The Great Pot Debate

This is a subject that I have tried to stay out of for the most part. But with all the media attention lately, I feel compelled to share my personal views on the matter. 

The legalization of marijuana seems to be a very touchy subject for many. And most people fall very clearly to one side of the debate or the other, and don't seem open to changing their minds on the matter anytime soon. And while I think it is absolutely insane that pot is still illegal, that's not what this post is going to focus on. Instead I want to try and move past the stigmas associated with people who use marijuana. 

I know many people who either smoke or imbibe weed in some form or another, and contrary to stereotypes, these folks are nothing like Cheech and Chong. These are normal everyday people. They have jobs, raise families, drive nice cars, live in clean homes, are educated and intelligent individuals. Do I also know some stereotypical stoners? Yes. But they are by far the minority. Most people that use marijuana are no different than anyone else. Many of them are good Christians even. (Shock and awe!!) 

Pot is first and foremost a plant. It grows naturally and has many wonderful uses, aside from the bud itself. Hemp is an amazing material and can be used for everything from clothing and textiles, to fuel, biodegradable plastics, health foods and so much more. But the benefits of marijuana go so far beyond those things. Scientists and doctors have long understood the amazing things that pot is capable of. The healing abilities for wide ranges of medical issues is something we have barely even begun to tap into. 

Some of the most common uses are for things like nausea, vomiting, anorexia, movement disorders, epilepsy, glaucoma, pain reduction, asthma, inflammation, autoimmune diseases, mental disorders, and many many more. 

But because of legal issues, and the stigma involved, many people are hesitant or altogether against trying it. This is a shame to me. Pot is as organic a medicine as you could ever find, yet people would still rather fill their bodies with harsh chemicals and legal poisons than risk the side eye and judgment that comes with being a marijuana user. 

This needs to stop. People who use marijuana, whether for medical reasons or recreationally, are not drug addicts and dangerous criminals. 

Why are we so quick to judge someone who comes home from work and hits a joint in order to de-stress and relax? How are they any different from someone who comes home to a glass or two of wine? Why is it perfectly acceptable to pop a heavy duty pain killer for a head or backache, but frowned upon to turn to a plant? People who go out on the weekends and get drunk are just having a good time, but hit a bong once or twice and you're suddenly a bad person. I truly don't understand it. It has been proven time and again that alcohol is far more dangerous than marijuana, yet because it is legal, people think it is better. We have created a society that shames people who smoke weed, but very nearly encourages alcohol abuse. Call me crazy, but I will take a "stoner" over a drunk any day of the week. 

Marijuana relaxes your muscles, calms and quiets your mind, and can help you sleep just as well, if not better than alcohol. But you don't lose control of yourself (or your bodily functions) and there's no ugly hangover. 

To quote Peter Griffin "WHY ARE WE NOT FUNDING THIS!?" 

It's time we stop categorizing marijuana the same way we do cocaine, meth, and heroine. And we have to stop thinking that everyone who uses pot is somehow a criminal or a bad person. I bet if people were truly honest about it, you would be shocked by how many people you probably know who regularly smoke it. Doctors, lawyers, teachers, ministers, artists, musicians, scientists, etc. Your neighbors, fellow church members, and friends. It is not the evil monster that society has tried to make it. And the sooner we change that attitude, the better off we will be. Everyday, studies are being done that find more and more benefits of marijuana. Hidden inside that plant could be cures for deadly diseases, and countless ways to increase quality of life for so many. Don't we want that for ourselves? I sure do...
I encourage everyone to educate themselves on the realities of marijuana. Know what it is, how it effects the mind and body, and don't just blindly follow along with the ignorance. Pot isn't the boogeyman in your closet, or the elephant in the room. It's time we start talking openly and honestly about it, and treat it for what it is. An amazingly versatile and useful plant. Period.

Stop. Just Stop.

