Blogging Ottinger (tim)Alternative (Antiliberal) View of Sheehan
I found an interesting alternative view of Cindy Sheehan. While it is somewhat anti-liberal, at least one can say it is more respectful in its handling of soldiers, though I generally dislike “anti-” rants (anti-conservative, anti-liberal, anti-Christian, anti-athiest).
Don’t read too much into my political leanings this way, but I do share a respect for those men (not children) who serve our country. Of course, I’m also typically respectful of older men and women, too, especially those who have suffered such loss. I just felt that this was worth reading.
As a good friend pointed out, this seems to have become rather a majority view of late. I originally only heard the good, now I hear a lot of complaint. Well, for what it’s worth, she does believe she’s standing up for something she believes in. That’s good. Too many people stand for nothing at all. I don’ t know that she’ll have much impact on policy makers with the rhetoric, but maybe there is some kind of closure in here somewhere. My experience is that telling people they’re wrong doesn’t return much yield, right or wrong. I guess people harping on Sheehan won’t change her, either.
As a race we have problems giving and receiving criticism. We give it roughly and tend to receive it poorly. As organizations, we tend to be even worse. I don’t know the answer. But I’m betting attacking grieving mothers doesn’t help much. Her feelings are real, and her experience itself is valid, whatever you may think of her phenomonology and rhetoric. Without recognizing the pain, nothing will get better for her. And maybe nothing will get better for us.
The thing that’s certain is that the US is having some hard times. Maybe we all need to learn a better way to help out.
