Oh, no he didn't. He did NOT just say that. Yeah, I did. Let's get started.
1. Everyone has received an “entitlement” at one time or another.
You think you’re the exception? For the first 12 - 16 years of your life, you were a taker. You produced nothing other than loud noises and weird smells. But before you say, “nobody ever gave me anything” just keep in mind that you’re wrong. You were born with advantages that you most-likely feel were your birthright, be it a safe place to live or simply a passed-down work ethic. You didn’t build every road you’ve ever driven upon. You didn’t build the hospital in which you were born. You didn’t choose the country you were born into. Did you have parents? Did they have land? A home? Steady jobs? What makes you think you’re “entitled” to any of that? You didn’t work for it, you just got lucky. Face it, you are one lucky son of a gun. Lots of people paved the way for you and you’ve been given a lot. Who are you to deny something from those who were born with so much less than you? Okay, maybe your parents were better people. Or, maybe, if you’re like me, you just had a mom who worked her ass off and taught you to do the same. Lucky you. Lucky me, for that matter. I’m not saying that I’m guilty for all the advantages I got, like a family that grew their own potatoes, which didn’t much feel like an advantage when I was digging them up on hot summer days. I’m saying that I’m thankful enough that I won’t begrudge the little bit of tax money it takes to help out those who didn’t get the same advantages that I got. The potatoes are on me.
2. Gay marriage has nothing to do with you unless you're gay and getting married.
No one chooses to be gay. Life would be SO much easier if it were as simple as changing one’s mind. It’s not. If you don’t believe this, then when did you choose to be straight? As far a gay marriage, how, exactly, is anyone’s life changed by someone else being happy? You don’t have to go to the wedding, which will save you money on a gift. Wait, God told you it was wrong? Well, if it’s so wrong, why is he telling YOU? Shouldn’t he be telling that happy couple that their happiness isn’t really happiness at all but some sort of aberration? Kinda seems like the wrong way to go about it, don’t ya think?
3. Nobody should have to choose between their health and their finances.
I’ve spent most of my life without health insurance. I used to laugh when I told someone I was sick and they’d ask, “what did the doctor say?” “Doctor? Who the hell can afford a doctor? I’m not spending a week’s pay just to have him tell me to drink plenty of fluids and then give me an out-of-pocket prescription that MIGHT help.” I thank my lucky stars that the worst thing that ever went wrong with me could be cured by NyQuil and a bath. If I had ever had a major surgery, I’d probably still owe on it. Because of this, I don’t think anyone should look at their bank account to see if they should go to the doctor or, worse, wait to see if their kids get better on their own. Now that I’ve enjoyed the benefit of pain killers and anti-anxiety drugs, I think everyone should be given the opportunity.
4. We should tax the rich.
And, yes, they need to pay a higher percentage. Hey, the rich will be just fine. None of them starved while Clinton was building up a surplus, did they? More importantly, I don’t think anyone who is NOT rich should defend them. That’s just wishful thinking. You’re not going to be rich. Ever. And, hey, if I’m wrong, THEN you can bitch about it. You won’t, because, as I’ve said, you’ll be just fine.
5. Cannabis should be legal.
I’m not going to argue all the reasons, and, no, I don’t get high. I’m only going to give three. #1 -filling prisons up does nobody any good. Except prisons. #2 - Why not? Is it because we can’t tax it? Hey, we can all grow our own tobacco, but that doesn’t stop the multi-billion dollar cigarette industry, does it? Are we afraid people will drive high? Well, they already do. #3 - Alcohol is legal and that kills people.
6. We should have complete separation of church and state.
Maybe this doesn’t fall into the “liberal” pigeon hole, per se, but I think it’s worth mentioning. I don’t want anyone’s religion involved in the government of me, and I certainly don’t want the government deciding my religion. ‘Nuff said. If you don’t agree, imagine if we suddenly had an massive conversion in this country. All the young people and three-quarters of the older people suddenly saw the light. Sweeping governmental reforms were enacted in the name of the holy, the righteous, the power and the glory of the Flying Spaghetti Monster. Then comes a knock on your door, and the Pastafarians are hauling you away to cover you with Alfredo for not observing a proper Saucrifice. The moral: don’t assume YOUR religion will always be the one in charge. Scoff if you like, but I have one word for you: Scientology.
