I love dissenting opinions. I always have. The antagonist in me loves the tension created when two people of equal heart and mind battle verbally over dueling philosophies. The excitement of linguistic fisticuffs used to be enough for me but now, in my third decade, I am investigating the exquisite art of listening. I like to understand the other point of view thoroughly... and then eviscerate it :)
OMG, I love Facebook!!! I can disseminate an opinion, allow my inner circle to debate over it while I step away and watch like a cyber Svengali? FB is a gift from baby Jesus. LOL. In my long list of Facebook friends, there were two who I held most dear, with highest regard, whose appearance on my comments page would illicit child-like glee and joy....my two Conservative Republican friends! Oh how I loved them. So special. So singular. So entertaining.
Well, I guess they didn't get the memo about Scooby's proclivity towards heated debate and passionate exchange. Yikes. I lost one of my friends two months ago over a healthcare diatribe and the other recently because of some choice words I had about her hero, George W. Damn it Scoob, you always fuck up a good thing by having an opinion!!!!! Nevertheless, here I am. Republican, Right-wing, Conservative-less. UNFRIENDED. Ouch.
This brings me to my greater point...
How come we can't just have different opinions ? Why must we act as though the other has no creedence or even worse, doesn't even exist? My Republican friends have absolutely no clue how I adored them. I wanted to come to their perfectly manicured homes and eat macaroni-n-cheese under the American flag while watching Hannity or Bill O'Reilly. Now, I will never know this pleasure because they have huffishly banished me to cyber Purgatory. What's wrong with being different? Hmmm? Listening to your philosophical enemies and then grabbing a beer together post-war? Maybe I'm just cut from a different cloth. Being from a family where we argued like we hated each other one minute and cuddled up to watch the Cosby show the next, may have warped my understanding of engagement rules. Take it personal? Never.
Why can't Obama's critics stay on the issue? Or for that matter, get to the issue. Why does the gun-toting, socialism-obsessed, "he wasn't born here" throng side step every opportunity for substantive debate and choose instead, to metaphorically UNFRIEND? I now understand Barack's frustrations with the John Boehners, Eric Cantors, and Mitch McConnells of the world because I have also invited healthy debate amongst my Republican friends and been rebuffed. I wonder if Elisabeth Hasselbeck needs a thirty year old brilliant black friend? If she is currently reading these word, hey girl! Call me, I'm listed!
We will never get to common ground in this country if we go all Helen Keller at the thought of dissent. Debate is fun and illuminating. I guess my two special friends didn't think so. Thats alright. I'll find others... The craigslist ad would read thus...
GBM seeking Neo-Conservative sparring partner who enjoys "vigorous debate" and long walks in the park. Must not be myopic and short sighted and not say things like "I love black people, my cleaning lady is black..." or "Gay people don't bother me, as long as they stay in the closet." And most importantly, must like macaroni-n-cheese.
As always cover and flank me in your prayers and rest assured I am always doing the same 4 you...
Scooby
Partisan Peace Ambassador
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