The Laughing Wolf

Values And False Conclusions

Much has been made out of the latest election on the topic of values. Certain portions of the population see the election as a mandate of their particular beliefs and that they should be taken further. Others also see it through the same prism, though reversed, and want to make it all about those values and beliefs and the danger they pose. Speaking as a cranky independent, allow me to say that both have their sense organ cluster firmly imbedded in their ventral orifice and are creating a false reality based on a false conclusion.

This same basic conclusion, for us or against us, leaves out a heck of a lot of ground. A good example is yours truly and perceptions thereon. Despite the fact that I list myself as an Independent (Cranky) and even as a small-L libertarian, quite a few people seem to have the idea that I am some sort of right-wing Nazi simply because I voted for Bush (and support the war on terrorism).

Hmmmmmm. Let’s look at this semi-rationally and list a few things out:

* Drugs: The war on drugs is even less successful than Prohibition at stopping use or production, and even more successful at creating an even more violet and powerful underworld and attendant corruption. My position is that all drugs should be legalized.
* Sex: What happens between consenting individuals is none of anyone else’s business, most especially the government’s. Prostitution should be legalized and all consensual sex be decriminalized. The male who went to jail in Georgia for going down on his wife deserves a full and complete pardon, not to mention restitution from all those involved. Consensual acts harm no one, so get over it and let your neighbors do as they want without you peering into their bedroom. On the same note, if you consent to something one day, then change your mind the next, then it is not a crime, just a bad decision. For those who still don’t get it, consent is the key here, not age, gender, or anything else. Consent. A true rapist deserves almost anything that comes their way, preferably at the hands of the intended victim.
* Marriage: Is not the province of government. The government should not be in the business of certifying, codifying, or doing anything else in regards marriage. That is the province of the various religions. I support gay marriage/civil union, as I think everyone should have to play by the same rules in all respects. That means that everyone has the right to their union, and should that union break up be subject to the same laws on same as everyone else. Nor should any religion be forced to sanction or perform any union against their beliefs. For the record, I have nothing against polygamy, line, or any other form of non-traditional union either. Or interracial of any type. Quite frankly, that is up to the individuals involved and so long as it harms no one, then it is one of anyone else’s business.
* Religion: For a number of reasons, I no longer call myself a Christian, though I was raised in the Methodist Church and moved to the Episcopal later in life, earned the God & Country Award, and did some other religious studies. I am not Gnostic, Coptic, Wiccan, Pagan, or any other handy label. Despite what the Borzoi and English Werewolf may say, I am not Druid either, though I have been tempted to introduce a few people to the Holy Oak as guest of honor. Freedom of Religion means the freedom to practice your beliefs, whatever they may be, or to chose none of the above.
* Race: I try not to judge by the package, but what’s inside.
* Gender: I try not to judge by the package, but what’s inside.
* Orientation: I try not to judge by the package, but what’s inside.
* Self-Defense: Every individual has the right to defend themselves against harm. Period. End of Sentence. That right is not dependent upon police, security, or any other externally validated authority, but upon themselves.
* Weapons: All individuals have the right and the responsibility to own, carry, and use whatever weapons they choose. If they misuse them, and live, then they should be subject to justice. If they walk around looking like a bad Rambo clone, that is their right though I reserve the right to laugh at them (albeit carefully). I agree with Heinlein that an armed society is a polite society, and a safe one at that.
* Military: I believe in a powerful military, not necessarily a large one. Size doesn’t count, it is the power and precision of the blows. We have a fairly good one now, it should be maintained and made better, not necessarily huge and bloated.
* Tolerance: I do NOT have to approve of anything or everything you do, nor do I have to even like it. So long as it harms no one, I simply have to tolerate it. Forced approval has the same validity as forced religious conversion – none.

Okay, by these standards if I were a Nazi I would have to go out and exterminate myself. Ergo, the fact that I am still here means that I am not a Nazi or other similar ilk. Nor, obviously, does my vote for Bush mean that I am some sort of right-wing religious nut. No, I voted for him on the values that count, the values that both the major parties need to be thinking about.

* Integrity: Tell the truth. If you make up loads of stuff, from Christmas in Cambodia to magic hats pulled out of magic asses, you’ve lost me. You can caveat, you can go for extreme precision, but if you lie I will know and I will drop you like a hot potato. No discussions of the meaning of is or other convolutions, just the truth.
* Honor: Do what you say and try to do it the best you can. Live by your code, not the latest polls.
* Loyalty: Stand by those you serve, those you are sworn to protect, and other oaths be upheld. Be forthright about your oaths and loyalties.
* Duty: live up to your obligations, or die trying.
* Responsibility: Do what is right, not what is easy.
* Trustworthy: It comes with doing the above, with living up to the highest standards of conduct and life.

Note that not one of these is religious in nature, though almost all religions pay them at least some lip service. In that regard, they are almost universal rather than religion-based. Know well that these are the standards to which I will hold anyone from any party.

It would be wise for all parties to pay heed, for I doubt that I am alone in this. The last election was not a mandate for any religion or a call to arms for any extreme. It should, however, be a wakeup call for every politician in the land. The old ways are dead, and you can and will be fact checked, cross-referenced, and indexed to beat the band. You are on notice.

Live up to your obligations, and to the core values that count. Or you will find yourself in a world of hurt in the next election.

LW