Politics

At first when I heard we were moving to Texas, I was not too happy. After all, having been born and raised in 'Europe', that would make all of 'us' automatically 'librals', socialists, communists, and not properly conservative in this oh so conservative state.

The good flipside to this conservatism here is that Texans are pretty independent, for the most part of course. Can't generalize.

Hence, I joined Independent Texans after arriving in Austin (no, it does not involve secession but bi-partison Trans Texas Corridor issues, or improving independent politics, again, bi-partisan) and appreciate any kind of independent thinking.

I can agree to disagree which is a 'left over' of my Dutch upbringing. Or better put, the effects of my formative exposure. Which brings me to a point of irritation/long suffering that comes when exposed to people who cannot join the 'agree to disagree' mature state of mind. As much I'd love for all Americans to snap out of their political apathy (and yes, that includes blind partisanship, she said as a true Independent), the first step to that needs to be intelligent and open discourse.

Hence my annoyance (irritation, annoyance, tomatoes, toMAHtoes) with Josh Rosenblatt's piece 'the Scene' in this week's Chronicle. Follow the link:

http://www.austinchronicle.com/gyrobase/Issue/story?oid=oid%3A554261 (again, click and paste, this blog doesn't come with link features)

So, this morning, while glued to the computer as I have to stay home today, I decided to write a letter to the editor:

"I was disappointed AND irritated by Josh Rosenblatt's 'Fox' worthy review of Alex Jones' End Game. Or was it supposed to be 'beat up on Alex-day' and I missed the memo (in that case, my apologies). The 'review' or whatever it was supposed to be comprised of total 'snark'. Was there a point to be made? Surely, if one disagrees so vehemently with anyone (AJ or anyone else, it doesn't matter), then at least tackle one or two issues intelligently and explain. It's called 'opposing viewpoints'. Having been born and raised in the Netherlands, I know all too well that once upon a time, people could not comprehend or accept that the Nazi's (not to include all Germans) were readying themselves for the annihilation of the Jewish people. It is not the subject that matters, but the treatment and dialogue thereof. Rosenblatts' petty (dis) missive did nothing to enlighten anyone. Not in the least as to why he was so disagreeable."

Politics is by nature disagreeable, but it's the discourse that makes it useful.

And as a poli sci major, I can only concur that with a lot of issues, you really need to do your research. If you don't agree, then base it on a personal opinion, or a researched counter-point. So Texas, keep thinking independently. For those of faith, you know the rule; test the word (in this case, whatever fact is claimed). There is always room to have a different opinion afterwards. Check out Independent Texans

http://www.indytexans.org/

OR Alex Jones' Prison Planet

It's not all crazy conspiracy theories.