Monday, February 1, 2010

My Great Liberal Brother

It has been said that, I am so conservative I make Rush Limbaugh look like a communist. In contrast I have a brother who is so liberal one would think Ted Kennedy was actually a Republican when lined up next to my brother’s ideals.
Now, I will be the first to say that maybe the above statements are a bit of an exaggeration at least the part about how liberal my brother is because if truth be told using my brother as the liberal standard I am pretty sure Barbara Boxer might actually be head of the Republican Party. All that said, I take great comfort in this – I know without a doubt my liberal brother would die for me if it was necessary. Of course why wouldn’t he? He is a liberal.
Brother, I so appreciate the love, but now that the subject is out in the open, I guess you should know, if it became necessary for me to lay down my life for you? Hmmm…I think we got a problem. After all you’re a liberal and we all know my left side is my weak side.
With the contrast deeper than the great Grand Canyon between us; can you imagine what it might be like if we were stuck in the same house together for five days? Last spring it actually happened. I will let your imaginations enjoy a time of free wonderment about how those five days went.
Before getting to the crux of this writing I need to mention one more item on the subject. “Brother I am sorry you have lived your life so sadly wrong – it must really suck to be you. – Side note: having your own blog has its advantages – I love that it is so one sided (my side) such a great feeling of power. Ahh…. spoken like a true conservative.
Recently, I sent my Flaming Liberal brother one of those forwarded emails that we all get by the thousands – just to bug him. Of course I deleted all the forwarded data so it looked like my own – I know it is a bit shameful but I am not ashamed, we conservatives think nothing of maligning or defrauding our fellow man if it serves in strengthening our wealth and power – don’t believe me? Just ask a liberal he will tell you it’s true. I would post it here but it is simply dull, dry and boring compared to my brother’s brilliant response. His response was near genius…thankfully it came just short of labeling him as one of those smart people I so detest.
BTW - I have my brother’s permission to share his response. Arkansas Patti, Dianne, and Betty… this one is for you. May I suggest sipping a little champagne while you sit back and enjoy a rare liberal moment of brilliance. Let the good time liberal smiles begin.
I think that the reason I am Liberal rather than Conservative, is that Conservative ideas just don't work anymore in a society as complex, interdependent, and large as ours is.
Grover Norquist is a leading thinker in the conservative movement. (If you say so brother, I never heard of him. I would have been more impressed if it was George Will, Glenn Beck or Rush Limbaugh) He has been quoted as saying, "I don't want to abolish government. I simply want to reduce it to the size where I can drag it into the bathroom and drown it in the bathtub." Norquist favors the elimination of numerous federal organizations including the Internal Revenue Service, the Food and Drug Administration, Education Department and the National Endowment for the Arts.
If we follow this line of reason what happens? Let me imagine your day today.

I expect that this morning when you awoke, you reached over and flicked a light switch, and the lights came on...........as you expected. This happened because in 1937, under Pres. Roosevelt, the Bonneville Power Administration was established. A Federal organization which has been mandated with providing consistent electricity generation and transmission in the NW since that time. After showering with water delivered to you by your local government, which manages water delivery and waste management. You then went downstairs and perhaps while eating breakfast turned on the TV and marveled at the destruction from the recent earthquake in Haiti. Estimates are that perhaps 500,000 died. It was magnitude 7.0 I wonder if you thought of the earthquake in Seattle in 1965, a magnitude 6.5 to 6.75. The total damage from that quake was $800, 000. Three people died from falling debris.
What was the difference? A little something called Universal Building Codes, which have been mandated by local governments in the US since 1906 and became national in scope under the Clinton Administration.
After breakfast you got in your car and drove to work on the Interstate Hwy System, maintained by Federal dollars. Along the way you may have stopped for gas. You didn't worry about the quality of the fuel you put in your car, because you realized it was checked by a government agency. Then you arrived at work. You worked all day and suffered no injuries, partially due to OSHA mandated work rules. Since today was payday, you were very thankful for your paycheck, from n organization financed by local, state, and federal tax dollars.
On the way home you may have swung by to say hi to Mom and Dad, who are living independently rather than depending on you and me, partially because of the Social Security Act of 1935, again implemented under Roosevelt. You probably asked about their health, and Mom probably told you about their recent Dr. visits, which were paid by Medicare, established under President Johnson in 1965.
After leaving their home you drove home. I wonder if you thought about how great it is, that one we both love, is doing well thanks to a long stint in drug rehab at a local agency, which receives funding from state and federal sources as well as private donations. While continuing your drive you probably turned on your radio and listened to Rush Limbaugh. I'm sure he came in loud and clear on your radio, thanks in no small part to the FCC which assigns radio frequencies and insures that transmissions are consistent. You may have called your daughter on your cell phone too. Again, made possible in part by regulation of the FCC. Did she tell you how much fun she is having at that State Funded University she is attending? I love it every time she posts on FB. I think she is in NYC this weekend. I am sure she had a safe flight, thanks to the FAA and the TSA.
Upon arriving home you made yourself dinner. The food you ate was safe and nutritious thanks to standards imposed by the Federal Gov't. I wonder if you thought about that night your house burned? And how there was an insurance company that paid for the reconstruction. Did you consider how remarkable that is? BTW, Insurance companies are regulated by insurance commissions in each state, to insure that coverage paid for, is available.
So after that long, productive day, in which your life was very good, thanks in no small part to liberal government programs you sat down and wrote a rant about how bad liberals are. Liberals who championed, fought for and continue work to protect all of the things you enjoy on a daily basis.
THAT is why I am a liberal.
Well he sur nuf shet mah mouth dint he? I’ll be stay’in away from that bob war fence from now on. Nur wut we’s gotta admit here is that that there brother of mine is purty gosh darn smert, who wulda thunk a liberal could be so smert. I din’t reckon there were anyones gud nuff to be aktlly smert in the hole bunch but this jest proves et if there’s one that’s not ignert in that there hole wud pile there could be hope for this great nation yit.

