I have been challenged to write something on anger
in politics, and have decided to take the "plunge."
My first thought was something on why anger has
no place in reasonable discourse political, or otherwise
(I'm very sure that's what the person suggesting
this topic is expecting). After some thought however
I came to the conclusion that those of us who are
passionate in their political belief's have little
choice but to become angry at some of the "games"
played by our elected officials.
Have you ever just shook your head at the
television screen in complete disbelief that
some politician has said something stupid?
How about hearing about a new law and getting
angry about how unfair it is? If not I would
say you're not paying attention to what's going
on in politics! I can't tell you how often I
listen to some new "brain storm" out of Washington
and feel my blood pressure rise! Even on the
my side of the isle (republican)!
Politics by definition is to make "deals," or
bargain with your opponents in order to get
the overall outcome that your political position
requires. Our representatives have taken
"politics" to a new low in recent years,
sacrificing truth for rhetoric, and too often
principles for short term gains! Does this make
me angry? You bet it does!
It's what we choose to do with the energy we
get from that anger that defines us! No, anger
does not require us to march on Washington, or
become bitter and lash out with the emotion,
rather it requires us to become informed, and
be heard at the voting booth! Angry emotional
ranting has no use, it is counter productive, and
identifies those who engage in it as radical and
without merit, it also incites those of the opposing
view to the same wrongful behavior!
Does anger have a place in politics? Maybe not,
perhaps the word should be "concern." I think
"we the people" need to wake up and get
concerned/angry at many things our government
is engaged in today! Far to many American's
leave politics to others while remaining uninformed
and feeling "safe" in that ignorance.
We are living in a world that is becoming
increasingly dangerous, and what our government
does WILL have a great effect on the entire
world! Call it anger, or call it concern, either
way, and like it or not, America is the world
leader, and the focus of anger for literally
millions. It's time for YOUR concern/anger,
and the rational, lawful, and reasonable use of it!
