Too, I will admit I am vocal because I do have the hope that I will influence someone to consider the way I look at things too...and why. I have simply never been a believer in silence. Yes, I am aware there are times that we must keep silent...with Scripture to back that up. But silence can also be a very dangerous thing (think the Holocaust)...and so I speak...or actually, write when I feel it is necessary.
Something that concerns me at this time, is something I have been concerned with in the past. I have seen this all take place in recent past – think 2007/2008. And just like last time, where it leads is to a divide of conservatives. This movement does appear to have gotten a bit more extreme and ruthless this time around.
There is a faction of the Republican party, that is in fact a dangerous aspect to the tenants they claim to support. They proudly think of themselves as the only “true conservative”. Everyone wants to jump on the bandwagon of the true conservative. Now I am not talking about the conservative Republican vs RINO battle that we have seen since 2008. That is still an issue, but it is not what I am referring to here. For this blog post, let me clarify that when I am using the term “RINO”, (Republican In Name Only) I am referring to those content with the status quo. When I say “conservative Republican”, I am talking about people like me – the heart of the Republican party with long held conservative beliefs. Conservative when conservative wasn’t cool, so to speak.
But I am not sure I have the right title or a correct name for the fringe group that I want to address here. Sometimes they are called the “far right”. But I don’t like that title. It isn’t quite accurate. Rather, many of them are libertarian, and libertarians are far from "right", nor are they the most conservative. Libertarians, believe they are the best advocates for freedom and conservatism. But actually, they are far too liberal in some of the issues they support – especially the social issues and the things they support legalizing in the name of freedom. That isn’t freedom. Anyway, that conversation is for another time.
The fringe group (for lack of better term) I am writing about today, is actually very antigovernment – almost to a dangerous degree. This is why libertarians fit in here. They also espouse a degree of freedom, further than most conservatives even want to go. This “far-right” group does not seem to understand that there must be boundaries and a rule of law that gives us parameters to work within. This group is angry and unsure of what to do with their anger. They are not opposed to a “whatever it takes” attitude. Civil disobedience is their mantra. And yes, there is a time for civil disobedience – when using the rule of law appropriately, has failed. This group is now advocating fighting “fire with fire”. That is, that we should pick up the tactics of the left instead of fighting the battle with honor, because honor hasn’t been successful. Lies, deceit, spin, attacks, “lists”; whatever it takes is their mantra, joining the left in questionable tactics. "They do it, so we will do it, too", kind of thing. Now, some in this group are not as extreme as others...i.e. those at the root. Some are simply followers who sincerely seek and long to get things back to the way they used to be. They are those who see our nation in trouble and want to do something about it, but are not exactly sure what. I don’t think they have considered the danger with whom they have attached themselves and are following. And believe me, there is a danger.
I think some of the followers are new to the political realm and do not clearly understand how imperfect it can be. Politics in America simply does not work with perfection. It is about adhering to a strict rule of law – our Constitution – with a system to control and keep it. Yes. But in the preservation is where imperfection comes. It is still the best system in the world. But in a demand for what some perceive as perfection, they are going to instead get divide. Whether we like it or not, everything and I mean everything is only achieved in increments. We lose the right to life? It was lost incrementally and it will only be gained back incrementally. 2nd Amendment? Incrementally being attacked. Incrementally being protected. You get it. No such thing as perfection in politics. And to demand perfection is to bring failure. And yes, that's an ugly truth.
I came across a quote today, that I had shared a few years ago. It was from Dan Calabrese who use to write for Herman Cain. He was speaking of a particular politician who is actually a libertarian (and brags about that) but always runs as a Republican. I want to share Dan's words, because it defines clearly and exactly what I am talking about here. I have left out the politician's identity. No sense stirring the pot too far. lol And I am not talking about him specifically anyway; or any individual for that matter. Instead insert "libertarian" for the politician's name.
"You'll never get [a libertarian] on board, but he's a libertarian utopianist who would rather preen to his fellow utopianists about how principled he is than solve anything, so who cares about him?)"And honestly, that is it in a nutshell - the ideology of those who think they are the new face of the Republican party. Perceived perfectionists preening for each other. It just doesn't work that way. We will not have utopia on earth. And the thought that they are somehow more principled is nothing more than blatant hypocrisy. Especially in light of some of their actions. They only think they are the new face of the Republican party. No they are not! They are dividers and they are going to find out that God doesn’t bless deceit.
Interestingly, the nameless far right group that I am addressing in this post, is also highly susceptible to conspiracy theories. If you have seen a conspiracy out there, you will most likely find those from this group are the ones buying AND selling. That’s another ugly truth. Sorry.
