Feeling A Little Beat Up

While I have really tried to keep my blog posts non-political, I did write a few sentences last week about the presidential candidates. And, I have made a couple of comments on others' blogs, sharing my position, when they have written political posts. But ... I have, seriously, worked VERY hard to say things in a non-confrontational and non-judgmental tone. (I have shared my feelings of the specific candidates, but have never said anything in judgement of those who might vote for the candidates.) However, somehow, my comments have been misconstrued. For this, I am truly sorry.


Here are 3 specific instances of things being taken out-of-context ... misinterpretations of where my heart was at.



Last week, in my post, What Does the Future Look Like for Our Children, I made the comment ...

"With the election only days away, people are running scared. What will happen to America if a Socialist Muslim is elected to run our country? Not that Mr. McCain is Mr. Perfect either. But ... changes are coming. Can they possibly be good?"

Calling Mr. Obama a "Socialist Muslim" was not a name-calling flippant comment. From the research that I have done, I absolutely believe that he is both a Socialist and a Muslim. I believe both of those things, and I am concerned that such a person is going to be President of our country. However, this comment was not in any way made to incite anger. It was meant to say, "Hey ... I'm concerned."

Later that day, the following was posted on a blog that I have never even visited before. And, the following day, it was copied onto a blog that I visit regularly.

If/when he wins, you can ... decide that our faithless, Godless country that's run by a "Socialist Muslim" is doomed, or you can be the superior, epitome of morality that you claim to be and SUCK IT UP AND HELP.

"The superior, epitome of morality that you claim to be." What ???? Where did that come from?


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Then ...

Story removed at blog author's request ...


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Therefore ... I was deeply saddened today when I discovered that yet another fellow blogger had misheard my intent.


her political blog post ended with ...

I truly believe that this election will be one I will remember as old lady, sitting on my porch rocking a groove in the floor while I sip my lemonade. I am glad to have been a part of it and eagerly await the result of tonight's election!


to which I responded ...

I sure hope that we do not remember tonight's historic election as ... the night that God's favor was removed from America. Got to politely disagree with you here ... and say that the next 4 years seriously scares me. I believe that the U.S. is on a very slippery slope, and headed downhill quickly.

yesterday she wrote another post, which said, in part, ....

I just got a comment that I really thought was inappropriate on another post .... it is very difficult for me to stomach comments that allude to my not being Christian because I voted for a democrat. I realize that MANY people truly do believe that, but I do not and if my comments don't bring up religion, I am not inviting finger-shaking or accusations that our new President has condemned our country in God's eyes.


Again ... I stated my opinion of Mr. Obama ... I did not intend to "allude to (her) not being Christian". Nor did I intend to "finger-shake and accuse".

As a matter of fact ... my dear husband told me today that he had voted for a few democrats. No big deal. Yes ... my hubby loves the Lord, and he voted for some democrats. I have never in any way intended to imply that those who vote for Mr. Obama are in anyway not following the Lord.

Personally, I do not agree with Mr. Obama's ...

... views on abortion.

... plans for universal health care (I am aware of too many serious situations with Canada's healthcare system.)

... views on public education (specifically the banning of educational vouchers)

... plans for the military (I believe a quick withdrawal of troops from Iraq could cause serious consequences for millions of innocent Iraqis ... my eldest son spent 2 1/2 years serving in Iraq, so I have some understanding of our military and the good work they are doing there)

... plans for increased taxes for the wealthy, to share with the poor


Therefore, I am certainly not one of the Christians that has made this a "one issue" vote. Across the board, I am concerned.

I am also not one that will vote only for what might be best for my family ...

... Our family could greatly benefit from Universal Healthcare ... I don't like paying the high premiums we must pay monthly, in addition to the large co-pays and deductibles.

... Our family could probably benefit from taxing the rich to share with the poor ... we now fit the definition of financially "underprivileged".

... Our family won't benefit from educational vouchers, so it doesn't matter to us personally if they are withdrawn.

... My son is now out of the military, so this doesn't personally affect us, either.



But ... I did not vote for Obama because I truly believe that these are not the best policies for the great country that we live in.

I am not only concerned about these specific political viewpoints, but I am very concerned about his ...

... Lack of political experience compared to McCain.

... Friendly connections with known terrorists.

... Evasiveness and Deceit (regarding his refusal to prove his natural citizenship by providing a certified copy of his Hawaiian birth certificate, to prove that he is even eligible to run for the office of the President of the United States).



So ... now ... after the election I have written the political blog post that I didn't want to write. I am not wanting to start debates or controversy. However, since my words seem to have been so misconstrued this past week, I think it best to get my honest beliefs "out there".

I do not want to be lumped in with the "radical right-wing ultra-conservatives" who seem to be bashing everyone that believes differently than they do. I however, do not appreciate being bashed myself, by the "liberal left" because my beliefs don't match up with theirs. And ... to be honest ... I hate the labels all together.

The very saddest thing that I see, is that I think that each of these bloggers are Christians (not sure about the one blog I'd never even read before, that quoted me). Why, oh why, are we fighting each other? Why aren't we working together to make this great country even greater? Why are we attacking each other? Why can't we set aside our differences and stop the name-calling?

I want to apologize, again, if I made any comments on your blogs that offended you. I truly am sorry! I so appreciate this blogging world, and have found such encouragement and insights from all of my "blogging sisters", that I don't want politics to become a divisive issue.

I'm ready to move on ... how about you?