17 December 2007
For Mature Audiences Only
Posted by Joy Bischoff under: Constitution in Peril; Judaeo-Christian Values Under Attack; Presidential Election 2008; Rejecting Herd Mentality .
In recent months, most of us have sensed political and religious turmoil roiling beneath the surface of our culture. Since Mitt Romney’s speech on values, that tension has broken like a tidal wave across America. The good news is, there are still many, including a few other candidates who believe in the Judeo-Christian tenants this nation was built on. To stand and voice those beliefs takes thought and conviction. Only those with courage will be able to withstand the mob mentality that is insisting on a new creed of tolerance. What is that destructive creed? In effect it is as follows:
We will be tolerant of the weak and the poor, showing our kind and gentle natures…BUT, to all else, we will call you intolerant if you persist in disagreeing with our beliefs. We will use intimidating labels and emotional haranguing until you either agree with us, or you are silenced so we can institute our agenda.
What is truly disturbing is that this new creed is coming from both many on the left, and also some factions in the far right. It is in different forms but both will result in a fracturing of our nation. The gloves have come off as all pretense at even-handed reporting by the press has given way to blatant bias. Romney dared to quote our founding fathers who believed in a values-based government. The press simply will not tolerate that kind of insubordination. They are outraged that fear of their verbal reprisal was not enough to keep Romney in line with the modern day religion of secularism. Many have accused Mitt of intolerance toward atheists as a result of his speech, but the reality is this; history shows that only a society that believes in some moral absolutes will have the determination to preserve the rights of choice for all their citizens. When the majority devolves into a relativistic mindset, they begin to enforce their creed and freedom is lost. The political climate is changing and now, right now…if the silent majority does not stand up and speak out, they will be silenced for good and be the majority no longer.
Some in the far right have shown equal intolerance as the left. I have read hundreds of comments on forums lately that basically state that if Romney is stupid enough not to believe exactly the same as them, then he is unfit to be in pubic office. Many posters are showing they do not understand the difference between doctrines and values.
Shared values are the ties that have bound this country since its inception. The celebration of diversity is good unless it is stretched to 
the point where there is no commonality left. If that occurs, then we will fly apart, and believe me, there are those waiting in the wings who will quickly pick up the pieces and reform our society in the image they desire.
Verbal aggressors find easy targets through the internet. Many studies have shown that internet bullies are on the increase because there is a sense of safety in smiting one’s opponent from the cold distance of cyberspace. Teenagers are feeling these effects, but it is becoming obvious that adults are also following this pattern. It becomes even easier when the bullies join together on a forum and attack those who are different or believe differently than they.
There is an immediate and addictive reward for giving in to anger as endorphins flood the brain with agitated pleasure. This emotional trigger is what gives mob mentality its power. It is something that is very easy to get caught up in and it is no fun to listen to someone like me who wants to ruin the fun. We have become caught up in a war of words in this country, and even though we don’t see the bloody effects of that war, the end results will show its ravages. It is so hard to stand against that tide and be peacemakers, but I am asking men and women of courage, to use reasoning and patience against blind emotionalism. Join in the political dialog of peace and help heal a nation.
6 Comments so far...
Bryon Says:
17 December 2007 at 6:19 pm.
This blog is a call to arms to those who sit on the sidelines and are finally tired of watching their beliefs being attacked. This will be my first year voting. I’ll be eighteen before the next election. I’m excited to see there are reasonable people discussing the issues that are important to me.
Carrie Says:
18 December 2007 at 3:24 pm.
Bryon, I’m impressed that someone as young as you wants to get involved. Keep it up. I’m 21 and just getting going now because I can see things changing and I want my voice to be heard.
E.E. Says:
19 December 2007 at 5:00 pm.
I saw something on 20/20 about teenage bullies on the internet. Kind of scary thinking this is happening to adults too.
Jesse Says:
19 December 2007 at 8:37 pm.
I’m a Ron Paul supporter. I like a lot of what you wrote but I am thinking this place is for Romney supporters. I’m not a Mormon either.
Joy Bischoff Says:
19 December 2007 at 8:41 pm.
Jesse, I’m glad you commented. We would love to see supporters for all the candidates come here and tell us good things about their candidate. We are trying to take the higher road here and be inclusionary so we just don’t want negative things about the candidates. I like a lot of what Ron Paul says, especially on the Constitution. And as far as being Mormon, the whole point is to bring people of all faiths together for our common good. We definitely welcome everyone here.
Jesse Says:
21 December 2007 at 5:05 pm.
Joy, thanks for answering me. I’m glad to hear you welcome everyone. It seems to me that you guys love the Constitution so I hope you take a good look at Ron Paul. I’ll bookmark this and keep an eye on what you do.
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