If you ever just click on links to blogs from another's posts, like I do, then you know I wrote this one a few days ago. However, it was right after my last "Beautiful Girls" post, and it was really negative and angry and I didn't want it to reflect in any way on that post, because I was pretty proud of the positivity each one had generated. In the beginning, I was just responding to others negativity and anger, so I had to sit on this a few days, to figure out a better way of saying what I needed to say.
First off, I guess I have to consider myself a "Liberal". Though saying that doesn't bother me, what people put behind it, does. Like, I'm not as classy as a human as I should be, because I don't take the "Conservative" approach, normally. As I've said before, I really try to take the side of things that make sense to ME. How it affects ME, you know? Not just because someone said that that's how THEY see it, or that's what THEY believe. I really don't like having to differentiate myself from others by classing us as either Conservative, or Liberal. Aren't we all people? Aren't we each entitled to have an opinion? And maybe tolerate it when someone's differs? Maybe not go on and on and on, about your opinion, when people aren't engaging--literally saying they'd prefer not to fight with you, or listen to what they feel is wrong or a waste of their time? Anyway, I guess this is where I must place myself. But I'm standing up right now, and saying that's because I agree with over half of the Liberal plans...and disagree with over half of the Conservative's. Here in Utah, it seems like a lot of people think you can't be Mormon, and Liberal. In fact, I read this week in someone's blog that they're tired of " A bunch of used-to-be-Mormons mindlessly taking a liberal standpoint".
It sounds a lot like they're saying you can't be Mormon and Liberal at that same time. And guess what? You can. It's called having a choice, and having free agency. Something that if you're Mormon, you know IS A BIG DEAL.
So this is my point. I have a lot of hope in this new Health Care Reform. I'm not saying that I know all about it, because I don't, and frankly, I won't push myself to read EVERYTHING out there in order to expand my knowledge. On the other hand, what I have read about it hasn't seemed to include all the terror that "overly knowledgeable" (and please see this as sarcasm) people that consider themselves "die hard Conservatives", are driving into the hearts of anyone mindless enough not to check SOME of it out themselves. I haven't found the part where "I'm going to pay for Bobby Lee Brasco's eighth abortion cause she can't keep her legs shut and doesn't want another kid messin' up her lifestyle". In fact, I've found the opposite. So I'm just going with what I have actually READ--by documented sources.
And I'm not going to go into detailed conspiracy theories. Because I do have a few, but I'm so tired of listening to everyone elses that I have a headache, and I'm sure that mine are no less stupid than the others I've heard. Also, politics is a flat-out, nasty business--no matter which way you swing. No matter what, we are all kept in the dark on a lot of major things. That's the way of worldly power.
However, despite us knowing all this, I'm having such a hard time with people, lately. Guess what? I don't want the government to take ALL my resources and choices and properties and everything away, either. Does that sound super fun to me? Nope. However, I'm not the one shaking my fist and yelling:"RIP AMERICA!!! YOU'VE BROUGHT THE END OF TIMES UPON YOURSELVES!" I'm the one that admits we needed a change. I am the one that still wants change, and hopes that something good will come out of it. Here's my question for all you faithful followers of the LDS religion, because according to some, I was never faithful, because I have taken Liberal stands even BEFORE it was trendy. But for all of you that are completely righteous and steadfast and let's not forget, political geniuses, where is your faith? These last two years I had to endure all this, "please pray for our leaders that they will be open to positive inspiration...." and blah, blah, blah. And guess what? I did. And guess what else? I don't think I was the only one that actually followed that request, and I am betting that people supporting the conservative party did as well. Could you maybe think for a second that they WERE swayed in the right direction? Or open to the spirit? That millions of people, that our country, that YOU needed a change from what we'd gone through in the past eight years of the Bush administration? I mean, really? Why can't you see that a change is needed? That this country is based on the ability to change with the people and keep up with the times. If it wasn't, we'd still be okay with having slaves, and uneducated Americans and women having no say in anything, and the list goes on and on. After the constitution was written, did all the problems of the USA go away? No. It was through errors and paradigm shifts and even enlightenment in unusual beings and places, that it's come to be where we are today.
