The Pigeon Hole

I’ve always thought that keeping one’s options open was optimal. Yet, often I see people in all walks of life, journalists, pundits and politicians to name a few, paint themselves into a corner by declaring their conservatism or liberalism. Once declared and based on the standardized definitions of such, opinions and positions arise as to what this person must be, how they must think, who they like and who they don’t. A wall appears and communication is stymied.

The great conundrum is that I find many of us, defined as combatants, actually agree on many things. It’s quite a disservice to the health and future of our nation if that is our end point.

For example;

I think we can all agree that Government should be smaller and more efficient. Where we spend money should be  the issue.

Agree that all Americans should be able to go to the doctor whether they can afford it or not.

Agree that college should be affordable to the point that we are not sending twenty-two year olds into the world saddled with debt.

That the Pentagon, America’s biggest spender should be audited every so often.

That elections should be publicly funded thus removing big money from politics.

That assault weapons might be more than necessary to uphold the second amendment.

That all should have privacy with their doctor.

Reduce the national deficit, balance the budget.

There are probably more but you get the idea.

Stop the pigeon-holing. Judge each issue independently. And by all means when the next person tells you that they are liberal or conservative or libertarian, remind them that there will never be a pure system and that it is far more important that we speak to each other with open minds and open hearts. Our future depends on it.

Sean Brennan

1/29/18