I’m a Libertarian, my son is a Democrat

I am a Libertarian. My son is a Democrat. We agree on 99.9% of moral issues as far as I know. We don’t disparage those who think differently, we just see policies and their priorities through different lenses. I am proud of my son. He worked tirelessly on his own time for the Democrat Party in local elections, as do I for the Republican and Libertarian Parties nationally. We never talk politics when together, a wish of mine that my children have always respected. Philosophies of life, social issues and how best to attain good outcomes differ among people. That is a good thing. Because in the end, progress is eventually made for the betterment of everyone. We elect our leaders to do an important job, not to be perfect or lovable, or even likable. Being a leader in this country is a tough with about 328,000,000 armchair quarterbacks constantly nipping at your heels and questioning your motives. But when the conversation of candidates, supporters and reporters becomes dishonest, personally mean and wishes candidates harm, THEY become the enemy of democracy and civility. Personal, childish and unnecessary accusations being made that have NOTHING to do with real policies and issues are relentlessly being fuel by our media. With such power of exposure and influence, media has a professional responsibility to cover and present the facts, equally and without opinions, and especially without wishing harm. But they are not. Journalistic standards have departed the American landscape and diminished a once noble profession. With the exception of commentators who are clearly identified as editorializing . . . and BOTH sides given equal time on said outlet, REPORTERS are just that, reporters.  As a former media executive, I believe the current media outlets are the driving force negatively affecting our liberty and democracy. There used to be an FCC rule that candidates of any kind were assured equal access of time on air, and most all major cities had at least two newspapers that represented conservative and liberal views, the FCC said one owner could not dominate a city with radio stations, and codes of conduct were followed by professional journalists. Somewhere along the line we lost these important guidelines of balance and now too many so called journalists, citizens and candidates have the gloves off and have stooped to levels which I see as barbaric and unworthy of our predecessors’ great sacrifices. I pray that at any future debate we see an unbiased moderator ask solid, relevant questions about policy positions, and give each candidate equal time to answer. It is just that simple. Neither I nor my son would ever wish anyone harm or call them names. We just see issues through different lenses, with different priorities. It’s not a matter of who’s right or wrong, or good or bad. It’s called differences in philosophies. Now with all that said, I am extremely proud of my son’s heart and passion for the betterment of society. But I’m still his Mom so he better come out and visit me at Christmas 🙂