I can't take it anymore. I have had it up to here (I'm waving my hand WAY above my head.) and I absolutely MUST say something....
STOP SHARING SHIT ONLINE IF YOU HAVEN'T DONE THE PROPER RESEARCH! 
No seriously.... stop it. You are only making yourself look stupid, and propagating fear mongering. 
Anything, and I mean ANYTHING can be found online if you look hard enough. That means that if I felt like it, I could find an argument for smoking cigarettes to CURE cancer. That doesn't make it valid or true. 
In this day and age, we are far too quick to hit the "share" button. We rarely take the time to figure out if what we are sharing is of any value whatsoever, let alone if it is even true. And don't even get me started on the people who clearly do not understand satire. Nothing you read in The Onion is true, people. 
We have to stop. We are creating a world filled with ignorance and fear, and it isn't helping anyone. All this does is encourage trolls and drama starters to write articles intended to spread discontent and stir the shit pot in order to garner attention. 
I recently saw a photo show up MULTIPLE times in my Facebook newsfeed about Halloween landing on Friday the 13th for the first time in 666 years or some shit. Now... I don't want to make anyone feel bad or stupid, but COME ON, PEOPLE.... Stop for a second and think it through. When is Halloween? It is the same day every single year. It is on October 31st. That means it could never, ever, EVER land on a Friday the 13th. We know this, yet many, many people shared that photo. Why? Because we are sharing without thinking, that's why. We see some colorful quote or catchy titled article and we feel compelled to share it. But should we? While some things are certainly worth sharing, many others are not. We need to start doing a better job of filtering these things.
Now, I'm not a big proponent of sharing religious, political, or push button topics, but if that is your thing, for the love of everything holy, please make sure you have done the proper research before you share it. You may hate Obama, but that doesn't mean that photo of him stabbing unicorns is real. You get that, right?
And if you want to be the person who shares things like that, at the very least, you should be sure that what you are sharing is genuine and not just some false propaganda created to cause trouble. 
So.... from now on, let's all do our due diligence, and start weeding out things of value from general nonsense. Not only will this free up our newsfeeds for more worthwhile things, it will make the world a much happier place, and you won't find yourself sitting at your desk screaming at your computer screen and calling your friends and loved ones colorful names.
Thank you. This has been a public service announcement.

     This. SO much YES! 

Ignorance.

With all the talk about the current trial results, (You know what I'm referring to, I don't need to name names.) I find myself saddened. 
I'm saddened that the word racism is being thrown around so carelessly. I for one, did not watch the trial. I tried a few times, but I just couldn't handle the media bias that went along with it. So I don't even begin to pretend I know all the facts involved. But what I do know is that the world is an ugly place sometimes. There are ignorant people out there, and they come in every shape, size and color. That is a fact. While we spend hours discussing race and hoodies, there are parents mourning the loss of their child. 
This isn't a black, white, brown, purple or green issue. This is an ignorance issue. No matter what color your skin, you should be saddened by this story. 
We live in a world where people are so quick to judge one another by what we wear, who we date, where we live, etc, that we forget that at the end of the day we are all human. We share this world. 
I would love to live in a world where people were judged solely by their actions and not by outward appearances, but I don't. I cannot control the attitudes and behaviors of others, but I can control my own. I choose to follow the Golden Rule. I will treat you with kindness and respect, so long as you do the same. Simple as that. And I try to surround myself with like minded people. I can't change the entire world, but I can change my own personal world. I can't make hatred and ignorance disappear, but I don't have to tolerate it in my life. We can choose to change ourselves, and teach our children to be better. We can let those around us know that we won't allow their negativity in our lives. And little by little, these actions might start to spread and impact those around us. That's how you change the world. You start with yourself. You can't change other people. But you can give them an example, and hope that by seeing what kindness and goodness can do, they too, will want to change. 
I've seen evil in this world, but I've also seen good. I've seen hatred, and I've seen love. Yes, there is ignorance out there, but there is also tolerance. Choose your battles and your words carefully, for there will always be war, but there can also be peace...

