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Yesterday was Super Bowl Sunday, and for the first time in years, I had zero interest in the game. So I mostly ignored it and spent the day net surfing. Which eventually sent my blood pressure through the roof. Because there is a subset of progressives that are just as bad as the far-right. The ones who hate it when people enjoy things that they disapprove of.
So, I'm going to make a declaration here. I consider myself to be a progressive thinker, for the most part. I support the ideals of Democratic Socialism, I believe late-stage capitalism is broken and in dire need of reform, and I strongly support the right of every human to determine their own destiny so long as they do not harm others in that pursuit.
I also like firearms, support the Second Amendment while understanding that it allows the government to regulate firearms as part of the "well-regulated militia." I support the freedom of religion, even those I find offensive or silly. As a member of The Satanic Temple, I am hardly in a position to judge others' faiths. I served this nation in the United States Army, understand that our global presence is vital to our national goals, but at the same time believe that Eisenhower was right and we need to cut defense spending as much of it is corporate welfare.
As a student of history, I roll my eyes when someone says "cultural appropriation." cultures are constantly changing and absorbing new ideas and traditions. This has only accelerated in the information age. So we are experiencing culture shock and it scares some people, but you cannot slow the rate of cultural change for long. Ride it out, and enjoy the brave new world.
Now, back to the Super Bowl. Does the NFL have serious problems? Of course they do. There were two players on the field yesterday who by all rights should have been banned from playing. American Football in general has huge problems in terms of player conduct, long-term health issues in the players, and representation in coaching and the front office. But I'm still a Forty-Niner Faithful because I can enjoy a sporting event while understanding the problems surrounding it.
Want to lose my support? Attack people for enjoying something. I've been to tractor pulls. They are fucking fun! I've seen the Crimson Tide play at home, and it was amazing. I'd even go to a Sharks game even though I don't enjoy hockey just to experience it. And I have friends who are devoted Sharks fans. I'd never minimalize their devotion to their sport. The same goes for any pursuit or hobby.
If you want to call yourself a liberal, or a progressive, you cannot be bigoted against things you don't get. Even if you hate organized sports, you must have the basic empathy to understand that others feel differently and their view is just as valid as yours. This does not extend to views based on hated or bigotry of course.
Live and let live. I can't believe I have to keep saying this.
So, I'm going to make a declaration here. I consider myself to be a progressive thinker, for the most part. I support the ideals of Democratic Socialism, I believe late-stage capitalism is broken and in dire need of reform, and I strongly support the right of every human to determine their own destiny so long as they do not harm others in that pursuit.
I also like firearms, support the Second Amendment while understanding that it allows the government to regulate firearms as part of the "well-regulated militia." I support the freedom of religion, even those I find offensive or silly. As a member of The Satanic Temple, I am hardly in a position to judge others' faiths. I served this nation in the United States Army, understand that our global presence is vital to our national goals, but at the same time believe that Eisenhower was right and we need to cut defense spending as much of it is corporate welfare.
As a student of history, I roll my eyes when someone says "cultural appropriation." cultures are constantly changing and absorbing new ideas and traditions. This has only accelerated in the information age. So we are experiencing culture shock and it scares some people, but you cannot slow the rate of cultural change for long. Ride it out, and enjoy the brave new world.
Now, back to the Super Bowl. Does the NFL have serious problems? Of course they do. There were two players on the field yesterday who by all rights should have been banned from playing. American Football in general has huge problems in terms of player conduct, long-term health issues in the players, and representation in coaching and the front office. But I'm still a Forty-Niner Faithful because I can enjoy a sporting event while understanding the problems surrounding it.
Want to lose my support? Attack people for enjoying something. I've been to tractor pulls. They are fucking fun! I've seen the Crimson Tide play at home, and it was amazing. I'd even go to a Sharks game even though I don't enjoy hockey just to experience it. And I have friends who are devoted Sharks fans. I'd never minimalize their devotion to their sport. The same goes for any pursuit or hobby.
If you want to call yourself a liberal, or a progressive, you cannot be bigoted against things you don't get. Even if you hate organized sports, you must have the basic empathy to understand that others feel differently and their view is just as valid as yours. This does not extend to views based on hated or bigotry of course.
Live and let live. I can't believe I have to keep saying this.
