Blame to go around
These days, most people seem more interested in political name-calling than productive dialogue (cue “Time to stand up and be heard” by Mary Barrows in the Nov. 25 Hays Free Press). However, I’m stubborn by nature so I couldn’t resist responding to some of Ms. Barrows’ political wanderings.
I actually agree with Ms. Barrows’ assertion that this is a divisive and dangerous time in our country’s history, but the blame doesn’t lie with the Republican party, or the Democrats for that matter. No, the fault lies with each and every one of us. Why? Because we’re more interested in being heard than listening. We’d rather blame the other side than listen to rational thought and respond with kindness and respect. We’ve allowed our politicians and judges to abuse their power in ways that compromise the checks and balances envisioned by our forefathers. We’ve allowed our children to be taught that the United States is a nation of racists founded on outdated, inherently unfair principles. We’ve allowed the media to tell us what to think and who to blame instead of just reporting the facts and allowing us to form our own opinions. Yes, it truly is a dangerous time.
Over the weekend, I attended the Nimitz World War II museum in Fredericksburg. Wow! What a great reminder of our country’s noble and glorious history. Are we a perfect nation? Absolutely not. But I’m so thankful to live in this great nation, warts and all.
In regard to President Trump and his supporters, could it be that they are not fascists and Nazis after all? Maybe they are just red-blooded Americans who deeply love this country, its principles, and its institutions and who see the alternative as threatening the most precious tenants of our society. Maybe they support President Trump because they appreciate his America-first agenda and because they have a disdain for and a distrust of life-long politicians and big media. Maybe they’re not so bad after all. I’d certainly like to think so.
Jason Gibert
Buda
