Nov17
The anarchy on the Left
Chuck Norris has an article today at World Net Daily in which he writes about the anarchist behavior by those on the Left. Those who opposed Prop 8 are outraged that the majority of Californians voted to amend their state’s Constitution in order to make marriage between a man and a woman. Interestingly, those on the Left who had been demanding tolerance for their beliefs and activities are suddenly intolerant, sometimes violently, toward those who don’t agree with them. Chuck outlines a few of the examples of the tolerance-demanding, anti Prop 8 side of the political spectrum behaving badly toward those who voted for Prop 8. Unfortunately for them, though, they’ll have a lot of Californians to intimidate. Virtually every county in California, including Los Angeles county, voted to keep marriage between a man and a woman.
Here’s a portion of Chuck’s article:
No matter one’s opinion of Proposition 8, it is flat out wrong and un-American to intimidate and harass individuals, churches and businesses that are guilty of nothing more than participating in the democratic process. Of course activism is anyone’s political right, but cruel coercion and repression is not. One can’t demand tolerance and show none in return. Sadly, many of these activists have become the very thing they accuse of their opponents: being hatemongers.
I agree with Prison Fellowship director Chuck Colson, who wrote, “This is an outrage. What hypocrisy from those who spend all of their time preaching tolerance to the rest of us! How dare they threaten and attack political opponents? We live a democratic country, not a banana republic ruled by thugs.”
The enraged vehemence and actions being displayed by many Prop 8 opponents are the same underhand tactics bullies use in neighborhoods and school playgrounds. They reflect the ways that mobs conducted themselves in the underworld. They are methods gangs use to control their turf. They are the wiles that the KGB used to suppress their enemies. But this is the United States of America, where voting is supposed to be free from restrictions or repercussions. Revenge or retribution is not the American way. Is militant antagonism and vengeful aggression really the best Americans can offer to other Americans who oppose them?
Good question. As time goes on, we’ll see if those who were opposed to Prop 8 get their rationality and reason back, which is usually what happens when a group of people are faced with a result they did not want. When Barack Obama won the election, those who were opposed to his presidency reacted with a variety of feelings: outrage, terror, sadness. I was one of them. I’m still very scared of an Obama presidency. However, I am not going to get a bunch of McCain supporters together and attack Obama supporters. That would be outrageous and unacceptable. It simply isn’t what happens in America. Instead, I will be part of the loyal opposition. I will be respectful but if I think Obama is wrong on an issue, I will absolutely express my opinions without advocating violence. It’s too bad some of those on the Left can’t do the same when they lose.
I think I may have found a new favorite quote: “One can’t demand tolerance and show none in return.”
This is what has bothered me the most over the past few months. I grew weary from reading such hate and intolerance from opposing sides on various political issues ranging the spectrum from candidates to individual ballot issues.
I know I would be more prone to getting involved in the process and willing to sit down and discuss things if I were met with tolerance and an open mind.
I find it somewhat amusing that you applaud Carrie Underwood (a liberal-seeming vegetarian who, if I had to bet my hard-earned money, I’d reckon voted for Obama) for keeping her political views to herself, while linking to an article by Chuck Norris! Conservatives too often implore celebrities to “shut up and sing” or “shut up and act” — that is, unless they’re espousing right-wing views.
Oprah/Ben Affleck/Dixie Chicks = dumb liberals who should keep their mouths shut. Heston/Norris/Voight = national heroes worth listening to. Right?
Dan,
Carrie is at the height of her singing career while Chuck Norris is essentially done with his acting career. He’s much more involved with politics than with acting these days, so your comparison isn’t accurate.
Alrighty then. Good dodge. But what about Patricia Heaton and Kelsey Grammer — two of TV’s highest paid stars — who were certainly outspoken with their political views at the height of their exposure?
What is it that truly eats at you about celebrities speaking out? Why is it that so many conservatives go ballistic at liberal stars speaking out, when it certainly doesn’t bother me in the least when the shoe’s on the other foot? (In fact, Heaton and Grammer starred in two of my favorite shows of all-time) You wouldn’t catch me boycotting their programs or not buying Frasier DVD’s because their political views differ from mine. What is it that’s so threatening about it to conservatives, when their political belief system is essentially built on the brilliance and autonomy of the American individual?
Patricia Heaton and Kelsey Grammar are Republicans, that’s correct, but do you really think they’re on the same level politically as other celebrities who wear their politics on their sleeves? Leonardo DiCaprio, Susan Sarandon, Tim Robbins, Barbra Streisand, and many others have an “In Your Face” attitude when it comes to politics. I just don’t see that with Heaton and Grammar. They are low key and maintain a low profiles when it comes to their political views. Part of the reason why they do that is because Republicans are such a minority in Hollywood that it’s best to keep a low profile. The only thing I have seen Patricia Heaton do any work for is Feminists for Life. She’s the spokesperson for that organization. Kelsey Grammar has done a few interviews in which he discussed his political views, but that’s about it. They are not activists in the way DiCaprio, Sarandon, Robbins, and Streisand are. Just because we know they are Republicans doesn’t mean they are Republican activists.
Perhaps you’re right–so a better analogy to their “in your face” attitude would be country music stars.
(and, for the record, I am a country fan as well as a fan of many other genres).