Like all change, it's not going to be 100% great for everyone, right away. We'll have to adapt and vote, and see what works, and what doesn't, and luckily, we have the privilege to vote to get it to be as workable a system as it can. But it will never be perfect. Ever.
One thing I do know? And here's where I'm completely unapologetic in admitting my true opinion: Everyone is entitled to have healthcare. I don't care who you are. Because I don't know anyone that would just stand there and let a person scream in pain or watch a child suffering, without NEEDING to do something. Anyway, I hope I don't. I'm usually a lot choosier in my friends, than that. And unless you can actually do something other than bitch about what may happen? I'm going to assume that you have no idea of what you're talking about...and I'm putting my faith in some of this change being the beginning of something better for people that need it. And one day, it may just be you.
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13 comments:
I agree!
Amen, Sister! We are entitled to healthcare because our taxes are going to pay for it, kind of like they pay for schools, the postal service, libraries, and various other things that help us exist. I wish you were able to avoid the stupidity like I do. Loves.
Rain, I totally agree that everyone deserves health care -but I'm frustrated with some things. First of all, I wish that people paid a flat tax that was a percentage of what they earned and that our tax dollars were managed better. I think the whole health care system is so messed up right now-insurance companies are making soo much money from the people that pay that they could afford to insure the people that don't. Right now they are the ones making big profits-not doctors(who I think deserve to get paid quite a bit because they are poor for a very long time and then have a lot of debt-I've seen this with Jeremy) I don't know what the right answers are but I think change is good. It's frustrating to me that politics get in the way of good change. (Have you seen sicko? Mike and I really thought it had some interesting things to say.)
Sarah, I agree with you on all that...insurance companies, pharmaceutical companies and providers are all completely shady. And having our tax money managed more carefully? YES!!! However, that's a lot of money, that a lot of greedy people have access to...maybe there will be more monitoring of where and to whom the help goes. I honestly don't know. I DO know that there will be big bugs to work out...that the doctors aren't responsible for the problems with health care. I believe that for the most part, doctors honestly go into medicine to help others, not become rich. Because with that many years in school and those loans, and the fact that THEY have to get insurance as well, and a doctor's health insurance rates are ridiculous...well, they wouldn't be very smart to go into that profession if money was the only motivation. I'm frustrated, too. I really want something good to come out of this. And fingers crossed, something will.
Hey rain, first off, I wanted to say thanks for including me in your last post! It was very timely in my self confidence crisis last week. You are very compassionate and one of the most beautiful, in and out, women I know!
I went to a uvu seminar last week on what the new heath reform really means. Govenor mike leavette was the key note speaker. It was basically a political general conference. They read from the scriptures over and over saying heavenly father wants this and that! Truly insensetive to those in the audience who are not lds as well as extremely inappropriate and manipulative use of religion for their political agenda!!!!! Those hoping to get any real and accurate info on the health reform were disappointed.
I'm so glad someone is being rational about this health care thing. It's got OUT OF HAND - it's not the end of the US and I wish people wouldn't be so hateful in their thinking and speaking. Shauna - I can't believe that the governor was reading scriptures at a public event!!!! I hope you notify someone at UVU!
It's funny because I feel the same way as a conservative. However, I live in Portland, OR, not Utah. And I am married to a "liberal" and have EXTREMELY liberal in-laws. I think it has made me a wiser person in general. And I keep my mouth shut A LOT. Which makes me sad sometimes. But back to your vent. I am not so sure about the health care bill, I really hope it works for everyone (selfishly including my husband who has gone to school for a LONG time to help people and not get rich). I think it's a pretty immature approach that a lot of conservatives are taking: hope something fails, so you can say I told you so. I didn't vote for president Obama, but I hope he turns out to be an excellent president because that means my country and I benefit from his leadership, not suffer. I am unsure of this bill, but I hope it works well because that means that many people will get help where they need it, and perhaps we can save some lives. Much more mature an approach in my humble opinion. This has inspired me to blog a little something myself. Thanks!