A Media Driven World

With news of the latest bombing in Boston filling our television and social media screens, I can't help but think back to a simpler time. A time when the media didn't control our lives. We often look upon our youth as a better time. Things were easier, safer and just better. But were they? We know that bad things still happened. The world as a whole has not necessarily become more dangerous, or more violent. In fact, there are many studies that insist on just the opposite. That the world is actually safer and less violent now than in the past. But it sure doesn't feel that way, does it? I blame technology and the media. 
The major difference in the world in the last 50 years isn't more crazy people, it's more awareness. Growing up in the 80's, the news was on at set times, usually twice a day, in the morning and evening. For one hour a day, you learned about what was happening in the world. The news gave you the facts and that was it. You made up your own mind what to think about it. Every house received a newspaper each morning, and if you happened to miss the news, you could read about what you missed. Again... just the facts. The who, what, where, when and ONLY if they were 100% sure, the why. No speculation, no interviews from irrelevant sources, no biased opinions and no unnecessary regurgitation of the same information just to fill space and try to gain viewers. The news was a necessity, not a form of entertainment. 
Now, not only is the news on 24/7, but we have the internet, social media and smart phones to access not just the facts, but a million different people's interpretation of those facts. We mistakenly think the news is giving us information we need, when in reality it is feeding our fears. By filling our heads with information we don't need and constantly repeating it, we are being brainwashed to think that it isn't safe for our kids to play outside, and that every time we leave the relative safety of our homes, we are risking life and limb. We are allowing the media to convince us that the only way to be safe is to tune in to their every word and do exactly as they tell us. Sounds a bit similar to cult behavior to me. I like to think that I am a fairly intelligent individual. This means that I am fully capable of making up my own opinion on things. I don't want to live in a world where I am afraid to go outside. Bad things happen. That is a reality. If you cower in fear of everything, then what is the point in living? If we teach our children to be afraid of every  noise and smell and food, they will never enjoy life. The more you keep your kids locked inside and staring at a television or computer screen, the more brainwashed they become. Teach your children to be aware, not be afraid. Teach them to make up their own minds, not to allow others to make it for them. Show them the good and beauty in the world, don't bombard them with the evil. Let them play outside. I don't watch a lot of news, but last I checked, fresh air is still safe to breathe, and a few grass stains won't kill you. 
I know that there is darkness and evil in the world. It has existed as long as man. But there is also goodness and light. For every one bombing and terrorist attack, there are hundreds of positive stories that get overshadowed. Don't let the media turn you against your fellow man. Don't let them feed your fears and make you forget that there is an amazing world out there ready to be experienced and enjoyed. You have a mind of your own. Use it to decide what is important to you. You cannot turn off the scary, evil and ugly things in the world, but you can turn off the TV and computer. 

