Because this is so reflective of the entire US population. ~sigh~
Should we hold conservatism to the same standard with your conservative nut jobs?
What a load of BS.
Why because it's been caught in living color? I've been in those situations personally and frankly I've not seen a raving bunch of Conservatives shout down a speaker or attempt to intimidate as those against Gov Walker have done.
I recall going to a Political Rally where we were escorted in and out by the local Police for our safety. I was barely 18 and I have vivid recall of one rather large PHL cop bellowing at us "Keep Moving and don't look back" as they safely ushered us onto our waiting buses.
I held a very unpopular view regarding Viet Nam, which was essentially the beginnings of my march to Libertarianism. To put my view on a bumper sticker it was
"Viet Nam - In it to WIN it, or OUT without a doubt" Turned out that viewpoint managed to piss off both sides.
I've seen the Liberal attempts at Hatchet jobs first hand directed at me as early as my Senior Year in High School. I was never a fan of forced busing or Affirmative Action and in a class discussion I had this kid stand up and SCREAM at me "You're a RACIST MF'er". Thought the teacher was gonna pop an aneurism and she demanded he apologize. I stopped her and said "No it's OK, he has a right to his opinion, just allow me to ask him a few questions", she said "OK", so I turned and asked, "XXXX We have 4 black kids in this school out of 1000, have you ever had lunch with any of them? (Background is 3 of the 4 are in class) He replies, "No", Do you know how many brother & sisters Linda has? Do you know here last name? Again a NO. I asked similar questions and finally asked him how his Dad would react if his sister brought home Greg as her Prom date. (Greg was all state track guy and black), To this very day he's never answered. See I was friends outside of school with all 4 black kids, knew their parents, went deer hunting with them. So I wrapped the whole incident up by saying, "NEVER call me a racist, ever again, don't apologize instead take a look in the mirror and see who's racist". Funny thing was the teacher grabbed me after class and said "You handled that very well although, I don't think XXXX is to happy" I smirked and said "You thought I was going to come across the room and kick the crap out of him didn't you?" She got this real sheepish look and said "Yeah"
Point to the above story is that when the Orthodoxy of the day is challenged, the reactions of those on the Left are often very different from those on the right. It also points out that when confronted in a civilized manner the left resorts to name calling and shouting down opposing viewpoints instead of engaging in a spirited debate. The arrogant tone, condescending attitude and air of superiority is quite apparent on the left and was in that classroom in 1972. I still have to chuckle at the horror on his face when I asked him if he knew Linda's last name as he sat next to her? He didn't!
It seems that between my Dad and this very nice 8th grade Social Studies Teacher I was encouraged to think freely and to research my positions. There are times now when I wish I had become just a "normal" Republican or Democrat. Like the poet Robert Frost, I have chosen the road less traveled and that has made all of the difference. I've no regrets over my choices. However what happened in class room in 1972 is very different IMO than what we're facing. There is money on the table and it's going to be one very bumpy ride going forward.
