What Do You Stand For?
It’s time for a political rant. As much as I try to avoid them, the Republicans, by calling the January 6 attack on the capitol “legitimate political discourse” have pushed me into standing up for what I believe, or else consider myself a coward.
People were attacked on January 6. People died, vandalism took place, and our Democratic way of life was threatened. We expect such things to happen in South American and African countries. Now we are no better. Our moral superiority has been stomped on and the remains left to drain into a sewer.
Biden may not have accomplished as much as he promised – what president ever did – but in my mind that’s not a bad thing. Nor is the fact that he has even been stymied by members of his own party. That’s a positive thing in my mind. No one person or party should have all the power. We are a diverse nation, and that we only have two political parties, at opposite ends of the political spectrum, is ridiculous.
I have never voted a straight party line in my life – although I might now. Not because I believe in everything the Democratic party stands for, but because there seems to be nothing I stand for in the Republican Party.
There is no question but that far too many Republicans are willing to sacrifice truth and justice for their own political gains. The truth may not always be pretty, or what we want, but anything else is not viable.
We’ve ignored all the many lies – in both parties – for way too long. It’s time we demand the truth, and the truth is that the attack on the capitol was incited and led by people who have no respect for Democracy. There were far too many white supremacists among the attackers, as well as others who think they are better than other humans.
Sadly, among them were also many so-called Christians, who are anything but what the name implies. That the Evangelical community, who was all over Bill Clinton for his adultery, can now support an adulterous man who brags about his conquests, and thinks lying and cheating are the way to win in business, is beyond me.
Truth knows no party and no religion. It simply is. And it’s time we demand it of our political leaders – and of ourselves. It’s time for those who don’t like what is going on to stand up and be counted.
Pat Bean is a retired award-winning journalist who lives in Tucson with her canine companion, Scamp. She is a wondering-wanderer, avid reader, enthusiastic birder, Lonely Planet Community Pathfinder, Story Circle Network board member, author of Travels with Maggie available on Amazon (Free on Kindle Unlimited) and is always searching for life’s silver lining.
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