politix.
Uncle Ray's response:
Allison,
You are obviously much more intelligent than I am and this response is well written. Being quite older than you are, I definitely can see a major change in this country in recent years and I am very much afraid where it is going and what it will be for my grandchildren. You may not realize it yet, but we have lost many of our freedoms in this country and the country is giving in to the very small minorities, rather than following what the majority wishes. This country cannot cater to all the people of the world. I firmly believe that most people come to this country to get away from what they had before, yet they want to change this country into what they left. I am not a prejudiced person and wish well for our people. But to think illegal aliens can come into this country and be eligible for all the benefits of the legal residents is ridiculous. That's Obama position and I disagree strongly. Not because of his race or religion, and yes he did cancel the National Day of Prayer, but yet honors the same for the Muslims with his attendance. You have the book learning Allison, but your grandfather and Uncles and all our servicemen and women are not fighting and loosing their lives so people like Obama can hand this country over to another socialist type of government. My age and experience tells me this country is going in the wrong direction. I hope someday you will learn that in your studies.
Uncle Ray
And my reply:
Uncle Ray,
I understand that your experiences have been much different than mine, and I am not likely to change your mind. I don't necessarily like the political direction the nation is going in either, but I don't think it has anything to do with the current president's race or religion. I also don't think that Obama is a socialist...though I don't think it would be such a bad thing if he were. I know you've lived through a time when we were told that socialism was a threat, and that many see it as being inherently un-American. Honestly, though, I wouldn't mind so much if the rich fat cats were forced to share some of their wealth with the rest of us. We're supposed to be all born equal in this country, but that isn't really true...some people have it much, MUCH easier than others. Socialism is NOT the same as Communism. Socialism is an economic system...contrary to popular belief, socialism and democracy are NOT mutually exclusive. The only indication I've seen that points to Obama having socialist tendencies is the healthcare reform...and as someone who has been denied healthcare because I can't afford a $400 premium, and I'm not poor enough to qualify for public assistance, I'm all for closing that gap. Obamacare is by no means the ideal system, but I'm glad someone is at least willing to address the issue, and to acknowledge that proper health care is a human right, not a privilege.
This all is besides the point, though. I am just as appreciative of the service of my grandfather, my uncles, and the other soldiers as any other flag waving, red-blooded American. Remember, my baby brother is currently serving in Afghanistan, and my other brother is in basic training with the Marines. It seems that our recent wars have been more to keep America safe than to keep it free, though (and they're not the same thing, though that would be nice).
You're right in saying that a lot of our freedoms have been stripped. However, it wasn't Obama who signed the Patriot Act...
Politics are politics, and everyone is entitled to their beliefs. I just wish they weren't so hateful.
Allison,
You are obviously much more intelligent than I am and this response is well written. Being quite older than you are, I definitely can see a major change in this country in recent years and I am very much afraid where it is going and what it will be for my grandchildren. You may not realize it yet, but we have lost many of our freedoms in this country and the country is giving in to the very small minorities, rather than following what the majority wishes. This country cannot cater to all the people of the world. I firmly believe that most people come to this country to get away from what they had before, yet they want to change this country into what they left. I am not a prejudiced person and wish well for our people. But to think illegal aliens can come into this country and be eligible for all the benefits of the legal residents is ridiculous. That's Obama position and I disagree strongly. Not because of his race or religion, and yes he did cancel the National Day of Prayer, but yet honors the same for the Muslims with his attendance. You have the book learning Allison, but your grandfather and Uncles and all our servicemen and women are not fighting and loosing their lives so people like Obama can hand this country over to another socialist type of government. My age and experience tells me this country is going in the wrong direction. I hope someday you will learn that in your studies.
Uncle Ray
And my reply:
Uncle Ray,
I understand that your experiences have been much different than mine, and I am not likely to change your mind. I don't necessarily like the political direction the nation is going in either, but I don't think it has anything to do with the current president's race or religion. I also don't think that Obama is a socialist...though I don't think it would be such a bad thing if he were. I know you've lived through a time when we were told that socialism was a threat, and that many see it as being inherently un-American. Honestly, though, I wouldn't mind so much if the rich fat cats were forced to share some of their wealth with the rest of us. We're supposed to be all born equal in this country, but that isn't really true...some people have it much, MUCH easier than others. Socialism is NOT the same as Communism. Socialism is an economic system...contrary to popular belief, socialism and democracy are NOT mutually exclusive. The only indication I've seen that points to Obama having socialist tendencies is the healthcare reform...and as someone who has been denied healthcare because I can't afford a $400 premium, and I'm not poor enough to qualify for public assistance, I'm all for closing that gap. Obamacare is by no means the ideal system, but I'm glad someone is at least willing to address the issue, and to acknowledge that proper health care is a human right, not a privilege.
This all is besides the point, though. I am just as appreciative of the service of my grandfather, my uncles, and the other soldiers as any other flag waving, red-blooded American. Remember, my baby brother is currently serving in Afghanistan, and my other brother is in basic training with the Marines. It seems that our recent wars have been more to keep America safe than to keep it free, though (and they're not the same thing, though that would be nice).
You're right in saying that a lot of our freedoms have been stripped. However, it wasn't Obama who signed the Patriot Act...
Politics are politics, and everyone is entitled to their beliefs. I just wish they weren't so hateful.