At present time, there is a conspiracy making the rounds that VP Pence was actually a part of a ring that includes Paul Ryan to assassinate then President Trump. Yes, really! Come on! There are other outlandish conspiracies that are just as silly, but also dangerous. One being that the White House is empty. No one there...blah, blah, blah. Also, many of the conspiracies revolve around the vaccine. STOP! I am NOT advocating for this vaccine! So don’t let me lose you over that fear and please do not misunderstand me! What I am saying is the vaccine debate is inappropriately being used for a lot of flat out nonsense! And the conspiracies that are surrounding it, are being used to divide us. I predicted this would happen a long time ago – the divide over vaccines – I just didn’t correctly understand how.
Of late, someone in our area was advertising an event with highly questionable speakers. People so badly want to have their already preconceived beliefs and convictions validated that they will excuse and hold onto flat-out insanity. Who cares if a speaker might be of a “new age” belief! Who cares he may have a questionable life style? Who cares if he is dramatic and adds a little inaccurate fluff and deplorable language? Who cares! He is saying what they want him to say. Single focus. Sole agenda. No mention of Jesus and Truth. Just new age gobbledy gook with a radical conspiracy that leaves everyone on the edge of their seats….espousing what they want to hear. Tickling their ears. Who cares!!!
Somehow these things MUST be addressed, even as uncomfortable as it is. We cannot allow things that are untrue to stand. It is hurting our party. As Christians, it is hurting our witness. This is why we absolutely must demand balance. We have to be the wall of common sense and stop the types of claims and theories that are only hurting our party. We must demand truth.
I know someone who is a strong Christian. This person thinks like me politically. He also has quite an active sense of humor. He works with a gentleman who thinks like him politically, but who is not a Christian. Now, this man (the non-Christian) has heard of many of the same conspiracy theories we have all heard. He has noted, as have others, that it is largely a Christian, conservative audience that buys into these theories. So my friend, (the strong Christian) because of his active sense of humor, has a bit of fun with the gentleman he works with. He will expound upon a theory as if he believes it. He will highlight the really extreme, just to get a reaction from the non-believing associate. Now it is all in fun for them, and the gentleman has learned that the jester is merely doing that...simply jesting in fun. But think of the consequence, if these two didn’t know each other well? What if the one had not learned of the humor of the other? What if the Christian really believed the nonsensical theory? Very probably it would ruin whatever testimony of Jesus, the Christian would ever care to share. Why would anyone trust someone whose beliefs had been proven to be a far-fetched conspiracy?
My point in this anecdote is to demonstrate one of the biggest dangers in promoting things that simply are not true. We absolutely must be more careful than that. Research, reflect, listen. At all cost, seek truth, not conspiracies.
One more thing, we are so quick to condemn, while failing to offer support when someone does something right...maybe for our own political motives or agenda. Maybe there is a single focus issue that is more important to us. If someone doesn't support our single issue, then we are not about to give them credit for anything else they have done...even if we agree with it. That is not to say, there are not times where it is absolutely ok to stand and vote because of a single focus issue. Yes, I believe there are times for that. Jesus would be one. Life would be another. And the Constitution another.
But on the other hand, maybe sometimes we will accept a few distortions, in order to promote what we view as a larger agenda. Basically, this is an “end justifies the means” type of attitude and in my opinion, it is wrong. One cannot get to truth by using deceit. One cannot get to truth by using fear. One cannot see accomplishment by “stirring the masses”. One cannot find success by turning our nation upside down and bringing divide.
People are jumping on this bandwagon of new "far right" tactics (use any method necessary) which will only lead to our destruction. The conspiracy theories seem to go in spurts. The aggressive maneuvers gaining ground. All of this seems to be growing. I have long questioned the timing of these conspiracy theories. They certainly make the rounds on social media at specific times. And people seem more than willing to jump on the wagon because it fits a narrative they so badly want to believe. Unfortunately, sometimes it is the same people who from the other side of their mouth are calling for revival.
Oh yeah, with these tactics. Sure! That’s the revival we are looking for. (Please, note sarcasm!) If you can’t see what is going on, you are afool….you simply do not want to see it. It appears some are willing to die on a sword of deception, or their single focus issue rather that stand for what is true. But for me, even if some of it is ugly, I choose truth.
How do we get to truth if we don’t talk about the things that are happening in our world? How do we learn if we do not talk about the things that are being misconstrued. How can we expose conspiracy if we hide from it. Truth – that’s my single focus issue. And I hope it always will be. So I will continue to blog, to write, to be a pest on social media. Because somethings are just too important to ignore.
