If you listen to the GOP's top voices you've been told economy is the only important piece to discuss in this election. Sure social plays a role, but it's too divisive and not worth talking about for prime-time. Everything that could be contentious should be left alone, unless it's winning us votes. But somehow it still gets talked about; and not always by those who identify themselves as "social conservatives" either. Yet somehow we get blamed for the discussion.
The liberals. If they bring up the topic, than it's okay to talk about it. Since they have started the conversation, they get to frame it. And those who do believe in the importance of social issues are put in the boxing ring to fight to make their point. Sometimes they come out standing; many times the viewers who consider themselves part of their brotherhood, sigh with disappointment, because it's one more time that we look daft and therefore worthy of the mockery.
But why is it that the liberal mainstream media, busy Hollywood stars and talk show hosts, and politicians with a D behind their name, can somehow have this conversation yet demonize the rest of us? They can hash social issues all they want. Talk about them. Mock them. Parade on them and kick them. Fight against them. Scream at them. And force them away. And yet through this all, no one seems to notice that it's the liberal mainstream media who are actually the instigators of this conversation. So perhaps it's they who want to talk about it. But why?
To me, social issues have to do with those things of life that are fruits of our worldview and personal convictions. The personal heart and lifestyle matters. The things that have a connection to morality and virtue. Social issues are connected to our worldview. And if our values get called into question, do we hesitate then on how we see the world?
I think social issues are uncomfortable to talk about in our country for a couple reasons:
1 - they are personal; everyone is no longer operating out of the same rule book for life and thus ensues creates a passionate upheaval of defending your view.
Just a thought ...
I think social issues are uncomfortable to talk about in our country for a couple reasons:
1 - they are personal; everyone is no longer operating out of the same rule book for life and thus ensues creates a passionate upheaval of defending your view.
2 - We don't understand their vital role in the economic conversation; how they are relative to the pangs of our culture.
To many people who bear the "social conservative" title, this mantle isn't a decision of belief but a lifestyle that is embraced. It's not something that has to be discussed. It's something that is fruit of who we are within and therefore foreign when someone wants to argue it. Because, after-all, it's common sense. Isn't it?
For too long we've acted as though the economy is the "only" topic to be discussed. Well, guess what. It's too late for that. If we are going to save our country, we have to start addressing the "elephant" in the room. Why? Because the economy cannot be fixed by dollars alone. If you're going to fix the out-of-whack culture and the ever talked about economic disaster, you best start with addressing the home and heart within. It's not just money that's the problem, people. It's the lives of the people behind the money that really matter.
Just a thought ...