Update: And once again proving "What is beyond our control is within our influence" here is my brother's new blog Blue Ridge Wandering

24 comments:

Debra said...

Well...that brother of yours did make a few points now didn't he? If he starts a blog (hint, hint) be sure and give us a link!! LOL!

Arkansas Patti said...

OMG, I love your brother. That was brilliant. He put into words what I always wish I could when attacked by a friendly conservative. I usually can only manage a "does not" in my best third grade voice.
If he has a blog, pass on the link. If he doesn't, convince him he needs one.
Don't worry, I will still come here to keep my dander up and to enjoy your wonderful stories.
You are the best for sharing. Thanks.

Anonymous said...

If you are interested in what happens in a real city when Grover Norquist's ideas are implemented, read this entry at FDL:
I'm somewhat interested in this as I once lived in Colorado Springs.
GLB (Great Liberal Brother)

Anonymous said...

Hmm, now why didn't the link come thru? Let me try again.......
http://seminal.firedoglake.com/diary/27666

GLB

Gianetta said...

That was very interesting and I'm passing it on to my brother who is the only Conservative in our family. BTW, who is also enjoying disability benefits. Great post!

Blunt Edges said...

though the names u 'liberally' mentioned in your post were all new 2 me...your bro's reply was dead on target!

ps: i agree that having your own blog sure has its advantages (u can always be the hero of the story!) :D

Anonymous said...

LOL..Your bro is smart! The reply was spot on and made a lot of sense!
But have to agree with Blunt Edges. The names were new to me too!

GLB said...

Thanks for all the nice comments on my letter that my VERY conservative brother posted. BTW, GrayQuill may be way off base in his politics, but he is quite the writer, don'tcha know......
Love ya, Grayquill

Betty said...

Loved your brother's letter. Where did you go wrong, Grayquill? I still think there is hope for you. Every now and then I think I sense a softening of your Conservative resolve.

Grayquill said...

Debra: Yes, he did make one or two good points, I guess I will begrudgingly give him a 8.9 on this one.

Arkansas Patti: I knew you would love my brother – but what about me???
Tell me it’s not true that you have been attacked by a conservative. I love your third grade response though - I’m still hoping I can graduate into third grade.
I was pretty sure you might like his letter – I was so brilliant to figure that one out – HA!

Anonymous/GLB: I read the article – I think there must be some very bad leaders in charge at Colorado Springs. The article dripped with mistrust. Regardless the people were allowed a vote. On the upside when all goes to disarray think of the stimulus boost that will come to CS when all has to be rebuilt – and the pendulum swings.

MA Fat Woman: I am glad I could help – no one side is all wrong. The trouble comes when both sides bristle up and proceed to walk around smelling each other’s butts – then we are no more intelligent than our furry four legged best friends. Good Luck! Let me know how it works out with your brother – maybe you should make sure he is on his leash before reading it. HA!

