Tuesday, August 12, 2008

An Example of a Self-Absorbed Voter

I recently received an e-mail from someone regarding a story about one of the candidates running for office. This e-mail was sent to just about every address in this person's contact list - we're talking lots and lots of people. Unfortunately, this person failed to verify the story before he forwarded it to everybody and their brother. This is a giant pet peeve of mine. I deplore getting these sorts of things because: A) who needs or wants incorrect information on any subject ever, and B) you can pretty much find out enough genuine information about the candidates to help you make up your mind about them without resorting to make believe. Well, one person on the list who received this forwarded e-mail chose to address that very issue. She sent her reply to everyone who had received the forwarded e-mail and she clearly expressed her dislike of receiving unverified information. She even went so far as to suggest that those sorts of stories be researched at a place such as snopes.com for authenticity prior to forwarding it to dozens of people. Personally, I thought that was a fabulous idea and it's one I actually preach about often. Check your facts before you share information! It might just save you from looking like a bigoted, ignorant jackass at some point. Anywho, as I said, I agreed with what this person said about verifying the information, etc., but then she said something that just blew my mind. She said this:

"And in case you're wondering about my own political stance, I vote for the person who is going to do the least amount of damage to my quality of life. They're both going to screw me, it's trying to figure out whose (sic) going to screw me the worst and then vote for the other guy. "
Hello!! Lady! Can you be anymore self centered?? Do you honestly think that YOUR personal quality of life should be the deciding factor in who becomes the most powerful human being on the planet? My gosh, woman. Talk about leading a sheltered little life! You must be one of those "special" people. You know the ones...the ones God liked best, that's why he made you a middle class American, right? I mean for real...you must be some kind of greatness all unto yourself to actually think your quality of life is what democracy is all about.
This attitude just burns me up! This person doesn't seem to care about character or leadership qualities or strength or ideas or plans for the future. Heck, no. She's not worried about poverty here in this country or across the planet or famine or war or terror or oppression. No, ma'am. And she's certainly not worried about some farmer or sheep herder on the other side of the planet who may be murdered for speaking out about his quality of life. No, sir. This woman is worried about her very own, personal quality of life. Wow! What a fine example of American patriotism. What an exemplary example of a member of the human race. My heart is just swelling with pride knowing that this chick has my e-mail address now. Yippee! Not.

Geez. Hope this election turns out okay for her. Wouldn't want something like world democracy to spoil her plans for the future. And I certainly wouldn't want something like the plight of strangers to touch her oh so perfect middle class American lifestyle. After all, God did put her soul into a free body in a bountiful land with all the comforts of modern living. If he'd of wanted her to worry about something or someone other than herself, he'd have had her born poor or better yet, into a body on the other side of the world.

Yeah, I know it's harsh and I know I should work at being a tad bit more accepting of others concerns, but my first thought when I read her little missive was this: What a woefully ignorant, self absorbed, narrow minded wench. And, two weeks after receiving her opinion, I still feel that way about her. Why? Because this is AMERICA! The heart of democracy! We should be voting for the person we believe in, not the person we think will do the least amount of harm to us. I firmly believe that America is supposed to be about optimism and opportunity, not cynicism and contempt!
What about you? What do you believe America is about?

9 comments:

  1. While I agree with this lady about voting for the lessor of 2 evils, I don't agree with her "me,me,me" attitude. For many years now I've been so disappointed that I find it more than difficult to believe in any politician in any shape or form. I'm just disgusted with the whole lot of them.

    I do, however, believe in Santa Claus. :-)

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  2. It's matts biggest pet peeve too. He actually likes one of the candidates and we get all kinds of emails about him. Matt is quick to show ME that they are not true. I am not a fan of either candidate to be honest. But, I am well informed (again, thanks to matt) of the issues and will vote accordingly...

    I'm always embarrassed for the person who sends out those emails to everyone. Don't know why....

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  3. Great post, Kari.

    I always check snopes, cause ya just never know.

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  4. Good post Kari. I always like to read your posts on subjects like this, you always seem to hit the nail on the head with your writing. Couldn't say anything better then you did.

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  5. Oh, I agree about those emails and wrong information. Such a waste of time!!

    I believe America is about taking care of each other the best we can; supporting whoever gets in office even if it's not who we, as individuals, voted for.

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  6. First of all, I detest those kind of e-mails that go to everyone in their contacts list.

    As far as the woman's attitude, I can understand where she is coming from, but she didn't say it very eloquently. Political choices are largely made from the viewpoint of the individual, otherwise you wouldn't get certain politicians promising a a whole litany of social programs to buy votes. (Gee, what is the government going to do for me today instead of me doing it for myself?)

    Everyone has their hot button issues and mine is taxes. In my opinion, I pay an exorbitant amount of taxes (local, state, and federal) and a large percentage of it is wasted. Among a wide range of leadership virtues, I always look at candidates who will raise my taxes the least and who will do the most good with what they get from me. Wanting to keep my own hard-earned money is not selfish. The government wanting to take more and more and more of my money is selfish of the government.

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  7. I needed a dose of Kari so bad tonight that I need to go get Uncle Wallace to kick my tail for not coming in here first...but you know how it is...thanks for the warm words and thoughts, you know we love you little girl!
    hugs
    Aunt Sandi

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  8. Thus it has ever been, Kari. We have a long heritage of people who only wish to be "left alone." I've got a stack of ancestors who, choosing to be some of the King's boys, took off for the maritime provinces in the Revolutionary War. I'm terribly proud of them...not!

    I am one of those rotten folks who can't stand unverified forwards and when anything smacks, I check it out and return the info to just the person who sent it allowing them to make amends. I wish more folks would join me in this.

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  9. Sadly, there are A LOT of people out there like this. *shaking head*
    I love a good Kari rant and roll. You always say it like it is, and do it so well.

    Love,
    Sue

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