Divided We Fall

I normally don’t like writing about politics, and I have good reasons.  For the most part, as divided as our country is right now, debating anything is a waste of good energy.  It’s about as divisive as discussing religion, if not worse, and I for one respect everyone’s right to believe what they want in any arena. What I don’t like are the rolling eyes, the snippy, hateful comments… the “I’m so smart and you’re so dumb” arrogance.  And as bad, the angry, misguided, propaganda based ignorance.  Anymore I feel like a parent who needs to gather all of their children in the same room and knock their heads together.  Yes, literally.

So bear with me now as I tread dangerous ground, and before you respond, I would prefer you take at least one breath, maybe take a walk down the road or around the block, or possibly even sleep on it a night or two.  And after those calming steps, wouldn’t hurt to check your blood pressure first, your oxygen levels, and make sure your underwear isn’t too tight.

Okay, here goes…

Though I guess I shouldn’t be surprised, I’ve been somewhat taken aback by the White House petitions to secede.  I haven’t taken the time to make a list, but I am hearing reports that there is one for each state.  In some cases there is more than one for each state, because, I presume, someone was too lazy to read down the list of petitions to see if their state already had one.  Or, maybe the petition itself didn’t state what they wanted.  All I do know is that it’s a disturbing proposition no matter how you look at it.

At first I wonder if it’s not the same temperament as a man or woman going up to their spouse and saying, “I want a divorce.”  Maybe they’re serious, maybe they’re not.  Maybe they’re just trying to get the other’s attention.  Then I see a few of the news interviews and realize, yes, these people are serious.  What I also notice is that they are ignoring one very important fact, and that’s the election itself.  I’m not talking about who voted for who, I’m talking about who didn’t vote.

According to the Associated Press election figures, there were over 9 million (9,177,555 to be exact) less people that turned out to vote in this year’s election than 2008.  1.4 million less Republicans, and 7.7 million less Democrats.  Since it’s fairly safe to say that the petitions are likely from angry Republicans, or Libertarians, then the petition went to the wrong place. They need to be petitioning their fellow party members for not getting out and voting.

The people who voted spoke and Obama was re-elected.  Now, if you want to cite some World View conspiracy, left wing voter fraud, or whatever idea you want to share with the radical shockwaves and propaganda email chains, then I suggest you go out there and gather the intelligence data for such accusations and PROVE IT.  Because, my fellow Americans, the petitions you are making should be to the ones who DIDN’T VOTE, and not to the White House.  As far as I can tell, they won fair and square.

I know what you’re thinking.  Yeah, you’re thinking that since Steven Anderson, AKA Steven Law, is siding with the election results, that he drank the Liberal Kool-Aid.  He’s a writer, a man of the arts, and we all know what those people think! Yeah, they are Communist, feminist, Marxist, tree hugging, baby killers who want nothing more than to take our guns away!

Well, my fellow Americans, let me enlighten you.  I have rarely, ever in my life told anyone who I voted for, because it truly is my personal business, but I will make an exception this time because I do believe it’s important to back up what I’m saying.  In 2008 I voted for John McCain.  In this recent election I voted for Mitt Romney.  That’s the extent of my exposure, because the reason I picked those candidates was because of my own careful analysis of what I thought this country needed.  They certainly were not decisions based on the embarrassing influx of right or left wing propaganda that jams my email inbox, or from Rush Limbaugh, Rachel Maddow, Sean Hannity, Chris Matthews, Mark Levin, Bill Maher, or, God help us, the pulpit.  No, I base my decisions on nothing I hear from a biased media commentary.  I read, I research, and I study the qualifications of the candidates as to their ability to deliver the goods.  And you know what, that doesn’t make me right, it just allows me to exercise my right.

So when I see the election results, and the amount of angry people out there who want to blame everyone but the people who didn’t exercise their constitutional right to vote, I want to round them up and give them a history lesson.  I am quite confident that someone in their family, during the course of American history, either died or risked their life for the right for them to walk into that poll on Election Day and cast their vote.  The blood in our domestic and foreign soil, not just from the Red States, but from sea to shining sea, was the price paid for that right.  So if they don’t exercise it, then what right do they have to complain? 

There are a lot of things that we can work towards, but the idea of secession is just unbelievably juvenile.  Pick up your toys and go home….not playing anymore.  Is that how it is?  So you don’t like the President’s policies.  You know what… I don’t like most of them either.  But I voted for a different President, and I lost.  Now we have the President we have, and we have to hope and pray for the best.  We have to work hard, listen, learn, communicate, and for God’s sake be civil!

I truly don’t believe that any one of the people who drafted or signed those petitions have the slightest inkling of what it would cause if it were to come true.  First of all, the Supreme Court determined that secession is illegal, and the only way it can truly happen is if the state, or states, secede by force.  What are the chances of that happening?  Anyway, I could go on and on about the more practical reasons why secession would never work, but all one has to do is go down the list of things that we all have that would vanish if we were no longer united, and they’d soon get the picture.  Or at least I hope they would.

