By Jeff Orvis
One of the gifts my parents left with
me is the ability to see both sides of most issues. Another is the
gift of optimism, what I like to call “The Glass is Half Full”
outlook. These gifts served me well when I was in the news game. They
have also helped when presidential election season comes around,
which, unfortunately, has become a full-time thing.
I am fortunate to have many friends on
Facebook. Quite a few of them don't share my political beliefs, some
do. Sometimes I have been surprised at someone who finally comes
forward to unveil a political belief that I never imagined they would
have.
What has alarmed me recently is the
venomous tone some who post on Facebook use when commenting on
political figures. Sometimes they cite sources they are sure are
truthful, while it shouldn't take more than an elementary education
to realize its propaganda, not fact. Fox News comes to mind
immediately. My remote finger skips right past that channel on my TV,
because I truly believe that much of what they say is right wing
junk. To be fair, I also realize that the apparent goal of MSNBC is
to counter the Fox plague by going too far in the other direction. I
don't spend much time on that channel either.
Getting back to Facebook for a moment,
some of the posts look like they have been pulled off the front
covers of such stellar pillars of the printed word as the National
Enquirer and The Globe. One of the most recent posts indicate that
First Lady Michelle Obama is about to be charged with treason.
Another indicates that President Obama is the worst president we've
ever had. Other posts long for the days of the second Bush
administration, evidently posted by those with very short memories or
those who still believe we should be fighting in the Middle East.
One post says Laura Bush was a classy
first lady. I don't doubt that. She knew how to smile and stay in the
background, raising her family. She is a stark contrast to our
current first lady. Michelle Obama is not only very intelligent, a
woman of the 21st century, but she is serious about
serving her country in partnership with her husband.
Remembering my mom's belief that
there's usually more than one side to most stories, I respect some of
those who don't agree with me. They are the ones who are undoubtedly
more intelligent than I am and state their beliefs well.
Those opposed to my beliefs that make
me sad and can even scare me are those who don't even try to
contradict my beliefs with solid arguments. They're easy to spot.
They're the ones who quite often misspell some of their posts. I
suspect these folks went running for the nearest computer the night
President Obama was elected. Had we elected a white man with the last
name of Smith or Jones, you probably would not have heard from some
of these people.
Remember what I said, I respect some
people who don't agree with my political leanings. They are the kind
of people I hope and pray are elected, if there is a changing of the
guard in 2016. But as you begin to listen to the dozens of candidates
over the next few months, please try to stay informed. Listen to the
ones who, if they don't think the country is going in the right
direction, will put forth ways to make things better, more prosperous
and peaceful for all of us.
Maybe we will realize that President
Obama was not the greatest president ever. But while history is the
best judge, it's clear we've had worse. And don't expect to see his
wife led out of the White House in handcuffs any time soon, despite
what American News or Fox may tell you.
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