It'll sound like I'm jumping on the bandwagon here.
But that's just because I am.
I had to stop myself from responding angrily to that very post you mentioned. I'm trying desperately to not have an angry reaction to people's opinions, because I feel that's horribly counter-productive. It's difficult when you have deep feelings about certain "political" hot-button issues such as welfare, healthcare, abortion etc. And sometimes it feels completely ineffective to try to discuss those things with people, because people (including myself) will often only listen to evidence that supports things they already believe. I think having an open mind is necessary to hearing "God's will" because it's not always going to agree with what you already know.
Long story short... I also want to believe this is a good step for our nation, and I want it to succeed. Oh, and I'm Mormon.
Shauna--Sorry the UVU seminar didn't actually shine any light on this subject. I think you find that ANYWHERE you actually want answers. No one actually tells you anything you want to know about, just the "pros" from their perspective. This is why I have such a hard time with anything politically related...because if anyone told the truth, then no one would have a job. So they use a lot of avoidance and scare tactics, instead. However, I would expect that more out of a BYU seminar, rather than UVU.
Leah, I know what you mean about keeping your mouth shut...A LOT. I have a lot of family that differ so completely from me in EVERY view on EVERY topic, it actually makes me physically ill to be around them. And I'm not saying that because they're conservative, but because they are so LOUD about it. I think, like you said, being respectful enough to just avoid conflict and not tell a person what a dumbass you're really thinking they are, IS the more mature humble approach. Because what good comes out of the old "family dinner political arguments"? Not any.
I think the main point to remember whenever something new happens, even if it's something that you really believe with all your heart will never work, is to have hope. To hope that the people in charge will at least want what we all want, and that's for this country to be great. For us all to have the chance to succeed and choose to do so. I liked what you said about immature people just wanting things to turn out really rotten so they can say "I told you so". And you're completely right. It's such a sad, infantile way to be.
I appreciate your taking the high road and hoping for the best.
And Kyle? I'll make room for you on the bandwagon, anytime. I didn't want to seem counterproductive in my response, either. I didn't want to slam anyone or make them feel like now I can't respect them as people because they're thinking differently from me. However, lately I've felt that directed at ME and MY beliefs, and I was just done keeping my mouth closed. So I had to say what I said. And luckily, despite this being such a "hot topic", my responding friends have all been mature enough to try to be hopeful for all of us, as well.
These are the two arguments I hear against health care reform: 1)It'll hike taxes!; 2) It "might" change health care for those who already have it. My response: 1) If there IS a tax increase, I couldn't be more on board considering the reason. Also, with all the things being done for those of us (the majority) who don't make 250 grand a year, I can stand to pay a little for health care reform. And so can the elite. 2)What about those who DON'T have health care?! The nay-sayers KEEP leaving them out of their nay-saying, because, let's face it, that's the best part about health care reform!--Everyone will have access to it! So, obviously this part is left out of the argument, because how can you argue that?! Oh, an additional argument is that we don't need regulation. No, "we" don't--but the insurance companies do. I think we're kidding ourselves by taking a good look at the past eight years and saying "we don't need regulation."
As a side note, I am no longer LDS, but I think those who are can digest this: As a former LDS person, I was told that the future Zion will have the "law a of consecration." Now, correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't that law supposed to entail an almost non-monetary system?--Where people share what they have with each other? Help each other? And everyone is equal? Huh, sounds a lot less like capitalism and more like, wait for it.....SOCIALISM!!!! The horror!!!! Anyway, I find the notion that all "good" LDS are conservative to be quite contradictory. Seems to me that it's "harder for a rich man to get into heaven than it is for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle." Toodles!
Love Lora.
I love Lora, too. :)
Those Steele girls ROCK!
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