Is it just me...?

[sathor]

I'm noticing a trend in certain a certain conservative subgroup. It seems they are pro-gun ownership, xenophobic (i.e. they hate mexicans and blacks, muslims...and probably everything else under the sun that isn't white) and pro-life. There's something very strange about this idea that you can be pro-life (anti-pro choice) and yet be some of the worst human beings on the planet - pro-war, probably even pro-slavery, and most definitely bigoted and desiring social stratification. These people reflect almost exactly what kind of mindset you'd need to be a functional part of Nazi Germany...I mean why are we okay with this? How are we going to deal with this? These people vote, and they vote LOUDLY - people of their mindset get out and actually vote for candidates they want. They have a loud enough voice where they can actually produce change to their liking in politics. Isn't that incredibly dangerous? For all the technological and scientific advancements we've made, we're still producing offspring that THINK like this?

I just don't see a good solution to these people - I really don't. I'd love to know what we're supposed to do besides hope "good" wins the battle, because as far as I can tell, advocating and being outspoken and trying to change opinions (moderates or not) is basically impossible.

Comments

[elenbarathi.livejournal.com]

They're not actually 'pro-life'. What they are is anti-choice, which fits right in with the rest of their right-wing authoritarian traits. They don't give a shit about the lives of poor babies after birth, as proven by their relentless efforts to eliminate all assistance to poor families. They're all about controlling the bodies of women by blocking access to sex education and contraception, making abortion difficult (or, ideally, impossible) to obtain, and punishing and stigmatizing single mothers - especially if they're young, poor, and/or people of color.

Since most of the anti-choice contingent identify as Christian, one useful strategy is pointing out the fact that their stance has no scriptural justification, and is in fact entirely contrary to the teachings of Jesus.

" These people vote, and they vote LOUDLY - people of their mindset get out and actually vote for candidates they want."

Yeah, they do, because their spiritual leaders never stop exhorting them to do so, and putting forth the message that those who don't are lukewarm slackers. They write letters, send e-mails, organize groups, pack meetings, donate money, and constantly encourage each other to keep doing more.

What about us? Oh yeah, we'd like to see all these big societal changes, but since nobody is getting up in the pulpit every week to hassle us into working for them, most people think they're Doing Their Bit if they vote in Presidential elections every four years. Who's writing every week to elected officials, pastors, editors, and/or CEOs to express their views? Who's attending and speaking up at all the local political meetings? Who's boycotting products and services sponsored by the opposition, and writing in to tell them so? Damn few of our side!

We know exactly why the reactionary elements have such a loud voice in politics: because they're willing to USE their voices. The progressive elements could do exactly the same things they do, but it's a lot easier to sit around saying "we can't possibly win, so there's no use trying."

If you want an antidote to that kind of despair, start writing at least three letters, postcards or e-mails to someone in a position of influence every week. Send money every month to some cause you support, even if it's just a few bucks. Stop buying from companies whose policies you don't approve of. Find out what candidates really stand for, and vote every chance you get. Tell other people of like mind that you're doing all this, and urge them to do the same. That is what we're supposed to do besides passively hope that 'good' wins the battle.

"Spock, I've found that evil usually triumphs - unless good is very, very careful."