Blunt Edges: I so love being the hero! I knew of all who might come to read this post you would have the least trouble deciphering the last paragraph – Thanks my bilingual friend.

Choco: Hiiiiii….I am so glad you came by! I am sorry about all the strange names - I will not make it a habit.
Don’t say it to loud that my brother is smart or he might begin to think the sun comes up just to hear him crow. (that’s redneck speak)
Thanks for stopping by!

GLB: Every one say’s your welcome. And, I gotta say, I don’t really like how much everyone is liking you :-)
I see there are many requests for a blog from my Great Liberal Brother maybe you could tell him he is in demand.
Thanks for making the effort to make a comment – you are the BEST!
I love you too!

Betty: Oh Betty, how can you say such a thing? We need each other – admit it. I am going to let the, “softening of your Conservative resolve” comment lie dormant for now – I think you are entitled to a small amount of denial.
Best wishes me Liberal Friend. Until next time – over and out.

Tall Guy said...

That's quite a response!!

He sure got one up on the debate of Liberal vs Conservative.

Having a blog does have its advantage over portraying oneself as the hero :)

Grayquill said...

The Survivor: I agree with you…Ahhh… yes the hero! Thanks for stopping by.

Grayquill said...

HL-2140: You have been accused of violating Rule #28 of the great GrayQuill Nation. KingQuill has found you guilty and your post has been sentenced to HellQuill – Your post has been removed.
Peace

Husband Clothes said...

Wow. So you aren't the only super writer, super thinker in your family. What an interesting post. Like Arkansas Patti, I have been attacked by "friends" with opposite political views--makes me sad. I therefore display my views only where I know they count--at the polls!

Husband Clothes said...

PS. I see from GLB's link from his comment above that he has apparently begun a blog. AWESOME. I can't wait to read more from this guy!

Pink Mango Tree said...

Very nice post; interesting! :)

GLB said...

Don't expect too much, but I have started to post a few random, (mostly liberal) thoughts. You can find them here:
http://alcoholmaybeinvolved.blogspot.com/
I promise I will write about other than politics from time to time.

Mary said...

Grayquill, your post is fascinating and (unlike too much political opinion) fun to read. Even though my political views are closer to your brother's, I give you very high points for conducting the dialogue in a civilized manner, tempered by your great sense of humor and your humanity. More of our political conversations should be like this one.

Thank you too for the heart-warming story in your previous post. Again, you show the beauty of respect and concern for other people and for our diversity. Very, very cool.

Grayquill said...

Husband Clothes: The best part about my brother, first he is my older brother, even though my kids accused me of lying when I told them that fact Grrr… Second – he loves my family and was a great help to us when we needed help – he carries a very high loyalty factor in his bones.
Thanks for stopping by – every time I see you have commented it puts a smile on my face – thanks, you are the best!

$$: You are certanily get to the point – thanks for stopping by. BTW = I really enjoyed your last post.

GLB: Congratulations on your new blog – I like it! Great pictures and colors. We will have to see about the content though :-)
I hope you enjoy the blogging experience as much as I have.

Mary: Yes, this post is not normal for me but my brother’s response was to brilliant to keep it all to myself.
Thank you for your very nice words about my last post – it is appreciated! Thanks for stopping by.

Dr. Tripat Mehta said...

wow! just ur brother's letter ...
amazing pat of the story :)

Cheers!
http://sparkledaroma.blogspot.com/

Dianne said...

I started to read this when it was first posted and then decided I didn't feel like being angry with you
See what happens when you judge too quickly - wish FOX (FAUX) NEWS would realize that

Anyway - your brother is brilliant

I love being in the company of Patti and Betty

And I adore you RQ, no matter how misguided you can be about things ;)

Anonymous said...

Liberals had some good ideas, now they're running out of things to do so they're just trying to pull junk out of the air and they've gone too far. It's like filling a shed with junk, it'll only hold so much before you can't close the door. Every one of those things your brother mentioned are in trouble now, great ideas, just like communism, but they don't work.

Anonymous said...

I just stumbled onto this blog, so I am not exactly sure what it is about....

But my only question to you and your brother are missing a huge point - just because the Government currently does do it, doesn't mean it couldn't be done better by the private sector?

Debra said...

Believe it or not I have been thinking about this post for the past few days. Trying to understand when and how my political persuasions began to change. I think your brothers comment influenced me to see things differently. Can't believe its been 3 years ago. Been away from my blog, see that you have too. Hope all is well. Blessings and God's speed.