7. I am pro choice.
A woman has an abortion. This is none of my business. How is it anyone’s business other than the woman’s. You disagree? What if the poor parents have been told that their child is going to be born with several arms and more than the usual number of heads? People get abortions for heath reasons, too, you know. It’s not all about birth control. And if it is, what’s the alternative? Since you’re so involved, are you going to raise the child or pay for the welfare? Should we bring back orphanages? There are plenty of people willing to adopt, you say? Do some research on the foster care system in the United States. It will hurt. I’m not saying women should have them willy-nilly, but it’s a woman’s decision and it should be decided by women.
8. Militant gun nuts scare me.
If there’s one thing that pops me out of the liberal mold, it’s my stance on gun control. It just doesn’t work. It will never work. I own several firearms, my dad was a competition shooter and my brother is an NRA instructor. So what is a “gun nut?” A gun nut is a guy who brags about how he will defend his home and his family with thousands of dollars of rampage he’s got squirreled away. He keeps every one of them loaded “just in case.” He uses words like “tactical” and “stopping power.” Does he have the right to bear arms? You betcha. As a matter of fact, I will march to defend his right because, once the line is drawn, it wouldn’t take much for it to cross right over me. What I won’t defend, is his right to shoot people. The danger here is that having such an effective option blinds one to other options. After touting the advantages of hollowpoints and well-oiled slides, after quick drawing in the mirror until he sees a hero looking back, is he really going to pass up the chance to put one into an “evil doer?” Unless someone is threatening his life or the life of his family, he doesn’t have that right. No, not even the guy breaking into his house. Just my belief, but with the exception of the people living there, nothing and I mean nothing in your house is worth a human life. Regardless of the life. This also goes for the police. Having said that, I WILL fire AT someone breaking into my house with the hopes that he’ll leave a brown trail the whole way out the door for the cops to follow. If he gets away, I’m hoping he tells all his larcenous pals about the crazy guy with the gun and word will spread.
9. I believe that education is our most important tool to make our nation great and it should be second only to heathcare in funding.
I have to. I’m a teacher.
1. Everyone has received an “entitlement” at one time or another.
You think you’re the exception? For the first 12 - 16 years of your life, you were a taker. You produced nothing other than loud noises and weird smells. But before you say, “nobody ever gave me anything” just keep in mind that you’re wrong. You were born with advantages that you most-likely feel were your birthright, be it a safe place to live or simply a passed-down work ethic. You didn’t build every road you’ve ever driven upon. You didn’t build the hospital in which you were born. You didn’t choose the country you were born into. Did you have parents? Did they have land? A home? Steady jobs? What makes you think you’re “entitled” to any of that? You didn’t work for it, you just got lucky. Face it, you are one lucky son of a gun. Lots of people paved the way for you and you’ve been given a lot. Who are you to deny something from those who were born with so much less than you? Okay, maybe your parents were better people. Or, maybe, if you’re like me, you just had a mom who worked her ass off and taught you to do the same. Lucky you. Lucky me, for that matter. I’m not saying that I’m guilty for all the advantages I got, like a family that grew their own potatoes, which didn’t much feel like an advantage when I was digging them up on hot summer days. I’m saying that I’m thankful enough that I won’t begrudge the little bit of tax money it takes to help out those who didn’t get the same advantages that I got. The potatoes are on me.
2. Gay marriage has nothing to do with you unless you're gay and getting married.
No one chooses to be gay. Life would be SO much easier if it were as simple as changing one’s mind. It’s not. If you don’t believe this, then when did you choose to be straight? As far a gay marriage, how, exactly, is anyone’s life changed by someone else being happy? You don’t have to go to the wedding, which will save you money on a gift. Wait, God told you it was wrong? Well, if it’s so wrong, why is he telling YOU? Shouldn’t he be telling that happy couple that their happiness isn’t really happiness at all but some sort of aberration? Kinda seems like the wrong way to go about it, don’t ya think?
