Matthew Modine's Blog
-
Note to a Poop Stirrer
- Posted on 01.26.09
Liberal is derived from liber, which can literally be defined as the
state or quality of being free. In the dust jacket of Ms. Coulter's
new book it says, "Liberals loyalty to the United States is off-limits
as a subject of political debate." Really? Since when? Does she
suggest that being a liberal is tantamount to being disloyal to the
United States? Those are fighting words; words that make one want to
dump a truckload of tea in her stinky harbor.
Ms. Coulter's new book is titled, "Guilty – Liberal "Victims" and
Their Assault on America." Why she places "Guilty" in front of
"Liberal" or why "Victims" follows "Liberal" I don't know. But there
you have it, straight from the Coulter's mouth.
I call myself a liberal and I am very proud to embrace the ideals of
liberalism and the freedoms they impart. So, I am happily and
patriotically guilty of being a liberal. I proudly place my hand over
my heart and pledge my allegiance to the flag. When I arrive at the
last sentence, it gives me pause to reflect on the lives lost in the
pursuit of liberty and justice for all.
I assume, not having read her book, that Ms. Coulter is implying that
liberals feel victimized. By whom I wonder? By conservatives? I don't
think so. I am not the victim of conservatives or their lifestyles. I
may not agree with some conservatives or their lifestyles, but they do
not victimize me. Sometimes I do feel sorrow for them. Liberals are,
generally, very forgiving of individuals or groups that are not
progressive thinkers or innovators. I appreciate how conservatives
hold onto traditions and I believe that it is important to balance my
liberalism with a small dose of conservatism. But I use it like salt,
lightly, and with full understanding of the dangers to my health
should I sprinkle it too heavily.
It's hard to imagine our modern world without the sacrifice of those
liberal thinkers that paved the way of modern democracy. Imagine our
societies without the abolition of slavery, secular government, child
labor laws, trial by jury, or the Bill of Rights? Could Ms. Coulter be
so loud and expressive without our freedom of expression and freedom
of speech?
American soldiers are presently fighting for, amongst other things,
the protection of the liberties we enjoy. The sooner liberated Afghan
and Iraqi citizens appreciate and embrace the ideals of liberty and
democracy the safer the whole world will be. Many people in those
regions would prefer to hold onto their histories, refusing to embrace
progressive thought. Much like so many conservatives around the globe
and in America. American soldiers are not fighting "bad guys" so much
as they are fighting an archaic government and theology. Let me ask
you, isn't our current conflict a war against a "conservative" way of
life. Conservative by definition is, support of established
institutions or tending or disposed to maintain existing views,
conditions, or institutions. So we "Liberated" the Iraqi people from
their "Conservative" government. Sounds like a good idea, but in my
opinion revolutions should always start from within a country. Not
something foreigners should try to impose, lest you find yourself
fighting a war on two fronts. One against the oppressor, and a second
against the people you are 'liberating".
Perhaps Ms. Coulter is just a poop stirrer. Her outbursts and loud
declarations are just a way of attracting attention, like a child
throwing a temper tantrum. Actors make their living playing outrageous
characters so I know a little about this kind of behavior. Ms.
Coulter is an interesting character and nothing to take too seriously.
If you squint your eyes, just so, she can be rather entertaining.
Like an old, opinionated relative that barks about the good old days.
Maybe Ms. Coulter is just an old lady at heart.
Related causes: Community
Comments
You must be logged in to do that.
Sign In
Excellent writing - i think everyone should read this.
& BTW any new promo stuff we should put up on CTNgreen for your Bicycle for a Day ?
http://ctngreen.com/2008/oct/?page=92 was last years promo thing
-=| Jeff of CTNGREEN