*Note: I a.am a registered Independent (no, it doesn't mean undecided - it means I vote for the person, not the party, resulting in a split ticket); b.certainly don't intend to make a habit of posting about politics, but when the need strikes, it is unavoidable; and c.live in a very Fox News-oriented household and town. Ah, and d.can only answer some things with the below. Fair and balanced? Hopefully. haha
You have every right to disagree with me, and/or my generation. Every right to think we’re too inexperienced and thoughtless, basing our ideas upon the presumption that we know enough to properly validate them. Here’s the catch, though: regardless of your dismissal of an individual or an entire generation, we still make up a vast voting demographic. Thus, while you have every right to dismiss us, we have every right to dismiss you, and in doing so, elect someone else in your place. That much you can neither debate nor deny.
Some dismiss media outlets like Fox News, declaring them unworthy of attention due to their obvious conservative bias. Others dismiss the very thought of dismissing Fox News, avowing “Now, I can’t believe that.” You’ve gone too far, Kate, they think, heavily bearing down upon me. Up until this point, I disagreed but listened; now you’re just being absurd. Thoughtless. How like your know-it-all generation. You don’t have to say it; I’ve read it in your eyes and heard it in your incredulous tone. I took Elie Wiesel’s advice and looked beyond the words to see that which is unspoken. You lack any semblance of respect for that which I have to say? Why, that’s okay. You will, however, find yourself terribly frustrated by the voting outcomes in the very near future, should you continue to disregard those who hold different views.
I’ll say the same to both sides: you may think the opposition is completely off its rocker, but the fact is that a substantial portion of the voting population is in that opposing camp. Feel free to dismiss Fox – but in doing so, you forget that a large part of the country not only follows it, but agrees with it. Feel free to act like I’m crazy when I inform you that others dismiss Fox as a valid news source – but in doing so, you ignore the voice and power of those who fall into the aforementioned category. You’d prefer to write me off as a presumptuous youth? A semester in DC, a few classes on politics and media, and a bit of time in Africa has falsely made me think I have a valid opinion and experience base, you think? That’s fine; after all, the only thing that suffers there is my pride. Still, you forget the maxim – as you have a right to dismiss us, we have a right to dismiss – and unseat – you.
The only thing that truly upsets me in this conversation is the knowledge that I can do so little. I can sit and debate with you that not all Muslims are evil condoners of the 9/11 attacks – and I will – but you, who have never met, much less come to know, any Muslims, are set upon the idea. Well, none of them have come out nationally to condemn the actions, you say. Bull shit. You would condemn the entire “nation” (so you say), claiming it the responsibility of the innocent to defend themselves from the guilt of the wrong-doers? What have they done to deserve this? How can you speak against a people you do not know? In doing so, you only continue the thoughtless hatred and intolerance. The extreme is not the equivalent of the majority – in politics or religion. Just as Ann Coulter does not represent the Republican Party (thank goodness), the likes of Al Qaeda do not represent Islam as a whole. In fact, many observant Muslims will be the first to tell you that they do not consider people in such groups to be true Muslims. Yes, perhaps you have the right to dismiss those you disagree with as unimportant and thoughtless – but you do not have the right to judge them and proclaim them guilty, murderers, barbaric.
It is this lack of understanding that prolongs conflicts such as those now being fought in Afghanistan and Iraq. Our unfamiliarity with the factions and the religion caused us to frantically lump them into one massive enemy, thereby inspiring those innocent but claimed guilty to rise up in revolt. How dare you demonize we who have done nothing to offend or injure you or your own, they demand? And reasonably so. “Innocent until proven guilty” – what a farce. We claim ourselves a nation that welcomes all, tolerates all, but never has that been the case.
What, you thought we’d reached that point? That magnificent sign of a truly developed country, where all are equal? It is time to step out of your box, get your head out of the sand. Wishful thinking, my friend, wishful thinking.
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