Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Mountain Monday is Interrupted by This Political Rant!

Things while looking up here at Masion Tangled, I am still feeling stretched a bit thinly trying to juggle my family's needs. My mother was released from the hospital yesterday and is currently recuperating at home, under the watchful eye of nearby family members. If things weren't so crazy here right now, I would take off and spend some time with her, and you know what? Maybe I will anyway!
Anyway, I will get to my MM post tomorrow, right now, I am really pissed! I try to stay away from politics on my personal blog, because it seems to be divisive and I get enough of that in real life, I don't need to bring it on in my virtual life.
Although those of you who might post something political, I am not afraid to voice my opinion on YOUR blog! bwaahaaahaa!
Anyway, one of reasons why I love being LDS, (Mormon) is their amazing stand on charity and good works. As many religions and beliefs preach taking care of the poor, the needy, the outcast, my Church does also, and I love them for it! This value of the LDS braids quite neatly into my cultural value of "Wacantognaka, the Lakota word for generosity, means to contribute to the well-being of one's people and all life by sharing and giving freely. This sharing is not just of objects and possessions, but of emotions like sympathy, compassion, kindness. It also means to be generous with one's personal time. The act of giving and not looking for anything in return can make you a better person and make you happy." (Lakota Values) See what a nice neat match that is? It is beautiful and it makes me happy to have it as part of my inner self.
I would hope that no matter which political party you belong to, that first and foremost you are a human being, and if you are also a member of the LDS church, or any belief system that values charity, good works and kindness, that you will refrain from disparaging other members of our Church, or any other belief system based on their political party. All Democrats are not evil communists/socialists and all Republicans are not money grubbing, greedy, selfish people who don't care for the poor.
I will say though, that if you think that being poor in this country is what people deserve because they have been unwilling to work, find a job, "pull themselves up by their bootstraps" etc and that it is entirely unconnected to race and class, perhaps you will want to find another blog to read, because I am not one of you.

15 Kids Who Want To Play:

Kristina P. said...

Bravo! Standing ovation! I suspect that many people who feel that way won't be saying that after the crappy market hits them too.

Torina said...

I don't get it either. Why people have to judge others based upon religion or politics or money. I learn a lot about people during these political seasons and not all of it is good. Thank you for speaking up!

Jessica G. said...

Each party has their own brand of stupid. I don't always vote along party lines but in high school, I was by far the most conservative person in my government class. I hate political discussions because everyone has a right to their own beliefs...just don't try to force them on me. So like Jo says...BE NICE!

Me (aka Danielle) said...

Strong and Poignant. Well Said!

Regardless, I've been thinking about you and your mom. Its good to see you post. My thoughts are prayers remain with you.

Jillene said...

Great post Jo!! I have been missing you!! I agree with the politics stuff. I am an Independent so I choose whom I want by their campagin not by their catagory--ie. Democrat or Republican. I am an equall opportunity kind of girl!!

Glad to hear that momma is home and recovering. Here's to hoping it is a quick recovery and she feels well soon!!

K J and the kids said...

Yes, but can the Mormons stop GIVING so freely in California ?? aye ?? :)

What's going on ? If you are going to rant, you should really give us a little bone to pick at too :)

Miss Melissa said...

Oh Jo, you rock! I've been quiet on the comment front lately, but you and your family have been in my nightly conversations with the Higher Power of Your Choice.

The plight of the working poor and uninsured is one of my biggest causes and a great source of heartbreak for me. NO ONE deserves to be poor and EVERYONE needs a helping hand at some point. It's just that some people need a bigger one than others and at different times or different ways.

Dads(2) said...

I am standing and clapping like no other--you ROCKED THE HOUSE!

Holly said...

Way to go speaking up. I have so much respect for people taking a stand in what they believe.

elizasmom said...

Yes, yes! Can we all just agree that most people are basically good at heart and that they believe what they do because they genuinely believe it would be best for everyone?

My husband's father and step-mom and I will NEVER be on the same page politically, but I will be the first person to defend them because I believe they are genuinely good-hearted and trying to do right by their community.

Where I get off the "can't we all get along" bus is when I see people screaming "kill him" or "traitor" about the opposite side, because that is just plain ugly.

bon said...

Why... some of my favorite people are Democrats, Liberals and dirty Socialist! I like Republicans pretty well too... and is the Green Party still around? I'll give 'em some love too.

I believe that people are people and mostly try to be and do good. Even drug dealers and identity thieves often try to do right by their families and friends, albeit in a highly jacked up way. I am in no way comparing ANY political party with these sorts of folks... I'm just trying to make a point. The impulse to help another and be loving is HUMAN.

It's all just a disagreement on how best to take care of business.

Jenny said...

Glad to hear your Mom is home now. This election has everyone stirred up. I just don't know what I'll blog about after the 4th.

Teresa Jordan said...

Amen Sister! All of my neighbors are having sign wars (posting Obama and McCain signs that say mean things). You'll have to check out my blog to see the sign I posted in my front yard.

I love the quote on the Statue of Liberty that says, "Give me your tired, your poor,your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these,the homeless, tempest-tossed to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"
Isn't that what the Savior would say?
Sorry, for the rant! Don't even get me started

Unknown said...

I don't say this to cause a fight, but I was raised in a house where we were 'destined to be poor' and dad took money from us as we babysat, cleaned houses, etc, to support HIS habit of driving the streets all day and shopping at DI. MY mom cried in the bedroom most days and we never went to parties, played sports, or signed up for anything that cost a dime.

I was 'the selfish one' ( my parents words) because I earned my way and made a living for myself, I even bought my own car, and while I did help at Christmas and do things that I felt were important for my family, it angered me so badly to watch my parents.... they didn't work much because other people always bailed them out, so I disagree with you due to my first hand experience. They were total 'second handers'.

I love the fact that I can work as much as I want to buy what I need, and when people on welfare apply for cell phones (and get them) or get a "non-income" tax credit (check for doing nothing) it does anger me. Where is the drive and motivation in that? It is definitely NOT part of God's plan to do nothing and reap a reward. "By the sweat of thy brow" do we earn our keep, not the sweat of the brows of those that are willing to work hard.

Do you have more than one car? Do you have a cell phone? Why? You should give them away right now, because there are people who probably need them more than you and can't afford to go buy them. You should give away all your cute needles and yarn and craft stuff to people who want to do crafts but don't want to use their own money to buy them......

those concepts don't make sense!

But I am independent, and I think both parties are screwed up! I try to vote with what lines up with my own morals, and that is so different for everyone.

And I still love you and still want to read your blog. This is just another take on it. I respectfully disagree, but you give me much to ponder.

xoxoxoxo

Amber said...

if you think that being poor in this country is what people deserve because they have been unwilling to work, find a job, "pull themselves up by their bootstraps" etc and that it is entirely unconnected to race and class,

What I don't get is people who can't acknowledge that there are people who don't have bootstraps to pull themselves up by. Yes there are people who abuse the system- but would you punish everyone that the system helps because of those people? Really?

I prefer to error on the side of giving too much then not giving enough.