BIG'OTED, a. Obstinately and blindly attached to some creed, opinion, practice or ritual; unreasonably devoted to a system or party, and illiberal towards the opinions of others. (New York: Webster’s English Dictionary, 1828.) (Emphasis mine.)
I have listened to some recent (post mid-term election) liberal commentators. I have also ran into several liberals in my daily life. After hearing their comments or rants about conservatives I conclude they are the most bigoted people in America!
There is a perverse hatred towards people like Sarah Palin. Admittedly there are some in conservative circles who dislike and, yes, even hate Barack Obama. The difference is Mrs. Palin no longer holds any office. In many ways she is at the same level as other political pundits. Mr. Obama on the other hand is the President of the United States. He literally has the power to beneficently or adversely affect every American’s life for years to come PLUS he has the added responsibility of representing America and her people to the world. Some people, including this writer, do not like how he is performing in his responsibilities.
Yet if you were to ask liberals to point out bigotry they would invariably call out conservatives and Republicans. I have been called racist because I’m conservative. In my experience once someone uses ad hominems they dismiss and ignore any points of arguments stated by the opponent.
This writer objects to conservative talk radio hosts using ad hominems whether it be against entire groups (“femi-Nazis” by Rush Limbaugh) or individuals (“Nazi Pelosi” by Rusty Humphries). No matter what justification they use for their favorite pet names the fact is that it shuts down valid debate of ideas.
This writer contends that conservatives do not have the answers to this country’s problems and neither do the liberals. But taking the best of liberal solutions and marrying them to the best of conservative solutions will resolve all the issues at hand. It will not be the best for everyone but it will move us forward to a better America now and in the future.
