Late Thoughts On Independence Day, AKA The Fourth Of July

Yesterday was Independence Day, or as it is more popularly known the Fourth of July. It is the
231st one since a group of brave men in the Continental Congress in Philadelphia, led by a future president named Thomas Jefferson, wrote the most immortal words of political history. Also, and most important is the sacrifice of average, humble colonists led by General George Washington, our first president.
Like everyone else, Mrs. rightviewfromtheleftcoast and I went to a barbecue and celebrated by watching and shooting off fireworks.* But before the festivities was an interesting discussion with a friend, more of Mrs. RVFTLC, about current events. The following is instructive in how hard it is to really have civil, sane conversation with a die-hard liberal.
Our liberal friend had been a school teacher in the Los Angeles Unified School District, in and of itself a frightening thought. Now she got out of teaching and is becoming a librarian. Both are noble positions. But, unfortunately she is one of those bumper-sticker liberals and does not really get it.
The discussion that set the tone began with her adulation for the latest propaganda film by the ton of blubber, Michael Moore, "Sicko". No my friends, it is not a self-mockumentary! It is Mr. Moore's attempt to justify why the United States should have socialized medicine. I will let you be the judge and not go into the film. It was her prostrating at the propagandist's feet that got me excited. I will make a disclaimer. I am very selective about spending $10 plus dollars on movies. I am old school. I like to be entertained, not spoon-fed propaganda. I have never seen a Michael Moore prop-movie. Now, I have read all about it and I asked some pointed questions. Of course our friend did not have logical answers. Eventually, all of us, and there were other liberals and moderates and conservatives besides myself, pretty much dissed Mr. Moore's analysis. Of course, Mrs. RVFTLC had the sanest point. One should only believe about 50% of what they see and read and read and see more. Well, out friend felt cornered because no one agreed with her about how wonderful the United States would be with one size fits all socialised medicine.
Here is a clue when talking to a liberal. When they refer to you, a conservative, as nothing but a George W. Bush robot, ask them, as I did, did you support everything former President William Jefferson Blythe Clinton did. Without a breath or a moment to think, she said yes. I asked again, hoping that she would change her answer. She only got stronger with her enthusiasm for the former whore monger in chief. If someone has that robotic following of anyone or anything, then all hope is lost. Has this site not been very critical of President Bush and the "comprehensive immigration reform" bill-scam? Does any conservative and Republican just lay down and roll for any president? NO! Also, it shows how little liberals really understand conservatives.
The thought I took away from it all is a sad one. That liberals may really believe what they say. I always think they are just pandering. But, a true believer is our friend, who just does not live in the real world.
Two other clues about liberals.
One, ask if they believe that 9/11 was a conspiracy. I did just that and the friend said that she is not sure that it was not. Of course when anyone goes down that twisted road, do not even engage. Step back and just move on.
Second clue, ask who their favorite Republican president is. Most true liberals will say Richard M. Nixon. Surprised? One should not be. After all, he ushered in some of the worst big government programs that no liberal would dare to do. If the liberal says how much they hate Ronald Reagan, refer to the above. Big government, "Detente" Nixon, small government, "We can defeat the Soviet Union and communism" Reagan, who would a liberal like?
What is most important about our conversation is the fact that 231 years ago, some brilliant men began a concept, a democratic republic, that has proven the way that most of the world wants to go. But, most important is that because of them, we have the freedom to discuss and disagree strongly, but we are free to do so. We are free to criticise the government, no matter what party is in charge at all levels. That is what, today, thousands of brave young men and women are doing all over the world in the War Against Terror. And, most important, they have all volunteered. And I am in awe of them and respectful.
So, I hope all had a wonderful Independence Day and maybe gave some thought as to what we celebrated yesterday between hot dogs and hamburgers.