Vote for Pedro

I dislike election years and it's not because I despise politics, as I've led many who know me to believe. I am honestly quite passionate about politics although I do refuse to discuss it with a great number of people and for the simple reason that I do not wish to think less of them.

About two weeks ago one of my regular FM stations inexplicably turned into a talk-radio station, a political talk-radio station at that whose views are progressive. On my way to work I am now entertained by a man named Bill Press who I feel is highly entertaining as his views are incredibly skewed most of the time, but they're skewed in my favor and so I don't mind. One of the topics he's been discussing lately has been his view of "sharing the wealth." He believes that raising taxes on those who make over $250,000 a year is absolutely justified. He's mentioned he makes over that and feels a sense of duty to pay more in taxes for all of the benefits this country affords him. What a nice view. Unfortunately, most people are not that giving. In fact, it is quite the opposite. Most people who have a lot, give the least and this is what I feel the primary difference between Republicans and Democrats really is.

It was well over a year ago now and most likely two years ago that a friend of mine managed to engage me in a political debate. At one point in the conversation he directed me to a commencement speech given by a Republican. I've tried to find this speech, trust me, but apparently a lot of Republicans give commencement speeches. The culmination of this man's speech was basically this: He felt that the young college kids were silly in their ideals to go out and help others, to put effort into other people and to vote for the good of all. He ended his speech by saying that he would do his own work, further himself and vote to protect his own needs. My friend, who had given me this speech was a Republican and he thought this speech was the zinger that would end my argument, something my tender Democratic beliefs couldn't possibly recover from. He was right, I ended our friendship.

I cannot believe how so many people who have so much, want to help others so little. I do not understand why they think those of us who would work to make the world a better place are silly. What astonishes me even more is that so many people want to have wealth so badly, they idealize those who have it, going so far as to mimic the opinions of the wealthy. How else can you explain why the general public treats our teachers so poorly? How else can you explain why all of our public servants are treated so poorly? The wealthy look down on unions because they cost them money when they are forced to deal with their workers fairly. The wealthy look down on road workers, construction workers, plumbers, electricians... people without whom we would be utterly screwed. And why do people do these things? You tell me.

So, I will continue to make little money at an almost thankless job because I believe in people. I believe our children need a chance at a decent education and need someone who cares to teach them. I will continue to roll my eyes at those who wonder why I'd sign up for such a job, or even those who try to take advantage of my good nature. I'm compassionate... not stupid. Go check yoself foo.