For those of you who know me well, you know I hate – no, HATE – discussing politics. They are just conversations that don’t end well. I rarely see a debate between people of opposing views turn into anything more than a verbal vomit session. Throw in the name-calling that often ensues (especially when alcohol has been consumed prior to said debate), and it’s just a recipe for disaster. I basically hate debate itself, so there you go. Another reason I like to just stay out of those topics all together.
I’m also a very un-political person, if that word exists. I try to keep up on current affairs and all, but honestly, it’s just not something I feel that passionately about. Yes, I cherish my right to vote and keep abreast of candidates’ platforms when the time comes, and I like to know what’s going on around me and whether or not the masses are teetering on erupting due to the political upheaval story of the day, but I will be the last person to engage you in a spirited convo on how the housing market meltdown has ripped the faces off so many people or how the government continues to keep the Man down. It’s just not my style, never has been, and most likely never will be.
All that said, however, what has been going on in Madison for the past 3 weeks has really sparked my curiosity and interest. No matter which side you’re on, I just think the rallies and protests surrounding our state’s capitol building are intriguing. “Well that’s great, SM,” you may be thinking, “but fess up. Which side are you on, hmm??” Ok, I’ll expose my semi-political bent just this once, but don’t get used to it! I do not agree with Gov. Walker. There, I said it, flame away. I understand the great Badger State is running a dandy deficit and a balanced budget is necessary, but I just don’t see how limiting collective bargaining rights is the answer. The public-sector unions have already conceded that they would agree to pension contribution and health care benefit cost increases, so why Walker and the Republicans refuse to budge on the bargaining aspect is beyond me. I know there are countless more facets to the issues causing the stalemate in Madison and how dare I try to simplify the whole thing to such an extent, but if I were to get into all that now this post might never end. So there you have it, my brief, cut-and-dry opinion; take it or leave it. See, I told you I hate debate. 😉
One more thing… Something that did really bother me about the protests in Madison is when they were compared to what’s happening in the MENA region of the world. Seriously, people. Yes, there have been tens of thousands of protesters marching on our Capitol, but no one is giving their life here. Countries such as Egypt, Libya, and Saudi Arabia are enduring civil wars, air strikes, rebel regimes, “Days of Rage”, essentially political and governmental chaos. So far, thankfully, the events in Madison have remained peaceful and under control. So please, for the love of god, don’t even try to equate the two. You just sound dumb, and ignorance is contagious.
There it is, my two cents. These posts will be few and far between, but I just wanted to get that one out because it’s one political topic I actually have been following. Like I said, I prefer to avoid conflict and arguments (which is into what “debates” tend to spiral, I’ve noticed) in general, but especially on such heated topics as politics. I am much more content to sit back and watch everyone else hash it out, interjecting only when necessary. I will leave you with one parting shot, though. A few weekends ago when we were in the Madison area, I received nothing but compliments on this sticker I was sporting:
So for those of you who have begun a month and a half of giving up a few of your favorite things on this lovely Ash Wednesday, hopefully you enjoyed your Mardi Gras celebrations yesterday and aren’t suffering from too terrible a hurricane-induced hangover.