At present time, there is a conspiracy making the rounds that VP Pence was actually a part of a ring that includes Paul Ryan to assassinate then President Trump. Yes, really! Come on! There are other outlandish conspiracies that are just as silly, but also dangerous. One being that the White House is empty. No one there...blah, blah, blah. Also, many of the conspiracies revolve around the vaccine. STOP! I am NOT advocating for this vaccine! So don’t let me lose you over that fear and please do not misunderstand me! What I am saying is the vaccine debate is inappropriately being used for a lot of flat out nonsense! And the conspiracies that are surrounding it, are being used to divide us. I predicted this would happen a long time ago – the divide over vaccines – I just didn’t correctly understand how.
Of late, someone in our area was advertising an event with highly questionable speakers. People so badly want to have their already preconceived beliefs and convictions validated that they will excuse and hold onto flat-out insanity. Who cares if a speaker might be of a “new age” belief! Who cares he may have a questionable life style? Who cares if he is dramatic and adds a little inaccurate fluff and deplorable language? Who cares! He is saying what they want him to say. Single focus. Sole agenda. No mention of Jesus and Truth. Just new age gobbledy gook with a radical conspiracy that leaves everyone on the edge of their seats….espousing what they want to hear. Tickling their ears. Who cares!!!
Somehow these things MUST be addressed, even as uncomfortable as it is. We cannot allow things that are untrue to stand. It is hurting our party. As Christians, it is hurting our witness. This is why we absolutely must demand balance. We have to be the wall of common sense and stop the types of claims and theories that are only hurting our party. We must demand truth.
I know someone who is a strong Christian. This person thinks like me politically. He also has quite an active sense of humor. He works with a gentleman who thinks like him politically, but who is not a Christian. Now, this man (the non-Christian) has heard of many of the same conspiracy theories we have all heard. He has noted, as have others, that it is largely a Christian, conservative audience that buys into these theories. So my friend, (the strong Christian) because of his active sense of humor, has a bit of fun with the gentleman he works with. He will expound upon a theory as if he believes it. He will highlight the really extreme, just to get a reaction from the non-believing associate. Now it is all in fun for them, and the gentleman has learned that the jester is merely doing that...simply jesting in fun. But think of the consequence, if these two didn’t know each other well? What if the one had not learned of the humor of the other? What if the Christian really believed the nonsensical theory? Very probably it would ruin whatever testimony of Jesus, the Christian would ever care to share. Why would anyone trust someone whose beliefs had been proven to be a far-fetched conspiracy?
My point in this anecdote is to demonstrate one of the biggest dangers in promoting things that simply are not true. We absolutely must be more careful than that. Research, reflect, listen. At all cost, seek truth, not conspiracies.
One more thing, we are so quick to condemn, while failing to offer support when someone does something right...maybe for our own political motives or agenda. Maybe there is a single focus issue that is more important to us. If someone doesn't support our single issue, then we are not about to give them credit for anything else they have done...even if we agree with it. That is not to say, there are not times where it is absolutely ok to stand and vote because of a single focus issue. Yes, I believe there are times for that. Jesus would be one. Life would be another. And the Constitution another.
But on the other hand, maybe sometimes we will accept a few distortions, in order to promote what we view as a larger agenda. Basically, this is an “end justifies the means” type of attitude and in my opinion, it is wrong. One cannot get to truth by using deceit. One cannot get to truth by using fear. One cannot see accomplishment by “stirring the masses”. One cannot find success by turning our nation upside down and bringing divide.
People are jumping on this bandwagon of new "far right" tactics (use any method necessary) which will only lead to our destruction. The conspiracy theories seem to go in spurts. The aggressive maneuvers gaining ground. All of this seems to be growing. I have long questioned the timing of these conspiracy theories. They certainly make the rounds on social media at specific times. And people seem more than willing to jump on the wagon because it fits a narrative they so badly want to believe. Unfortunately, sometimes it is the same people who from the other side of their mouth are calling for revival.
Oh yeah, with these tactics. Sure! That’s the revival we are looking for. (Please, note sarcasm!) If you can’t see what is going on, you are a
How do we get to truth if we don’t talk about the things that are happening in our world? How do we learn if we do not talk about the things that are being misconstrued. How can we expose conspiracy if we hide from it. Truth – that’s my single focus issue. And I hope it always will be. So I will continue to blog, to write, to be a pest on social media. Because somethings are just too important to ignore.
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