I have a rock'n'roll bar room, and, a room dubbed the "Lion's Den" in my house. I keep a realistic and often-called "creepy" drawing of a friend up in my hallway. I have four couches and a captain's chair in my main living area! It's not big enough for all of that! All in all, there are some quirky things in my house, without even discussing the activites. But, isn't that the way it is in every house? We all operate on our own ideologies, rituals, habits, organizational skills, and creativity. And, we all enjoy this slice of isolation because it defines what we call "home."
This way of living is a right in this country, but unfortunately may only be a priviledge when you think about it in an international context. For the sake of this conversation, let's focus on the national aspect of our in-house individualism. We live as we please within the framework of our secluded surroundings. What we ask is that our neighbors advocate a safe enivronment in a manner that aligns somewhat with ours. We rely on our neighbors to maintain a healthy enough living space in so much that it does not impede on our own health. Financially, our home value depends on the habits and upkeep of our neighbors' homes.
The point is, although we can operate freely within our own space, we still count on those around us to operate in a manner that does not affect us. Issues can arise when we affect the living conditions of others.
In terms of ideologies, can we peacefully live when we know our neighbor has a drastically different view than ours? Can we be function democratically when while living next to a stern Republican? Can we respect our Muslim neighbor? Can we enjoy our smaller family when the Johnson's across the street have 9 kids? Of course we can! It is likely that those reading this blog value this diversity, and others that may not still have to allow people and families to operate individually. It's an ingredient in the American potion. As as long as people keep their lunacy next door, we tend to let it be.
As we approach another presidential election, this very intuitive concept has increased importance because in most cases our neighbors have a right to influence who is elected to lead our country. In this scenario, your neighbor's ideologies alone can affect your life. Knowing that, I find it irresponsible and unacceptable that masses of people can make assertions about their beliefs without any sort of research, evidence, or reason. When your BELIEFS affect the lives of others, you inherit a responsibility to be educated on what you believe in, advocate, propose, and support. On the topic of belief and religion, you hear it all the time: "It is what I believe." Well, now, what you believe is influencing your vote, and thus influencing how this country considers issues of health care, defense spending, economic recovery, etc. Now, your beliefs are infringing on my yard, and I want you to tell me WHY you believe.
This is not a rant against your beliefs, as I spend plenty of time doing that. This is a rant proposing that you understand your beliefs before you blindly support them. For the sake of most Americans, if you are Christian, it does not suffice it to say that you go to church every week and thus know what you are worshipping. Yet, as we begin the 2012 caucuses and primaries to soldify the GOP presidential candidate, we witness a tussle for the Evangelical vote. Santorum surprised everyone in Iowa partially because of late campaign contributions, but partially due to his Evangelical following. I watch people discount Romney simply on the grounds that he is Mormon. Perry asked thousands of people to go to Reliant Stadium to pray for our "Nation in Crisis" as a means of taking action. That spurred support from the religious factions in Texas, and has helped push is campaign to this point.
We don't operate without evidence or reason in any other American function, besides religion. Yet, as we attempt to elect a president, religion has become a campaign tool. If I was an Evangelical and my belief system was being used for election purposes, I would feel used. I would question the entire campaign process, AND, question what it means to be an Evangelical. We arrest and prosecute criminals based on evidence. Our children succeed academically based on their ability to reason, not their strong belief system. Our jobs and careers advance based on performance, not belief. It is not acceptable to vote for a candidate simply because they believe in the same God as you do, especially when you don't know the details of what YOU believe.
This is one reason why I believe its VERY important to study your faith, and gain awareness. We can debate the legitimacy of an ideology on a separate plain. That is not the issue here. The issue is a lack of knowledge and blind acceptance without reason. Do not think that you are not the one I am speaking to...as if you have done the research. A vast majority of this country's citizens, many of my closest friends and family, believe this is a Christian Nation and this idea is inherit in their every decision. In-house, that if fine. When electing for the office of President of the United States of America, you better have a rationale for your beliefs!
