AUTHOR: Marty, a.k.a. canape TITLE: One day, no hate DATE: 10/06/2009 08:00:00 AM ----- BODY:

I don't talk politics very often. For good reason, too. I don't know politics. To be able to discuss politics means that you have taken the time to find out facts from an unbiased source, and these days, that is increasingly difficult to do.

The talking heads cloud the issues. I don't enjoy the rhetoric.

But today, Corina has suggested we talk openly, without hate. It's a good thing to do everyday, but I usually choose to just not talk because you never know who is listening and what they are going to give back at you.

So here goes. A few of my opinions.

I believe that health care in America is broken and needs to be fixed. There are ideas from both sides of the issue that I think are good ideas, and I think that when reform begins, it is just that - a beginning. I think that reform will need to evolve over time, but that it is time to start now.

I believe that government shouldn't be small in one area in large in another. If you want government to tell people who can and cannot get married, then you are asking for license for them to dictate a lot more.

I believe that taxes are necessary, but wish that they were used more wisely. The government could use to get back to some of its Presbyterian roots and revisit the idea of stewardship.

I believe that it's beyond time to bring our men and women home from an unproductive war.

I believe that education is in crisis in our country and am nervous about my child turning five and starting public school.

So there. That's five things that could be controversial, or not. If you disagree with any of them, feel free to tell me so today. It's a day to disagree without hate and learn more about those who might disagree with you. So go forth and be kind, how's about it?

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----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Anonymous Barry Darnell DATE:Tuesday, October 6, 2009 at 9:49:00 AM EDT Beautiful post, Marty! You do not have to know much about politics to voice your opinions and concerns as a Mom (and I, as a Dad) about the future of our country.

The thing that I love is the way you spoke clearly and concisely to each issue without rancor or name-calling or bringing personalities into mix.

As I've said before, I would like a political truce, please! I am sick of all the anger and ask people to have respectful, intellectually honest discussions.

To oversimplify: The Left likes government solutions. The Right does not. Neither side has anything but America's best interests at heart. Let us stop impugning the motives and character of those who prefer a different approach from us.

Let's go forward trying to discuss a policy issue, one at a time, until we reach some sort of understanding, even if it's "agree to disagree"? ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Anonymous Barry Darnell DATE:Tuesday, October 6, 2009 at 10:17:00 AM EDT One more thing:

I have been saddened by the way political enemies have not just disagreed or even poked fun at, but tried to destroy the likes of Robert Bork, Ted Kennedy, Clarence Thomas, Billy Carter, Ronald Reagan, George HW Bush, Bill & Hillary Clinton, George W Bush, Dick Cheney, Joe The Plumber, Sarah Palin and Barack Obama. The hate and despicible rhetoric comes from both sides and engenders a, "They started it!" from those who justify continuing that sort of behavior. I'm calling on all good people to do what my mother would say, "I'm ENDING it!"

Love to all. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Anonymous Amo DATE:Tuesday, October 6, 2009 at 12:11:00 PM EDT I agree with everything you have said! The health care issue is very close to my heart b/c we can't afford it for all three family members. The cost is ridiculous. Health care is definitely broken beyond belief. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Anonymous Convertible Girl DATE:Tuesday, October 6, 2009 at 7:56:00 PM EDT We have a lot in common at every point, including a general aversion to talking/writing politics. Thanks for posting. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Anonymous Ilina DATE:Wednesday, October 7, 2009 at 8:27:00 PM EDT I agree with every single word. Hear! Hear! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Anonymous Geezees Custom Canvas Art DATE:Thursday, October 8, 2009 at 3:07:00 PM EDT Thanks for posting this! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Anonymous Susie DATE:Saturday, October 10, 2009 at 7:26:00 PM EDT Yes, yes, yes, uh huh, and yup. And I agree with Barry - that just toting the party line on an issue will never actually solve anything. Time to stop talking and start breaking each issue down into what's best for EVERYONE. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Anonymous Vanity's Fare DATE:Tuesday, October 13, 2009 at 9:56:00 AM EDT Glad you brought it up. I'm just hating the hate. Seriously, I think it makes me depressed...not in an abstract way, but directly depressed. All this mean, bitter hate is awful.

Thanks for bringing this up and getting people to think. ----- --------