Teena's Beefs Part 1

Today I want to talk about some issues I have with the world we live in. I catch myself saying "What the Hell is wrong with people?" way more than I used to. I find that I have a lack of suitable words for the levels of ignorance some people reach. Sometimes I think that maybe it's just me. Maybe I have lost all faith in humankind, and everyone else is just floating along in blissfulness. But that can't be true. Can it??
*Issue 1*
The media. I loathe the news. I refuse to watch it. For starters, it's just too depressing. But it's also so biased and repetitive that I feel like they are pandering to the lowest IQ levels in the viewing audience. In a half hour newscast, they tell the same story at least 4 times. Yeah, we got it. It wasn't that interesting the first time. And do we really need to advertise for the news? We know that it's on at the same times every single day, and God forbid you miss it, don't worry! They'll just be showing the same stories later. Also... would it be too much to ask to tell a positive or uplifting story now and then? When something tragic occurs we hear about it nonstop for days on end, but when/if they do decide to share a worthwhile tale, it gets mere seconds of airtime. We are bombarded by stories and images of death, pain, horror and evil. The media preys on our fears and makes us so paranoid, we are afraid to leave our homes. It's disgusting. I hate to sound old here, but I remember a time when the news was on once in the morning and once in the evening. And if you wanted more, you read the paper. Somehow we all managed to survive then. 
*Issue 2*
Modern TV. Let me just say that 98% of what is on the television these days is pure crap. The days of entertaining, educational, family and quality TV are long gone. When TLC is airing shows like "Here comes Honey Boo Boo" you can no longer call yourself The Learning Channel. We have shows encouraging teen pregnancy, cultural stereotypes, and pure ignorance. Even kids cartoons are garbage. Where is the education in "Sponge Bob"? Reality TV is taking over, but it's so far from reality, it should be called even more poorly acted television. These shows aren't real life. Come on, people. Oh you spent 20 years looking for your soul mate and had no luck? I'm sure he/she just happens to be in this assortment of wanna be models that some random producer selected. *eye roll* It's time to get a grip. We are allowing TV to turn us into morons. And don't even get me started on what it is teaching the younger generations... It is a sad day in the world when people are rushing home, not to spend quality time with their families, but to make sure they don't miss the latest episode of crap TV. But don't panic! If you do miss it, you can always catch it on Netflix, Hulu or DVR it on reruns. 
*Issue 3*
Schools. What the hell is happening in our schools? We don't have enough money to pay for teachers, bus drivers and supplies? But there is enough money to pay sports stars and celebrities multi million dollar contracts?? How did this happen? When did education in this country fall so far down the scale of importance that we don't even bat an eye when we hear of another school closing? Education should be a given. Teachers should be paid more, not less. We expect the impossible from them and then can't wait to cut their salaries and benefits at the first opportunity. And parents, wake up! Stop blaming teachers and administrators for your failures as a parent. Their job is to teach your child to read and write. It is YOUR job to teach them right from wrong. If you spent half as much time helping your children with their schoolwork as you do watching trash TV, little Bobby could probably get into Harvard. Get your priorities in order. Quit bitching about how you have to keep bringing in pencils and paper and just be thankful your child still has a school to go to. Problems don't magically solve themselves. Join the school board, volunteer, have a fundraiser. Do your part to make sure that your child gets the education and support they deserve. Don't expect everyone else to do it for you. 
*Issue 4*
Entitlement. When did getting rewarded for doing nothing get popular? I don't recall this as a kid. We didn't get trophies just for showing up. You got trophies for winning and trying hard. I see parents rewarding children for doing things that should just be expected. Oh so you remembered to flush the toilet? Here's some candy. WHAT!? No, no, no. I hear parents bribing their kids all the time. "If you just behave, mommy will take you to McDonalds when we leave." Huh? How about, "If you don't behave, mommy will spank you." Good behavior should be a given. By bribing and rewarding kids for doing what they should, you are teaching them to misbehave. If I act bad, then mommy and daddy will offer me a treat to stop. Good plan. I can't wait to see how that kid handles his first job. This is lazy parenting and it needs to stop. If you don't have the patience and time required to raise your kids properly, then here's a clever idea... don't have them. As parents, you cannot be afraid of your child. YOU are the boss, not them. You make the rules and they follow them. End of story. We have to stop catering to kids and allowing them to make decisions that they are not mature and capable of making. Yes, you may choose what outfit you wear, but you will eat the healthy dinner that I put in front of you. If they don't like it, too bad. You are the parent, not the friend. Your children should love and respect you, not want to party with you. We need to teach kids that hard work and dedication will earn you things, not temper tantrums and handouts. 
*Issue 5*
Common Decency. As a society, we are becoming more and more numb to tragedy. (See issue 1 above as reasoning.) We cry over commercials about abused dogs and cats, but ignore the homeless we pass on our way home. We piss and moan about not having the newest and best clothes, cars and homes and forget that there are many without food and water. We post pics and quotes about being a good Christian but turn our backs on those in need because it makes us uncomfortable. We say we are thankful for our military, but complain if our tax dollars go to support an injured vet. (Did you know that a quarter of this nation's homeless are veterans?) We buy our kids all the latest gadgets and goodies, but refuse to donate to Children's Hospitals and Toys for Tots. We see a nation of people who are dying of disease and starvation and we can't wait to convert them to Christianity, but don't bother with life saving drugs and clean water. We have fundraisers to buy new football jerseys for our kids, but pretend that we don't know that little Suzy and her family are living in a van. We need to start being better. We need to judge less and help more. We need to care about our fellow man, regardless of his skin color, financial status or religion. We need to be kind. Because someday, you may need the kindness of strangers. 

And The Award Goes To...

