Some of the more interesting comments on my blog come from family members. By way of background, only my mother and I voted for the President. And my new found political enlightenment has been cause for much consternation, if not genuine concern for my sanity, amongst my liberal relations. Still, I press on with my efforts to speak the truth in the hope that eventually reason will prevail. It occurs to me that perhaps these intra-family debates are a reflection of the rhetoric that fuels the red/blue divide in our nation today. And maybe there is something to be learned in that.

Recently I posted a link to this video which provides what I thought was a rather funny depiction of some of the more extreme views of the Bush-hating crowd. I titled the post “The faces of the American left”. Which led my son Kevin to respond:

Yeah, that is a real accurate portrayal of the American left…just like Fahrenheit 911 is an accurate portrayal of Bush and the war. When are we all going to get past all these petty shots and focus on the important matters in our country? The election is over. Believe it or not…most people ARE over it! Bush won. Instead of taunting like Randy Moss after a touchdown why don’t we just focus on winning the war!

I actually agree with him for the most part. I don’t believe the mostly tongue-in-cheek video compares with Moore’s propaganda piece, but the extreme views of those on the fringes of the left (and right) do not accurately reflect the America I know and love. And while I don’t see anywhere near the level of taunting from the right that would compare to the whining of disaffected liberals, we on the right do need to gaurd against hubris and arrogance if we want to hold on to the hard won majority of the mainstream Americans. And yes, we can still argue and disagree vehemently amongst ourselves about the wisdom of various domestic and foreign policies. But we should be able to come together around the principle that our nation is at war and the recognition that our defeat would be a victory for tyranny. No true liberal is in favor of oppression. Freedom and democracy are values we can all cherish, regardless of our political leanings. It was gratifying to hear my son acknowledge this fact.

My daughter Renee had this to say:

Enough already! I did not vote for Bush and I disagree with many of his policies, but I am downright embarrassed by the juvenile whining currently emanating from the anti-Bush camp. Time to face the facts. If liberals spend the next four years addressing issues such as how to re-connect with rural voters, then they can seriously contend again in 2008. If instead they sit around debating whether Donald Rumsfeld or Darth Vader is more evil, then the GOP is looking at eight more years at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.

Indeed. And my question to Democrats is where is the outrage? Why aren’t responsible leaders of the party standing up and renouncing the extreme views of groups that can only be described as anti-American. Instead, the Democrats pander to these folks and in so doing, alienate the vital majority of voters. It was disgusting to watch Senator (and former Klansman) Robert Byrd attack and demean Condi Rice in such a vile manner on the Senate floor. Or to hear Barbara Boxer weave a tale of lies and then have the audacity to call Rice a liar. And still they wonder why they continue to lose elections.

I honestly don’t care which party is in power provided that party is true to the traditional values of freedom and liberty, with no UN veto or “global test” regarding America’s interests and national security . As Superman might say, I’m all about truth, justice and the American way. When Michael Moore was given a seat of honor at the Democratic National Convention, the party lost my vote. If my children are a reflection of the more mainstream liberals in America, the Democrats might be in serious trouble for a long time to come.

I will continue my efforts to get the word out to any and all who care to listen. In the words of Kris Kristofferson:

And you still can hear me talking to the people who don’t listen
To the things that I am saying , hoping someone’s gonna hear
And I guess I’ll die explaining how the things that they complain about
Are things they could be changing , praying someone’s gonna care.

I was born a lonely singer and I’m bound to die the same
But I’ve got to feed the hunger in my soul
And if I never have a nickel I won’t ever die ashamed
Because I don’t believe that no one wants to know.
(from To beat the devil)

cross posted at The Wide Awakes