This is the true meaning of Liberal thinking
I am white. I am male.
I was raised as a Christian.
I am heterosexual.
I am a military veteran.
I am a business owner.
I live in Texas.
I own two houses, rarely worry about money, and my children want for nothing.
So why am I a progressive? I certainly don't fit the profile.
Simple.
Empathy.
I don't need to be black to feel the seething rage sparked by injustice when a cop shoots an unarmed man in the back, and then walks free.
I don't need to be a woman to feel that each of us should have full and sole control of our own bodies--or to recognize the arrogant absurdity of elected men in suits legislating to the contrary.
I don't need to be a Muslim to feel that no faith deserves to be characterized by the abhorrent actions of a perverse minority--and that people of all faiths deserve equal access to the country I call home.
I don't need to be gay to feel that love shared between two people is good and healthy, no matter their gender identity--that every couple should have the right to marry, raise a family, and receive equal protection under the law.
Though I served my country in the military, I do not feel more deserving of my country's benefits than those who serve and sacrifice in other ways.
Though I own a business, I do not feel that I deserve better tax breaks than the single mom or dad who works two jobs to make ends meet.
Though I live in a place that fiercely values individual rights and freedoms, I do not feel that these should be put on a higher pedestal than social responsibility.
Though *my* children have enough food and a safe home and access to good schools, good healthcare, and clean water, I feel the anguish of parents whose children do not.
Empathy.
Empathy for others fills my heart in place of fear of the "other."
That is the reason I am a progressive.
I invite you to join me.
-Lenny D
I was raised as a Christian.
I am heterosexual.
I am a military veteran.
I am a business owner.
I live in Texas.
I own two houses, rarely worry about money, and my children want for nothing.
So why am I a progressive? I certainly don't fit the profile.
Simple.
Empathy.
I don't need to be black to feel the seething rage sparked by injustice when a cop shoots an unarmed man in the back, and then walks free.
I don't need to be a woman to feel that each of us should have full and sole control of our own bodies--or to recognize the arrogant absurdity of elected men in suits legislating to the contrary.
I don't need to be a Muslim to feel that no faith deserves to be characterized by the abhorrent actions of a perverse minority--and that people of all faiths deserve equal access to the country I call home.
I don't need to be gay to feel that love shared between two people is good and healthy, no matter their gender identity--that every couple should have the right to marry, raise a family, and receive equal protection under the law.
Though I served my country in the military, I do not feel more deserving of my country's benefits than those who serve and sacrifice in other ways.
Though I own a business, I do not feel that I deserve better tax breaks than the single mom or dad who works two jobs to make ends meet.
Though I live in a place that fiercely values individual rights and freedoms, I do not feel that these should be put on a higher pedestal than social responsibility.
Though *my* children have enough food and a safe home and access to good schools, good healthcare, and clean water, I feel the anguish of parents whose children do not.
Empathy.
Empathy for others fills my heart in place of fear of the "other."
That is the reason I am a progressive.
I invite you to join me.
-Lenny D