38.

For years I was happy with the fact that I was not a very political person. As time goes on, however, I realize that it is almost my obligation to be informed and to make opinions on the information I have. It may be true that the squeaky wheel gets the oil, but it isn't the one that needs it. It seems that nowadays adults - "mature" adults - are better at fake-crying than babies are. And they cry for no other reason than to defend their bigoted views and have them cemented into the fabric of society through law.

If one looks up the word "liberal" in the dictionary, he will find - among many others - the following results: 1. favorable to progress or reform, as in political or religious affairs. 2. free from prejudice or bigotry; tolerant. 3. open-minded or tolerant, esp. free of or not bound by traditional or conventional ideas, values, etc.

If one looks up the word "conservative" in the same dictionary, he will find the following: 1. Favoring traditional views and values; tending to oppose change. 2. traditional in style or manner; avoiding novelty or showiness. 3. disposed to preserve existing conditions, institutions, etc., or to restore traditional ones, and to limit change.

Now, I understand that some people are scared of new things and scared of change in general, but when it comes to the advancement and - in a sense - the survival of our nation, I have no sympathy for them. Change is a part of life and no matter how much someone hangs onto the past, they will never get back to it.

On the "tolerance" issue, it is disgusting how people thing it is justified to limit the rights of others just because they are different or have different beliefs. It has happened for a long time, with natives, blacks, women, the handicapped... When will people look to their neighbors who preach "peace on earth, god loves us all, and anyone who isn't a white, protestant christian, heterosexual who wears a tie to work is going to burn in hell for eternity" and not be afraid to tell them how disgusting of a human being they are? I have no problem with it. When attacked they will claim "it's a free country" or "I have the freedom of speech." If that's the case, then what is it that gives them that right but doesn't to all of the people whose rights they are trying to take away? The problem is that too many people remain neutral and that too many liberals are passive and think it is better to just stay out of the debate. We have come to a point where we can no longer afford to do that. We can no longer be afraid to call out someone else's faults and erroneous views, if those faults and views will hurt others. I'm done being passive. If people want to hold the world back, let them try, but I'm going to keep moving forward.