tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10335778.post4876225754393683928..comments2023-10-26T09:51:07.401-06:00Comments on Stimulation: Quick thought on patriotismArnie Adkisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01846687068106003647noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10335778.post-49159096906356764022009-11-16T08:07:39.836-06:002009-11-16T08:07:39.836-06:00Regina, you are spot-on. There are 2 or 3 things I...Regina, you are spot-on. There are 2 or 3 things I would pull out of what you say in summary--first, the move to push everything away from the middle and demand extremism is dangerous for believers. Second, thinking faith requires not that we adopt standard positions but that we use redeemed minds to understand all sides of issues and take what we believe to be the most biblical, Jesus-like point of view. Your example of healthcare is the primary one we should be dealing with today. As a "conservative" I thing government should be relatively small, that my taxes should go to essential services, etc. But as a "progressive" I want everyone regardless of their wealth to have access to basic healthcare. The labels no longer work.<br /><br />Thanks for sharing!Arnie Adkisonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01846687068106003647noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10335778.post-23543647754858873292009-11-13T17:31:06.916-06:002009-11-13T17:31:06.916-06:00I've always wondered if I should be independen...I've always wondered if I should be independent falling somewhere between the far left and the far right. I am pro-life, for private enterprise, and lean towards a moderately conservative view. But I also agree that all citizens should not die because they couldn't afford getting a sonogram or mammogram. Those who are unable to take care of themselves should be given a helping hand, the rich shouldn't just keep getting richer while there are children who are living in destitute situations without food and safe shelter. Companies that serve those in the private sector need some kind of accountability to keep their pride from destroying them and everyone else affiliated with them. We need to be good stewards of the earth and reduce, reuse and recycle. Finding alternative types of energy that would help cut out pollution, and toxic waste is also good stewardship. Consumption for consumption's sake is dangerous and hazardous. As long as it is dependent on us, we need to seek peace with others through diplomacy and friendship. But we also need a strong military to help defend our country when we are attacked. Just as I have the freedom to worship God without fear of persecution, so my neighbor should have the freedom not to without fear of persecution under the protection of the Constitution.<br /><br /> It's annoying that we are forced to side on extremist lines, either on the right or left. On the left, I am seen as a baby hating, tree hugging, Nazi that would spit at the thought of God. On the right, I'm a narrow minded, bigoted, uneducated Bible beating red-neck who cares for nothing else other than oil and deer hunting. Oh, and big hair. <br /><br />I feel that neither describes me, leaving me with the dilemma of how to wisely engage in the political process and vote for my leaders.Regina Stankowskihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02369433676875930646noreply@blogger.com