Purely Whimsical

You know, I live in Alaska where the majority of people are Republican. It makes sense because the economy of this state is directly tied to oil, and oil companies pour a lot of money into both Democrat and Republican hands… but more Republican.

As an independent, I don’t join in on the cheerleading for either the Republican or Democrat crowd. But I hear a lot of bull coming from the Republican side. It ticks me off because I believe in a lot of what the Republican party claims to stand for, but just doesn’t. I think fiscal responsibility is important, as well as personal responsibility.

But the antics of the Republicans in the presidential campaign where they smeared John Kerry for his service - that is the last time I have had any respect for people who cheer for that. These are the people who sanctimoniously claim that the rest of the country better have respect for their servicemen, because they’re keeping us free. They’re on the front lines screaming about what a traitor Jane Fonda is… and then they denigrated John Kerry’s service, which by all accounts of people who actually served with him was quite honorable.

Disgusting.

These are the same people who lied about Al Gore, saying that he told the world he created the internet. He never said this, Republican talking heads simply attributed the quote to him, then repeated it and repeated it until everyone believed. It’s called ‘The Big Lie’ people.

Again disgusting.

And now the Republicans are at it again, demonstrating yet again they have absolutely no sense of social responsibility. People from the United States have - on average - the level of care you can expect to receive in a third world nation. Infant mortality, average life span, all the other indicators of a good health system, they’re abysmal. But because big corporations would lose money if we actually addressed the situation and provided basic, preventative health care to all levels of society, Republicans are yet again on the warpath.

I’m angry. I’m disgusted. I’m certainly not saying the Democrats are any better - but at least they have a sense of social responsibility.

Even me, a person with decided libertarian leanings, can see the benefit of preventative health care for our nation. It’s the same reason why we pay taxes for roads, education, and yes, Medicare.

It’s because as much as Republicans like to tout personal responsibility, the truth is that people are selfish, and that’s not a trait that’s condusive to a well-functioning society. It’s why we need government! If I, a dedicated independent and someone suspicious of government can see that, why do others have such a problem? Every reason that I can think of why people are blinded to these facts just angers me. Honestly, there is something seriously wrong with a lot of the people in this country.

Responsibility. Practice what you preach, Republicans.