Unfiltered Rhetoric

I must admit - I'm becoming less and less of a Republican. Not less of a conservative -- but the Republicans are hardly conservative enough for me these days. I want freedom... less regulation... I believe in the antiquated idea of unfettered capitalism. I long for the days of personal responsibility and the lack of government bailouts and handouts. I tear up at historical movies when there is some great scene involving stampeding horses in a rush for land, wishing I could be a part of something so exciting.

So when a movie such as "I'm Voting Republican" is produced, I don't feel some great protective reaction on behalf of the Republican party. And, in a way, I am impressed that somebody managed to fit so much rhetoric into one three and a half minute film spot. The Democrat talking points are almost all in there... But I do long for the days of REAL debate. I tire quickly of commercialized politics, be it on either side. Commercials are made for people with a very short attention span. Politics shouldn't be debated the same way. The stakes are higher in national politics than whether you're going to buy Wheaties or Captain Crunch on your next visit to the grocery.

I would love to have an actual conversation regarding political and/or moral points of view. It's the best way for me to learn new things. When someone challenges my thinking, I love to dig in and do research and see how right they are... 

But I've noticed that people are often afraid to express their point of view... people are wary of identifying themselves with a particular stance and discussing it. There are some people who are completely clueless as to current events and are incapable of discussing -- and don't wish to change it... and there are people who are so passionate about their thoughts and beliefs that they are incapable of rationally discussing anything. I long for a happy medium where we can discuss things with each other and actually learn from one another in the process.