Friday, July 6, 2012

Why do you hate me?

(If you didn’t hate me before, you may after you read this.)

I am a middle aged white woman and I vote as a Conservative.  I listen to Rush Limbaugh and watch Fox News.  I also listen to the top 40, Texas Country Music, watch ABC News, and CNN.  I do not follow any of these media groups lock step; I just like to expand my horizons and see what all the world is doing.

I have been an executive secretary, worked at a tire recycling plant, and I love roses.  Until I married my husband I could have qualified for food stamps but chose to work and live within my means.  I vote in each election. I study to see what those are around me are saying about elected officials, research the ads and vote in each election.  I love the Pledge of Allegiance, the Star Spangled Banner and tear up at the color guard during a passing parade.

I am not Black, Gay, an Illegal Immigrant, or a Liberal.  I do not use racial slurs, or derogatory comments to my friends or those on the street. I do not use those words in my home and if a visitor uses them in the privacy of my home they are quickly told I do not agree with their speech. 

We live in a land of laws and I respect those laws.  I want people to come here to our country because they want a better life not because they want to do us harm. 

Today, on my Facebook wall was posted from a “friend” a cute little graphic slamming some of my representatives with derogatory wording.   Most days I blink and pass them by.  Today (July 4th) it hit me especially hard.  It is Independence Day.  It is your right to say those things to me and anyone else.   As you should realize by now, I will fight for these rights no matter how hurtful.

As our country has become smarter and realized that religion, the color or your skin, or your country of origin do not make any difference, we have become more hateful.  I would never in a million years, use (or tolerate) a racial slur or make a derogatory comment about your choices in life.   I would never say our presidents should be harmed but have quietly endured the hate speech. 

I endure your wrath at the general population as I fear your quiet even more.  I endure your speech as a reminder that it was once spoken to you or yours and realize it is your right.  I endure your speech but it is still painful in many more ways.  Your speech makes me realize we are still so divided even after the victories we have won.  Your speech makes me realize you do not know me at all, “friend”.


Share and all comments (other than porn) welcomed.

8 comments:

Cat said...

I too am appalled at the hate thrown around by both sides of the political spectrum. It saddens me and makes me wonder if we've made any progress at all.

Lemon Verbena Lady said...

I have been on this planet almost 60 years and I can't believe we are still where we are. I don't think we have progressed at all. xxoo Nancy

HolleyGarden said...

I am so sick and tired of all the divisiveness. I think most of the country is sick of the divisiveness, too. It makes me so sad when I see anyone of either party just going along with their party and not working toward what is right for the country. Why can't people work together? I just don't understand it, and I am soooo very frustrated with the politics in this country. (both parties!)

I am also appalled at the way people talk to each other. All I see is people attacking other people - verbally, but still - I wonder: is this what is being taught (or caught)? It saddens me.

BernieH said...

I'm afraid the basic flaws of human nature will continue to be the basic flaws throughout my lifetime and many many more to come. I try my very best to focus on the positives, but I have to admit they can be rather hard to find most of the time. I regard your voiced thoughts as a definite positive.

Karen said...

I agree with you wholeheartedly! Sometimes I wonder if people were ever meant to be peaceful...I always think of Dr. Seuss and the Star-Bellied Sneetches. How very true that tale is.

Casa Mariposa said...

People confuse emotion with fact and rarely take the time to listen to both sides of an issue. Our country is extremely polarized and the profoundly ignorant statements I've heard come from "educated" people have been astounding. Attacking someone else's opinion validates your own, even if it's uninformed and asinine, which may be why so many people do it. Sad!

Donna said...

I think we could be friends! I too have similar opinion and direction. Unfortunately, rarely admit my beliefs for the fear of reprisal or criticism. Too many have the need to be cared for by others without doing any work. They are the most vocal too expressing a lot of hate and certainly no appreciation to others. I find them everyday in the city, and think how my tax dollars are supporting these ungrateful free loaders.

stiener said...

Of course, almosy anyone would agree with your sentiments, no matter the race , color , or creed. However it is my belief that the hate and divisiveness is calculated by the powers that be. It serves their purpose. A united people might start to really look at what they are doing with our money and our country. Thanks for your courage.