Some Political Thoughts

August 13, 2009 — It's been said that it is best not to discuss politics or religion with friends or you may end up with fewer friends. I've never subscribed to that theory as I have often had long and diligent discussions with a few friends on political and religious issues of the day. So why stop now.

I've never been a big fan of political labels. Oh, the standard party affiliation names Democrat, Republican, Libertarian etc are necessary. But what about Conservative, Liberal, Right, Left, and "Blue..." whatever they are calling that group of Dems involved in the current health care debate. It seems there is a repository of labels somewhere that someone is in charge of and when it becomes necessary, or they think it's necessary, they issue a new label. It's seems to be like the naming of tropical storms and hurricanes each year. I guess it makes it easier to identify the groups (duh!). A good friend of mine and I were briefly discussing the health care debate the other day and some how, as it always does, he injected what a big fan of Rush Limbaugh he was (uck!). I said I did not care for ol' Rush and then he asked me "...well you are a Conservative aren't you?" Basically I am I suppose and use to consider myself a dyed-in-the-wool Republican. I more accurately describe myself politically as an independent now days.

For instance, in the upcoming Republican primary to be held next March here in Texas, there is going to be this big race for the Republican nomination for Governor between the incumbent Rick Perry and the about to be former U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson or KBH as she is known in the media sometimes here in this state. I don't care for either of these politicians much especially Perry. So what am I to do. Well there does not seem to be another possible or already announced candidate that interest me so I am going to try and use common sense and go for the one that aligns the most with issues that concern me be they a Republican, Democrat, Independent, or Libertarian. I guess that is what we all do basically.

There are basic political issues that I am most concerned with and they relate to our military, our veterans, retirees, and children. I try to look at issues relating to those with common sense. Doesn't matter one bit to me whether I end up on the Liberal or Conservative side. Another thing is that I am not a big proponent of having a lot of government in my life. There needs to be some that is to be sure. But I don't want these politicians telling me I have to do this or that because of some law they passed. I can go with the flow, but when it steps out of the realm of common sense it rankles me.

I'll keep being active in political discussions with family, friends, or whoever. It's always good to hear both sides of an issue and someone else's opinion. It's what makes the world go round so to speak and as always...it's what really matters!