3. Nobody should have to choose between their health and their finances.
I’ve spent most of my life without health insurance. I used to laugh when I told someone I was sick and they’d ask, “what did the doctor say?” “Doctor? Who the hell can afford a doctor? I’m not spending a week’s pay just to have him tell me to drink plenty of fluids and then give me an out-of-pocket prescription that MIGHT help.” I thank my lucky stars that the worst thing that ever went wrong with me could be cured by NyQuil and a bath. If I had ever had a major surgery, I’d probably still owe on it. Because of this, I don’t think anyone should look at their bank account to see if they should go to the doctor or, worse, wait to see if their kids get better on their own. Now that I’ve enjoyed the benefit of pain killers and anti-anxiety drugs, I think everyone should be given the opportunity.
4. We should tax the rich.
And, yes, they need to pay a higher percentage. Hey, the rich will be just fine. None of them starved while Clinton was building up a surplus, did they? More importantly, I don’t think anyone who is NOT rich should defend them. That’s just wishful thinking. You’re not going to be rich. Ever. And, hey, if I’m wrong, THEN you can bitch about it. You won’t, because, as I’ve said, you’ll be just fine.
5. Cannabis should be legal.
I’m not going to argue all the reasons, and, no, I don’t get high. I’m only going to give three. #1 -filling prisons up does nobody any good. Except prisons. #2 - Why not? Is it because we can’t tax it? Hey, we can all grow our own tobacco, but that doesn’t stop the multi-billion dollar cigarette industry, does it? Are we afraid people will drive high? Well, they already do. #3 - Alcohol is legal and that kills people.
6. We should have complete separation of church and state.
Maybe this doesn’t fall into the “liberal” pigeon hole, per se, but I think it’s worth mentioning. I don’t want anyone’s religion involved in the government of me, and I certainly don’t want the government deciding my religion. ‘Nuff said. If you don’t agree, imagine if we suddenly had an massive conversion in this country. All the young people and three-quarters of the older people suddenly saw the light. Sweeping governmental reforms were enacted in the name of the holy, the righteous, the power and the glory of the Flying Spaghetti Monster. Then comes a knock on your door, and the Pastafarians are hauling you away to cover you with Alfredo for not observing a proper Saucrifice. The moral: don’t assume YOUR religion will always be the one in charge. Scoff if you like, but I have one word for you: Scientology.
7. I am pro choice.
A woman has an abortion. This is none of my business. How is it anyone’s business other than the woman’s. You disagree? What if the poor parents have been told that their child is going to be born with several arms and more than the usual number of heads? People get abortions for heath reasons, too, you know. It’s not all about birth control. And if it is, what’s the alternative? Since you’re so involved, are you going to raise the child or pay for the welfare? Should we bring back orphanages? There are plenty of people willing to adopt, you say? Do some research on the foster care system in the United States. It will hurt. I’m not saying women should have them willy-nilly, but it’s a woman’s decision and it should be decided by women.
8. Militant gun nuts scare me.
If there’s one thing that pops me out of the liberal mold, it’s my stance on gun control. It just doesn’t work. It will never work. I own several firearms, my dad was a competition shooter and my brother is an NRA instructor. So what is a “gun nut?” A gun nut is a guy who brags about how he will defend his home and his family with thousands of dollars of rampage he’s got squirreled away. He keeps every one of them loaded “just in case.” He uses words like “tactical” and “stopping power.” Does he have the right to bear arms? You betcha. As a matter of fact, I will march to defend his right because, once the line is drawn, it wouldn’t take much for it to cross right over me. What I won’t defend, is his right to shoot people. The danger here is that having such an effective option blinds one to other options. After touting the advantages of hollowpoints and well-oiled slides, after quick drawing in the mirror until he sees a hero looking back, is he really going to pass up the chance to put one into an “evil doer?” Unless someone is threatening his life or the life of his family, he doesn’t have that right. No, not even the guy breaking into his house. Just my belief, but with the exception of the people living there, nothing and I mean nothing in your house is worth a human life. Regardless of the life. This also goes for the police. Having said that, I WILL fire AT someone breaking into my house with the hopes that he’ll leave a brown trail the whole way out the door for the cops to follow. If he gets away, I’m hoping he tells all his larcenous pals about the crazy guy with the gun and word will spread.
9. I believe that education is our most important tool to make our nation great and it should be second only to heathcare in funding.
I have to. I’m a teacher.
