Radicalized

It’s becoming harder and harder to stay silent politically on social media these days. Whether on Facebook, or WhatsApp, or now Signal, it seems every other post is a continuation of an ‘exaggeration’ made by radical leaders and their unwitting army of minions. So many divisive posts filled with anger, disgust and blame, seasoned with harsh sarcasm for extra impact. Why? For whom? Our leaders sow the seeds of division, and some of us unwittingly add fuel to the fire. Some just do as they’re told, without even realizing it. Smart, educated and intelligent people, often posting lies or half-truths…only hearing what they want to hear and always trying to pick a fight. Post after post after post.

I’m a registered Republican (was independent for a while), but a moderate; which seems like an endangered species right now! I’m not sure if we’re rare, or just SILENT. Silenced by the radicalization of both parties and polarized to the point that we can’t have a political dialogue without offending one another. I’m well aware of the radical left and their often violent and tasteless tactics. At this point, I’m talking to my own party. It seems like so many have drank the Kool-aid and don’t see how far to the right our party has gone. Conservatism is not what it used to be 10 years ago, it’s in fact hard to recognize. Meanwhile, white supremacist groups such as Proud Boys, Neo-Nazis, Boogaloo Bois and so many others keep getting emboldened and louder by the day. This radicalization is perfect fertile ground for them; because there is always Antifa and BLM to blame for their actions. ‘They rioted and looted first, so it’s okay for us to do it.’ Or, ‘look there were a few Antifa and BLM members there, so it’s their fault.’ I mean, really? I thought we’re the party of law and order and good moral principles, are we not?

I don’t remember a time we were more polarized than now. FOX News is not conservative enough any more, so we’re encouraged to switch to other mediums that mostly cater to the crazies on the far right. How can we be aligned with groups that ultimately want to get rid of most of us? Are we so divided, angry and hurt, that we can’t see the dangers in that alignment? So what am I, in my own way supposed to do about the inherent danger of this radicalization? Do I Keep my promise to myself and stay ‘apolitical’ on social media, OR do I speak up and run the risk of offending and alienating lots of people I love? Do I just stay off of social media all together for my own sanity, or do I at least try and add my voice here to anyone that’s willing to listen and ENCOURAGE MODERATION? Well the fact that you’ve read this so far means that you’ve given me a chance to at least try. Let’s heal and unite. We’re not each other’s enemies, the radicals are. Let’s be better than them.