S'cuse Me, But I Gotta RANT

There was an interesting lil screed in yesterday’s WSJ. At the risk of being considered a “spoiler,” I’m only going to quote the last paragraph:

In the end, we have to face the fact that political intolerance in America -- ugly and unfortunate on either side of the political aisle -- is to be found more on the left than it is on the right. This may not square with the moral vanity of progressive political stereotypes, but it's true.

As with most things in life, it ain’t the destination…it’s the journey. And so it is with this particular article. It goes without saying (yet I will say it)… “Read The Whole Thing.” The methodology used to reach the conclusion stated above, as well as comparative samples of intolerance and perception on both the Right and the Left are much more than interesting…they’re instructive.

My personal experience leads me to believe intolerance on the Right is increasing, rather than decreasing. I’ve long ago given up on Liberals and their intolerance…which was one of the principal reasons for my conversion from moonbat Liberal to conservative politics over 25 years ago. While Ronald Reagan was the catalyst for my political conversion he also brought my uncomfortable feelings and thoughts about Liberals into razor-sharp focus, partly because of his optimism. Another factor was the oft-related tale about how he and Tip O’Neil, his political nemesis, could sit down at the end of the day and have a couple of drinks together, regardless and in spite of their political differences, which were as significant in their time as the differences that exist between our current president and Speaker. But…outside the realm of science fiction or satire, can you seriously envision SanFranNan and Dubya having cocktails at the end of the day? Dubya, yeah. Nan, no.

But. Let me go back to intolerance on the Right. Ann Coulter is my lightning rod in this space. Coulter routinely demonizes the Left, insults them, slanders them, etc. etc.. And she’s quite good at what she does…her use of language is excellent, her metaphors and analogies are well-crafted, but in the end? Her message only widens the political divide, it doesn’t do a thing to narrow it or reach some sort of consensus. I suspect her intent is to incite, rather than inform. And entertain, of course. It helps me to think of her as an entertainer, rather than a serious commentator. I feel essentially the same way about Michelle Malkin. Ms. Malkin is every bit as good as Ms. Coulter, and every bit as annoying, in my book. And lest you think I’m only bashing women conservatives, I’ll add Michael Savage and Charles Johnson of Little Green Footballs…just for balance.

Why isn’t it enough to point out the inconsistencies, illogic, and lack of success in the Liberal approach to something, anything? Lord only knows there are enough facts on the ground to discredit most Liberal cant, and one can offer up alternative arguments…cogently and dispassionately…without resorting to insults and demonization. Demonization is what the Left is (very) good at and from my quite possibly naïve POV, we conservatives should be above that shit…waaay above it. But we’re not, unfortunately. At least in my experience.

I need more Victor Davis Hansons, Christopher Hitchenss, and Mark Steyns in my life, and much less of the Coulters and Malkins. Yeah, Mr. Steyn can be insulting as Hell when he wants to be, as can the others. But insult isn’t the stock in trade of the three pundits I’ve cited. You may not agree with their politics, but at least they don’t consider you an evil being. Stupid, perhaps, but not evil. Stupidity, after all, can be cured, and Lord knows those guys are trying.

So. I wish we, as a people and a culture… on both the Right and the Left… would start trying to see people as people. We all differ from time time, but MOST of us aren’t evil, and MOST of us want what is best for the United States of America. You sure as Hell don’t get that impression from reading the worst of both sides these days.

One other thing before I go: stop sending me all that insulting and lowest-common-denominator humor shit about the other side. I’m sick of it, and I don’t want to get sick of you. Coz I really like you when you’re not so intolerant. If the shoe fits, and all that.

And let me add: there's a difference between political humor, which can be pointed yet funny (e.g., political cartoons), and insulting, demeaning crap. There is a difference. If you don't understand that difference...or, in other words, if there's any doubt in your mind... then don't send it. To me, anyway. Thank you.

/rant