I think I was part of a very small number of people who didn't watch the Academy Awards last night. Nor did I watch the Grammy's, Golden Globes, etc. I don't like awards shows. They hold no appeal for me. I am disgusted with today's Hollywood and what equates celebrity status these days. Fame used to mean something. It meant you had talent, grace, poise and character. Yes, of course there were some exceptions, but they were few. These days all it takes to be famous is a sex tape, a crotch shot, a bad break up or sleeping with the right (or wrong) people. Movies are pumped out faster than I can keep up, and the vast majority of them are downright awful. True creativity has gone the way of the true celebrity. I am thoroughly unimpressed with all of it. 
The golden age of Hollywood is long gone. Most of today's youth will never know real talent. When actresses like Kristen Stewart are winning awards, you know things have gone sour. 
Awards shows, especially the Oscars, used to be reserved for the best of the best. For actors like Sidney Poitier, Grace Kelly, Elizabeth Taylor, etc. For movies that could do more than move you to tears. They ripped your heart out and stomped on it. If you've ever seen 'Sophie's Choice' and felt the raw anguish that Meryl Streep portrayed when her character has to choose which of her children should be killed, then you are familiar with true talent. I can't think of a single popular actress today who could even come close to filling her shoes. 
Movies used to be produced because they were good. They were funny, heart-warming, dramatic, intense and worth watching. These days, we are lucky if 1 out of every 20 movies that gets released is worth not only watching, but paying top dollar to see at the theater. Now all it takes to make a movie is enough money and connections. No talent, passion or creativity required. 
And along with everything else that has turned to crap in Hollywood and the television industry, awards shows have jumped on the bandwagon. Your product no longer has to be good to win awards. It just needs the right promotions. Get someone well known and respected to talk about it. Put your actors and music in every commercial, media spot and website you can find and... BRAVO, you win. It doesn't matter that your product was a complete flop, it only matters that you convinced the right people that it wasn't. And guess what?? The public falls for it. We start to question our own opinions and good taste. Well it won so many awards... maybe it really was good. 
And don't get me started on the sheer number of awards shows there are now. How can anyone keep up? So you weren't talented enough to win a Grammy? Oh, but you killed it on the Teen Choice Awards! *eye roll* Enough is enough. You make a gazillion dollars to play dress up and pretend, isn't that sufficient? Now you need to be gushed over and told how amazing you are not just once a year, but hundreds of times? It might be time for an ego check, folks. 
I think it's time for a real life awards show. The American Hero Awards, The Super Soldier Show, The Best of the Brave Honors... shall I continue? Everyday in America alone, there are millions of people just doing their jobs. Saving lives, risking life and limb, volunteering their precious time and doing amazing things. When do they get the accolades and standing ovations that they deserve? Instead they get pay cuts, job loss, more bills and less money. Yet they get up every single day and do what's right. They support their families, pay their taxes and help out their neighbors. No fancy outfits, borrowed diamonds or red carpet required. 
I think it's time for a reality check. I think it's time we stopped idolizing the wrong people, and start valuing quality again. I think it's time for celebrities to step up and set better examples, not just for their fans, but for themselves. I think we need to take a step back and get our priorities in order. I think it's time we teach our children that they can like the sports stars, rappers and actresses, but that they should be able to name at least as many scientists, soldiers, doctors and REAL people that they admire as well. Turn off the Grammy's and turn on The Nobel Peace prize awards. Watch at LEAST half as many educational shows as you do movies and reality shows. Honor the people in your lives who do great things. Have your kids make awards and pass them out to teachers, volunteers, firefighters, etc. Let's start putting some time and energy into things that really matter. 
Now before I wrap this up, let me just say that I'm not judging those of you who watch awards shows. If it entertains you, that's great. I have no problem with that. Even I get sucked in from time to time and watch for a few minutes. I am merely saying that I think we need to start investing some time for better things as well. I would like to see real heroes get as much attention as the Oscars and Grammy's.

The Blame Game

Let me start by saying that the horrible and unimaginable event that took place in Newton, CT is a human tragedy, plain and simple. The lives of countless people have been forever changed. As a parent who has very recently lost my only child, my heart aches for those who went home with empty arms and empty souls. There is NO loss like that of a child. There is no pain more intense and unending. If I could reach out and hold each of them, I would. But since there are no words that can ease the pain they feel, I will merely say that I am keeping them in my thoughts and sending them my love.

