I only post when I'm pissed... :)

So, in looking for suggestions for a book to read for our next book club - I find this.

http://www.doubledaybookclub.com/ecom/pages/nm/product/productDetail.jsp?skuId=1031635497

The book - whatever. The review - whatever. My problem is the comments below the review that essentially use this space as a platform for spewing their hateful comments about President Obama. No secret to most that I love this guy, but that doesn't matter - in truth, I just don't understand the accusations and hate. Liberal or conservative, socialist or capitalist, muslim or christian, black or white - who cares? Are ANY of these things inherently BAD? Someone also said he wasn't a good leader. Regardless of your opinions on Obama - how can anyone conclusively say he is or isn't a good leader. What does that even mean, anyway?

Now, it is no secret that I am generally aligned with the democrats and most people who know me, know that it's because a woman's right to choose is the deal breaker for me. Most democrats support that, most republicans don't. As far as I can tell, basic republican tenets include minimal involvement of government, ensured individual liberty and fiscal responsibility. How does government denying a woman the right to chose represent ANY of those things? Same with banning same-sex marriage - how does that fit with those basic tenets?

Bottom line - it doesn't. It is a prime example of government being overbearing and robbing people of their own personal rights. Republicans don't stand for it regarding the right to bear arms (a very personal choice loaded with moral responsibility) - why do they support it regarding women or homosexuals?

I believe in the practice of individuals governing themselves - if everyone was responsible and conscientious enough to always do the right thing - morally, ethically and with regard to the safety and well-being of others. Unfortunately, we live in a society where no one gives a shit about something, unless it affects them. "I'm not gay - why do I care if they can marry?" Yeah - but what if your daughter or son is? How would you feel if someone denied THEM the right to marry whomever it is they chose. "I would never chose to have an abortion." Really? What if you lose your job/home? What if being pregnant means you cannot receive life-saving treatments? What if that baby will be born with an ailment that is "incompatible with life"? What if you are raped or molested? There are too many "what ifs" for ANYONE to say they would 'NEVER' do something.

The way I see it, you have to take care of #1. Obviously. No one else is responsible for you. BUT. Once #1 is taken care of - why shouldn't someone look out for the rights and well-being of others? Republicans today are largely Christian. Isn't one of the 10 commandments to "love thy neighbor"? And doesn't that mean supporting them in their times of need? It isn't socialism, people, its being a good person.