This I believe....

This I believe .....An exercise in radio and friendship

I believe that we used to know things ... about faith, and peace, and love.
But that was before Reagan.

We used to know that racism was wrong. But now we have gotten cynical and latched onto the idea that saying so makes you "politically correct." Besides the fact that that just means you're in sync with the public at large, when did it become a pejorative? What exactly is the matter with saying it out loud?

I believe that racism is wrong, hateful and inhumane.

We used to know that freedom was worth the sacrifice. Now, we are financing a war on the credit cards of our grandchildren. Where are the taxes? Where are the war bonds? Why is recycling still considered an environmentalist-whacko thing to do? Didn't we pay higher taxes, conserve our natural resources and buy war bonds in the early 1940s?

And what about the freedom's we gave away to "aid in the fight against terror." When they founded this country, wasn't one of the cornerstones that the price for freedom is eternal vigilance? Where were we all when the Patriot Act was passed?

I believe that freedom is worth the sacrifice! Stop calling me a tax and spend liberal. There's nothing wrong with the citizenry paying for the things we want our government to do on our behalf. And do not dare let the word 'unpatriotic' cross your lips. It's not just my right as an American, but my very duty, to call you all on your complacence. I am with you; too bad you are against yourselves.

We used to take pride in our compassion as a nation and a people. Now, we get called bleeding hearts when we want to consider talking our way out of a global conflict before we use bombs and end lives. Wasn't it Jesus who told us that we needed to be without sin to cast the first stone? What exactly is wrong with putting human life above all other ends?

I believe that compassion is neither conservative nor liberal! And don't you dare tell me there's something wrong with me for caring.

We used to know that more information was better. Back in the day, we thought Hitler would stop after he invaded Poland and Czechoslovakia. When we became aware that he would not, we changed our minds, entered the war, and saved the world. Does that make us flip-floppers?

I believe that more knowledge is always better. And if I change my mind once I've learned more, that makes me smart.

I was remined about these things we used to know when I heard Mike Farrell being interviewed recently on NPR. And it came to me that we used to know these things so well, that they became part of our everyday lives. Starfleet Academy grads operated under the Prime Directive to first do no harm. American doctors in Korea operated on human beings regardless of color because it was the right thing to do. Maude debated having an abortion. Mary Tyler Moore choose to have a career and live in an apartment alone.

And thus I believe in 1970s TV. I believe in the forces of good and right. In the simple messages espoused by simple characters who knew exactly what Jesus would do. Back then, even our characters on TV knew what made America great.

Which means it is time for the left, the liberals, the "Commie-pinko-environmental-granola-head-tree-huggers" to stop being so nice. Stop letting yourselves be victimized for being right. Stop acting like you are afraid of the badge of courage that stands for the true, compassionate, freedom-loving, progressive, hate-free, peaceful and kind Americans we are.

Live long and prosper. And now, I think I need a drink. RADAR?