government-paid healthcare” on the original document, say between the 16th and 17th amendment.
Taxes? Another easy one. Simplification of the tax code is all that’s required. Let’s go to a flat tax system....
These are just a few preliminary proposals. I’m sure with just a little thought you too can find ways to be a little less dogmatic and a little more open and inclusive of other ideas. Guaranteed to keep you from forming an actual opinion.