That being said, I just cannot sit idly by any longer and read post after post, and tweet after endless tweet where people are laying blame and pointing fingers. 
This is not a political issue. The political party that the man (I refuse to give him any notoriety by using his name.) who did this affiliates with is not responsible for his actions. Heinous crimes are committed every day by people from every class, creed, sex and political affiliation. So let's move on.
This is also not a gun issue. Whether you are pro or anti gun, there is an argument to be made either way. To those who think more guns are the answer, to that I say this: Where does it end? If teachers need guns, then what happens when a teacher freaks out and shoots their students? Do we then give all students guns to protect themselves as well? What happened in CT was in an elementary school. The majority of victims were under 8 years old. That is an illogical and irrational attitude. I for one do not want to live in a world where teachers need to carry arms. I cannot help but picture war torn countries and terrified children, and this is not what I want for my America. So you probably think this means that I want no guns. In an ideal world, we would never need guns. This is not an ideal world. Guns are a very real part of our existence. The idea that we can ever live in a world without them is idiotic. I grew up in a family of hunters, and my husband is a registered hand gun owner. Do we need it? No. Has he ever used it? No. It was passed on from his grandfather, and it is locked safely away where it will probably remain until he decides to get rid of it. I am not pro or anti gun. I can see both sides of the picture. But let's be real honest here. Guns were invented to kill. Plain and simple. So we should not be surprised when they do. I am 100% for better and more strict gun laws across the board. Though they will not keep all of the guns out of the hands of people who intend to use them for harm, they MAY keep some out, and if that means saving just one innocent life, then how could I NOT support it. But banning all guns is not a realistic attitude in this day and age. Period. Do I think your Joe Average needs a military grade, assault rifle? Not in the least. But that is a subject for another time. The bottom line is that a gun did not walk into that school and kill those people. A human being did. And as we all know, it doesn't require a gun to kill people. Bombs, knives and various tools have been used throughout history to do just that. So let's not make this a discussion about gun control, because that is another topic altogether. 
I would also like to point out that this is not a religious issue either. Whether you believe God belongs in schools or not, it is NOT the reason this twisted individual did what he did. Period. GOD can never be banned from schools. If you believe that God is a part of you, and that he is with you always, at all times, than he can never be banned from anything. If you think your children need more God, feel free to send them to a religious school, or attend regular church. That is the beauty of living in a free society. You have the RIGHT to practice any religion you choose. As does everyone else. Prayer was banned from schools in America in the early 60's. I personally grew up in the public school system, religion free. As did nearly everyone I know. I have never, ever even considered committing such an unbelievable act. Have you? Probably not. Is this because you were or weren't allowed to pray in school? Doubtful. It's more likely that you grew up in a home where you were taught right from wrong. You were taught that there are consequences to your actions. And you had the love and support of a good family. The world is indeed changing, and not entirely for the better. Speaking only for myself, I do not practice any religion. Nor does my husband. So obviously my son did not either. Yet somehow, he still managed to grow into a kind, loving, respectful and generous person. God had nothing to do with it. 
And God had nothing to do with the actions of the sick and twisted individual who, of his own free will, shot his sleeping mother in the face and then walked into an elementary school and killed 26 innocent people. 
It is high time that we start placing blame where it belongs. On the individual responsible. A lack of responsibility for our own actions is the biggest issue facing us in the world today. We want to point fingers and make excuses. Well, I find that disgusting. If you get drunk, get behind the wheel and kill 3 people, it is NOT the alcohol or the car's fault. It is yours. If you smoke two packs a day, and get cancer, it is not the cigarette's fault. It is yours. Start owning up people. You have free will, and you make your own choices. It is time to start accepting the consequences for those choices. There is only one person responsible for what happened at Sandy Hook Elementary School. All the finger pointing and blaming and excuse making in the world will not change that fact. 
I know that in times like this we want answers. We need to know why. But does it really matter? Would knowing why bring those lives back? Is there ANY reason or explanation that would be good enough? The answer is no. 
So maybe instead of looking for answers to unanswerable questions, let's instead focus on things we can control. Look around you. Take a good hard look at the people you know. Start making honest assessments and paying attention. Someone doesn't generally become a mass murderer overnight. If you see a child, or an adult that seems to fit a certain profile, reach out and do something. Parents, PLEASE start being proactive. Wouldn't you rather be the parent of a child in therapy than the parent of a murderer? Mental illness is a very real thing, and it can be helped. Do your research. Ask questions. Be involved. At every stage of your children's lives. There is no shame in asking for help. Let's take all this energy expelled at pointing fingers and making excuses, and use it towards preventing another heartbreaking tragedy. No matter what your personal beliefs, I'm certain we can all agree on one thing. It is a heart wrenching blow to our human spirit that we will never forget. 

