Posted on 11/12/2004 5:35:22 PM PST by Dutchgirl
That is very interesting. I actually had a somewhat similar experience last night at a bar that I frequent.
I had invited a good friend of mine who I have known for about three years. We only get to hang out once in a while. About a year ago he was very apolitical, but now he supports the Democrats (good thing he did not vote in the last election). We have had lots of discussions and debates in the past - very lively ones where, even though we lost our cool, we were still friends in the end.
Yesterday, I told him I wanted to avoid debating politics. I enjoy it at times but I have come to realize that he cannot be saved. It was fine for a while, but politics inevitably came up. He was trying to tell me that sixty percent of Republicans voted on moral issues and that sixty percent of Democrats voted on economic issues (and went so far as to claim these are given facts, which I simply did not let him get away with). He made it a point that moral issues aren't a big deal to him. I pointed out that even those who support legalized abortion are taking a moral issue, as they think it is moral that people should have the right to an abortion (ugh).
Then homosexual marriage came up. I told him I believe that homosexuality is a matter of choice, that there is no scientific proof that it is genetic, and that I oppose homosexual marriage. I said I have nothing against homosexuals per se, have known some very nice ones, but don't believe that they can "marry". After that, he calmly turned to me and said, "Matt, you're a great guy, but I'm not sure I can associate with someone who thinks that way," after which we said our goodbyes, he paid his tab, and left. Three years of friendship down the tube because he couldn't tolerate my position on an issue. So much for not having strong beliefs on a moral issue. (No, he isn't gay either)
After the election, I had hope that the Democrats would realize that they are out of power and that they will have to start working with us. But, last night I learned that they are guilty of the same intolerance of which they accuse us. It actually makes me a bit sad. The left has come to the conclusion that those of us on the Right are bigots because we vote for that in which we truly believe. To the liberal, "bigotry" (even when it is only perceived) is the unforgivable sin, not worthy of tolerance from their tolerant hearts. Ultimately, the Left is made up of the real bigots, and they will never realize it. They will never seem to understand that the only ones acting out of spite here are them.
I am starting to think that blue state and red state America are getting close to doing as my friend and I did - saying their respective goodbyes and moving on. I hope that is not the case. Ultimately, if that were to happen, those that go with the red states will be stronger, as society does depend upon strong moral values. Blue State America will decline into socialism and socialist values which, in the end, will cripple them. Red State America will be built on the principles that made this country strong and will carry on the mantle of what America has always been.
Personally, I hope that doesn't happen, but it looks like the Left, in its bigotted intolerance, wants to make it happen.
I am married to a Dem. We have very strong reasons for coming to a meeting of the minds and sticking to the rules of civil debate. But, as this author so eloquently states, there are some things that are non-negotiable.
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