The Trouble with Absolutes: a Quasi-Political Rant

As I watch the news and TV commercials, it is becoming apparent that we are quickly approaching another exceptionally bad mud-flinging season. Ah, politics. Remember when there were real issues, and the candidates spoke about their ideas for those issues, and we decided whose idea was better, voted for them, and went on with our lives? Neither do I.

I’m not a very politically charged person. I am registered as an Independent because I refuse to vote based on party affiliations. I know where I stand on some important issues, and try my best to vote for the person who comes closest to that stance. Some issues are beyond the scope of my understanding, or I just don’t care. The sad truth is, though, it is becoming so difficult to comprehend where the candidates stand on anything, and none of it seems to be lining up with where I think they should be. So here is my commentary on two issues that should not be issues but have been made into issues which mask the real issues.

First, there is the candidate Herman Cain. Of the few things I’ve heard, there is a possibility that he has some good ideas and ideals. Thanks to social media, though, I have heard more about his race and what other candidates think of him than about what he really stands for. One email I’ve received a couple of times is a list of would-be bumper stickers that say things like “my candidate is blacker than your candidate, so what now?” The day Cain won the primary here in Florida, I knew that this would become the big issue. Just so we are clear, I want to rip my hair out every time somebody pulls the “if you don’t agree with Obama’s policies, you’re clearly a racist” card. It’s absolutely ridiculous. Which is why I am not surprised that the GOP is pushing a black candidate to the front. I would just really like to know about his ideas instead of his race, which is obvious and doesn’t affect his ability to do one single thing. Maybe our third black President will be taken seriously. One can only hope.

Secondly, there is the Occupy movement. I am all for American citizens exercising their Constitutional right to be heard. I am also all for a person’s right to work hard and enjoy the fruits of their labor, even if it means that they are earning exponentially more than me. The problem I have with this whole movement is how both sides deal only in absolutes. The opponents have this idea that ALL people on welfare are lazy bums who need to “get off your duff and off my dime”. There are certainly enough people involved in this movement who are seeking attention, trying to get out of their contractual obligations, and looking for a handout because they do not have the good fortune that others have. We will call them Group A. However, there are some who are just not able to make a comfortable living because of having a disability or high medical bills, wanting to earn a degree to improve their own situation, or being a victim of the current recession – Group B. The slogan “we are the 99%” is misleading, because probably half or fewer are actually in that second category. Granted, as the economy continues to sink, Group B is growing we should come together as a nation and help one another out. The problem comes in discerning the first group from the second.

On the other hand, the supporters of the movement refuse to recognize that Group A exists, so they combine everybody with a meager income or lack thereof into one group and cry out that they are being victimized by those who have worked hard, amassed wealth, or have just been fortunate enough to be born into it. So what is the solution? Got me. As I see it, life’s not fair. It is possible to have a great idea or innovation and rise up out of an unfortunate situation and become rich. Just ask any movie star or athlete. It is also possible to lose it all and be in a situation of dependence that you never thought you would be. Finally, it’s possible to just be happy with your lot in life and realize that situations come and go, and maybe it’s not wise to throw all of your energy into trying to get someone else to change a temporary event in your own life.

Personally, I never pass up a penny on the street because each one contains a reminder that In God we Trust. If wealth is what you worship, you will always be let down.