What bothers me most, however, is that I live in this Red State of Missouri so I can be close to my family.  Just across town, I can go visit my very liberal family members, and their three adorable children.  We have a wonderful time if we can avoid talking about politics.  But the point is, they have lived here nearly twenty years and have tolerated many issues that go against their personal values, and though we may not agree on everything, the last thing I would ever want is to have to visit them in a foreign country.  We live in a country where we have the right to believe what we want to believe and express that freely as well.  They have been surrounded by people of very different values for a very long time and I don’t hear them talking about secession.

If there is anyone in this great country of ours that wants to shut out their family, friends, or neighbors, simply because they believe something different, then I am truly ashamed of you, and you should be ashamed of yourselves.  And if you think that just because you’re a Red State, that this utopian idea that all of the liberals would be gone, and that you still wouldn’t have major disagreements, then oh boy, you are naïve.  For example, I wonder how many Conservative Christians would side with the man who wrote the secession petition for Alabama?  He is a Libertarian, and the primary reason he wrote the petition was because he used to own and operate a topless car wash, and the local government shut him down citing indecency laws.  How about that, desiring secessionists?  Are you still game?

No, what I think the secession mongers need is a massage and a warm bath, a shot of brandy (or warm milk if they don’t drink alcohol—or hot apple cider if they’re lactose intolerant), and maybe a fishing or hunting trip, or some serious time away from the shock media and their email propaganda.  When you return, with a fresh, righteous mind, think about where on God’s green earth that you’d rather live than in these United States of America.  Because one thing is for certain, there were just over 120 million votes cast in the last election, and considering that there are over 200 million eligible voters, and an estimated 170 million citizens registered to vote, I’d rather spend my time petitioning those some 50-80 million people to get off their posteriors and vote.

I remember very clearly how upset Red State people were with two-term President Bill Clinton. It was mostly because of his similar liberal ideals, scandals, his foray with the White House intern, and the bald face lies to the American people.  But, he did balance the budget.  Regardless, I don’t remember anyone talking about secession then.  Do you think it might be because he is white?

If this is not what the secessionists want to hear, and they want to cite some other insidious reason—like the President is a Muslim, or not a U.S. citizen, or that he is part of a supreme, conspiring One World Order to bring us into a European Socialist type government, then I have to digress and wonder if they might not be doing the right thing.  It might be best that they risk all that we’ve fought and died for and go build a big wall, somewhere in the heart of Texas, and hide themselves from the rest of the world, because quite frankly, my friends, having access to truly good, competent information rather than extreme, spinning propaganda obviously does them no good.

Lastly, if you respond to this blog post citing things similar to items in the latter paragraph, then you have to back them up with facts. And no, an email or quote from Donald Trump doesn’t count. And neither does a note from your parents.  Otherwise, I truly pray that we all step back, listen, learn, and take a good look at what’s at stake here. A rash, extreme, grasshopper style jump into secession is not the answer.  What is the best answer?  To be calm, caring, and considerate… and to remain united.  I’m willing, are you?

God bless all of you. And God bless these UNITED States of America.

Steven Law is the author of Yuma Gold (Berkley, 2011) and The True Father (Goldminds, 2008). Visit his website at www.stevenlaw.com.

Comments

[Steven Law]

Researched a lot of the data, which changed a little as the votes were still be counted.

[N. Wheat]

Good day! In this blog entry did you base on any extra researches or these are totally your own ideas? Can't wait to see your answer.

[Lynda Haviland]

Great article, Steven. I think I am classified as a "moderate with liberal leanings". :D I don't remember ever hearing so much anger before, and it is so disheartening to hear it. WE got into this mess as a nation. So much finger pointing on all sides. WE aren't in this mess because of the "socialist liberals" or the "neo-conservatives". Both sides have had their time in power at all levels. Both sides have added to this mess. WE as a united country will get out of this mess together. If you REALLY want to stop thinking angry thoughts...stop watching political tv shows. Or maybe...just turn off the tv and read a good book! ;)

[Renee]

I wonder how many of those secessionists actually voted? Or did they just sit back in their self-righteous glory and wait to see the results of the election? It never ceases to amaze me to hear people complain about the results of an election - but when asked if they voted, they say NO.

No?? Really?? Then just shut it and live with the results - because you are a big part of the problem. My 11 year old daughter followed this election. She asked questions, looked up answers - and when she heard some of the media hype...she shook her head and UNDERSTOOD that it was just hype. She felt a moral responsibility to vote - even though she is way too young. So I created a mock ballot for her...and she voted. When she woke up the morning after and heard the election results - do you know what she said?? "We did what we could, Mom. We'll just try again in four years"!

Do you know the best part of her comment? The 'WE'. WE the people. WE the registered voters have a responsibility to ourselves and to our Nation. If all of those registered had voted, WE could have possibly seen a different result.

