Teh Irony, It Hurtz...

Checking the news on the interwebs this morning, I came across this little gem: College Republicans to identify liberal professors. Apparently, UT College Republicans feel that their grades were affected more by their political affiliation than, say, their crappy work and (apparent) whining.

I have to say, this is ironic on way too many levels. And, somehow, irony is always lost on Republicans.

First, in the context of the health care "debate," Republicans are the ones accusing Obama of being a fascist-socialest-Hitler-meanie. Yet, wasn't it Hitler and the Nazis (or Stalin and the Communists) who made lists targeting people with different views?

Second, and more importantly, this goes completely against all the stated "ideals" of the Republican Party. I mean, after all, aren't they the people always preaching "personal responsibility" and "independence?" Shouldn't they be overcoming whatever situation life presents without complaining?

Instead, in typical Republican fashion, they commence the victim act. They're never to blame. The "bad" things in their life are always someone else's fault. It couldn't be possible that they earned a lower grade. No, they deserve an A+++, but the evil liberal professors consipired against them. It couldn't be that they used made-up "facts" and failed to adequately defend an argument or idea. Oh no, they were TARGETED.

I'm sick of this BS. If they want to preach personal responsiblity, let them be responsible for their situation. If they want to call politicians and political parties names, they should have their facts about who did what when correct. But, people accept this stupid Republican behavior across the country. The media does the mental gymnastics that allow the perpetrator to cry "victim!" Why would the UT College Republicans expect any different??

I Am A Liberal Because...

So, I just hung up the my picture of Obama and Biden that I received after donating to the DNC. I have this overwhelming sense of pride every time I look at the picture, and I though "I am so proud to be a liberal." But, I started to ask myself why am I liberal in the first place. So much of the last eight years have put liberalism in a context as against Bush and his administration. Yes, we are against many (all) of the things that W has done, but we are for more than we are against. And we stand for a lot.

* I am a liberal because I believe that America can only succeed when we include everyone in our process and our consideration.

* I am a liberal because I believe that success does not come from the top down, but from the bottom up. When the lives of those who are struggling the most are improved, we all benefit. America is the land of opportunity, but everyone is not born with the same access. We can change that.

* I am a liberal because I believe that the government has an obligation to take care of its people. Health Care and Education are a right, not a privilege.

* I am a liberal because I am not afraid to deal in reality. Sex is a reality. Unwanted pregnancy is a reality. We cannot solve the problem if we pretend it does not exist. Education is the key.

* I am a liberal because I believe in every right provided in the Bill of Rights. I also believe in the safety of the greater community. It's illegal to yell "fire" or "bomb" in a crowded building and I'm ok with that. You're not hunting with an assault rifle, so let's be reasonable about how far our right to do anything really goes.

* I am a liberal because I believe in the rule of law, man's laws. You can practice whatever religion you want, just don't expect me to follow your religion or its "laws."

* I am a liberal because I believe that when the government is run by good people, it can do great things. When there are bad people in charge, terrible things happen.

* I am a liberal because I believe in an economy that respects the strength of the individual not the influence of the corporation. Without individuals, every corporation fails.

* I am a liberal because I believe America is part of the global community. We cannot expect to hold influence if we don't also take responsibility. We are all partners and every nation shares in the future of this world.

* I am a liberal because I believe that power and military strength are not the same thing. I would rather speak softly and carry a big stick. Potential to act can be just as influential as the action itself.

* I am a liberal because I appreciate nuance and gray area. Life is rarely simple, and I accept that.

* I am a liberal because I believe that every person is equal regardless of the money they have or the place they live, I believe in a government by, of, and for the people, and that the future can only be better if we work to make it so.