A New Day

It's Wednesday morning, the day after the election. I open my facebook newsfeed to see endless negativity and hate. All because one man beat another man in a popularity contest. Is this high school or America?? 
This isn't about who has the better hair, who looks better on camera, or even who is right or wrong. Elections have become a giant pissing contest. Instead of talking about what they plan to do for our nation, they end up focusing on slandering each other. Debates are arm wrestling matches between two giant children. Political ads are catering to idiots with ugly lies and half truths. This needs to end. Democrat or Republican, I don't care. We are all on the same team. This is America. At the end of the day, we all want the same thing. Health, happiness, a roof over our heads, food in our bellies, the comfort of knowing we are safe in our own homes, job security, a good, solid education for ourselves and our children and freedom. Does that about cover the basics? Rich, poor, christian, atheist, gay, straight, black, white, male or female. We all want the same things. Are we really so selfish that we cannot see that? Is it honestly acceptable to think that one group of people deserves more or better than another? Because I'm pretty sure Hitler thought the same thing. Are we striving to be like him? Our ancestors came to this land and started this country on the idea that everyone deserves to be equal. That freedom meant you wouldn't be persecuted for your individual beliefs. That a nation could be run not by a religious group, or a rich king, but by the people. We are those people. We fought long and hard for these rights, yet we forget what they really mean. We are in this together. We are a team. And there is no I in team. Remember in school, when you were taught that it's not about winning or losing, that it's how you play the game? That afterwards, you shook hands with the other team and said "Good game." and you meant it. That was being gracious. A term that we are growing very unfamiliar with in this country. And don't get me started on teamwork. Even Michael Jordan knew when to pass the ball. In almost every team sport there is offense and defense. They have two different jobs, they do very different things, but they are on the same team. They work towards the same goal. Is this concept so insane? Why can't political parties do the same thing? Aren't we all working towards the same goal? Don't we all want those same things I mentioned before? Then why are we fighting each other? There is this thing called compromise. Maybe some of you are familiar with it. It's where two groups work together to come up with a plan that works towards the benefit of everyone. Yes, everyone. Not just a few. Is this really so hard? Maybe if we stopped fighting each other so much and spent less time worried about who is right or wrong, and winning or losing, and more time compromising, things would actually get accomplished. That's crazy talk, I know. Instead of trying to convince the world that your beliefs/views are the ONLY ones, how about focusing on the bigger picture. If you think having good and affordable medical care is the bottom line, then stop bickering over whether or not it covers birth control or abortions and make it happen. Leave the rest up to the people. Don't believe in abortion? Great, then don't get one. It doesn't mean it can't or shouldn't be an option. You don't see the blind lady bitching that her insurance covers glasses, do you? No, because it doesn't affect her, so why should she care? Basic wants and needs are universal. Marriage is the legal commitment of ones love. That's the bottom line. Oh, so your personal religion believes that marriage is only between a man and a woman? Then don't hold gay weddings at your church. Simple as that. But withholding another human's rights based on your personal beliefs is exactly what we came to this country to avoid, is it not? Then why are we still even talking about these things? Your personal beliefs, religious affiliations, and sexual preferences are your own to sort out. Not mine, or anyone else's. They should never even be brought into debate on a public scale. Doing this makes us no better than the men who burned women at the stake for being witches because they bled when they were stabbed. And it makes just about as much sense. Government cannot control everything, nor should it. There is fact and opinion. Politics should deal in facts. Period. Are you entitled to your opinion? Yes. But, guess what. So is everyone else. Are we going to agree on everything? Not a fat chance. But that's the beauty of it. We don't have to. But we do have to live together. So why not do it in peace? Why not compromise and give everyone the chance at having a good and happy life? Why can't we agree to disagree on the unnecessary details, and just do what is best? Is this really so hard? Stop and take a second to examine your life. Are all your friends the same sex as you? Are they all the same religion? Do you all make the same amount of money? No? Well fancy that. You have different views and lifestyles, yet you are still friends. You probably argue from time to time, but you still love each other. You agree to disagree. You compromise. See! We ARE capable of this. If we can do it on a small scale, then it is really so hard to do it on a large one? 
"Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." It's as simple and basic as that.