WE've worked and fought to be United - to have our Freedom - to have a vote. Yet these reactionary, hot-headed, uninformed, ninnies that talk of seceding want to destroy all we've fought for. They want to break up our Country - our Nation. They want to run away rather than face their neighbors and learn to work together. Well - running is never the answer, is it? Standing together IS - and has always been a strength of our great Nation. Let's get back to it, shall we???

[Steven Law]

DBJ: My problem, as I stated in this posting, is with the people who didn't vote. We are not going to get anywhere if the citizens of this country do not raise their voice. My point is that secession is not a solution, and it's the wrong focus.

[Larry Wood]

Steven, like the members of your family across town, I'm a liberal who has lived a long time (my whole life, in fact) in conservative southwest Missouri, but like your family, I've never wanted to secede or to go elsewhere, even when I've encountered a "love or leave it" attitude from people who don't agree with me. Depite my sometimes vast political differences with the majority of people in this region, I still feel that the basic values I share in common with them are more important than the differences. Unfortunately, there are some on my side who don't share my attitude, just as there are extremists (e.g. seccessionists) on the right.

[Jean B]

I think sometimes people are inclined to forget their own mongrel ancestry. I, too, voted Republican as FB friends know, and I have voted for both political party candidates during my forty plus years of voting. I, too, don't think some have thought of the major eifficulties any state's sucession would imvolve with every thing from the economy to grocery delivery. Well said!

[DBJ]

In order to solve a problem, you must first analyze the symptoms. Treating the symptoms will often mask the problem, but it will not solve the problem. In the past this country was divided on the basis of a disagreement on the terms of success...democrats saw it one way, republicans saw it another, and there was a core of thinkers in the middle who saw the good and bad in both points of view.

Today we are divided, not in the terms of success, but rather the form of government both sides want. This is a class struggle between socialism and capitalism...nothing more, nothing less. Those who advocate secession are in the extreme minority, they have no plan of execution, and many of them who signed petitions for a particular state are not even residents of that state.

The message for all of us is that we now have a divisivenss based on thinking that goes way beyond any party lines. Regardless of how serious or non-serious you believe our economic situation to be, you have to understand we are into an environment we have never before experienced, so our old remedies will not necessarily apply. We have never had national debt that exceeds GDP like we have now (102%). We now owe more than we make. We are in our fourth year with no federal budget, and we have a government comprised of individuals who are as guilty as any corporate executive of providing monitary advantages for themselves that do not apply to us (take a look at their compensation plans, health care, and retirements and see how yours stacks up in comparison).

Secession petitions are the least of our worries. Read the Obamacare Bill through (I'll buy a beer for the first one who says they've read it). Health reform is the least onerous part of that 2,000+ page disaster.

The enemy isn't the fed-up few signing petitions...it's us. We have bought into the two-party nonesense so long we are unable to see both parties have an agenda that they all win on, no matter who is in power. They never compromise or make concessions on their compensation plans, ever. But, their hands are in your pockets everyday and, I'll bet most of you still think of yourselves as democrats or republicans.

As they say, the tide raises and lowers all boats. There is a solution...fretting over this latest form of protest isn't it.

[Steven Law]

Thanks, Jane, for your input. :)

[Jane Reavis]

Sorry, you mentioned the race issue and mentioned verifying our statements. I don't feel that I have been scolded. I am a very blunt, to the point person and that does not come across well on FB. Allen West has fought a battle in Florida because of voter fraud and I think there may have been more of that than reported. Do I want to secede, no. I want Congress to do their job. I want the checks and balances to take care of the problem.That has never happened. I am also realistic and I truly believe the America I grew up in will never be again. I realize a lot of people think that is a good thing. In some ways it is. I don't like discrimination but the direction we are going is much worse.

[coty johnston]

Steven you spoke true words here again...thank you! Everyone should have to read it and LEARN.

Glad I am American and have the right to believe, vote, and learn as I do.

[Steven Law]

Do you want to secede, Jane? Why do you feel like you're the one being scolded here? I think your policy concerns are legit. And again, who did I vote for?

[Jane Reavis]

No, it is not because he is 'black'. He is half-white, part Arab and a small portion black. It is because of his policies. He inherited a bad economy and made it worse. Credit rating has been downgraded twice. Debt has increased at an alarming rate and will again.One war may have been ended but we became involved in more wars with the death rate of Am. higher in four years than the previous years. He has by-passed Congress with its' checks and balances with EX Orders. Over 400. Higher unemployment, stimulus in the billions to Co.s that were on their way to bankruptcy, has and is continuing to give money to countries that hate us. Closing o f businesses, increasing unemployment, sharp rise in welfare. Shall I go on? Do I need to give you postings, or do you think this is common knowledge?

[jean reilly]

Thank you Steven . I apprecreciate every thing you had to say..
It is truly sad we as a nation can't pull together..

[Connie Gaines]

Excellent. Thank you.