For most of us our first introduction to the American Republic comes in grade school when we learn about our founding fathers and the freedoms they fought for. We are told that ours is the great experiment in which great leaders engage in a noble discourse of ideas. Elections are one of the centerpieces of this great freedom, where Lincoln and Douglas eloquently debate the issues.
But as we all know the reality is much different…….
“Congressman Jones loves cuddly puppies but his opponent likes to drown kittens”
“Bill Miller wants to starve old people and kick orphans out on Christmas Day”
And so on….
Things have reached a point that we simply accept this as reality and even make jokes about it.
But we can do better.
There are plenty of good reasons to support President Obama.
There are plenty of good reasons to oppose him.
There are equally good reasons to support or oppose other political leaders.
You can sincerely believe in a more expansive government without wanting to turn us into a socialist dictatorship
You can sincerely believe in a smaller role for government without opposing all forms of government.
These may seem like obvious facts but for many they are not. For many the idea that you would oppose their views mean that you would oppose their goals. And more importantly you can have a reasoned and rational debate with someone on the other side without demonizing them.
Or at least I would like to think we can do this, though in truth part of me is unsure if we can even keep such a spirit alive in this post.
But I would love to be proven wrong.