I'm a polite, middle-aged lady who lets other people participate in public disagreements. Truly.
The last time I felt compelled to stand up and make my voice heard was about in 1990 when my school district was forcing a propaganda program on early elementary students. My point was that if there was extra time in the school day, let's teach more math or science, and stay out of personal family decisions. I started by discussing my concerns with the volunteers who presented the program. Then I went to the teacher. Then I went to the principal. Then I ended up presenting to the school board. They changed the district-wide program to eliminate the inappropriate content.
But that was then, and this is now. For nearly seven years I've been distressed by the so-called war on women that has been manufactured by politicians and talking heads. The recent "war on women" was nothing more than a distraction from real issues.
I'm old enough to remember the actual war on women in the 60s and 70s, so when all that talk was thrown around for the past six years or so, I was annoyed. I wanted to stand up and scream, "Wake up, little sisters! The war on women was fought decades ago, and we won!" The issues of free birth control, etc. that were a part of the so-called war on women were manufactured to elicit a knee-jerk response. Imposing upon others the obligation for buying your birth control is handing over your own welfare and responsibilities to bureaucrats. Any mature, intelligent woman can see that's a disastrous road to start down.
But now I'm wondering if there truly is a war on women--that perhaps it's acceptable to say any vile or disgusting things about women you disagree with. Or perhaps it's simply a war on decency.
What's pushed me to speak out are the disgusting comments made by an MSNBC personality. And I am outraged that MSNBC and their owner Comcast support this type of discourse. I'm referring to the repulsive comments made by Martin Bashir toward Sarah Palin. I can't bring myself to describe what was said. It's too disgusting. If you curious, google it.
I'm not one to publicly get involved in political conversations, and my concern is outside of that realm. My concern is that a "professional" would use such reprehensible language in a public setting without incurring disciplinary action. The entire team that was complicit in preparing that broadcast should be disciplined as well.
Where are the people standing up for decency in public discourse? I know folks on both sides of the issues can stoop to vile name calling, but I'VE HAD IT!!
Isn't it time to say, "ENOUGH!"
Can't we reign in our language to reflect a certain level of civility? For the love of all that's decent, please join me in no longer remaining silent as our culture slides into the garbage pit of indecency.
*If any disrespectful or potty-mouth comments are made to this post, they will be deleted. Don't waste your time if you can't speak respectfully, please.
7 comments:
Thanks for sharing your heart here Megan, I couldn't agree with you more. I love Sarah Palin, but even if these remarks weren't about her, I'd still be mightily offended. I think this is discusting and I can't believe that anyone would consider airing it, let alone think it in their minds. I'm reminded of what is in the heart, comes out through the mouth. We certainly are living in a time of hate, very sad and I'm praying.
May you and your family have a Blessed and Happy Thanksgiving...full of Jesus Christ. :) Hugs from me. :)Paulette Harris
Thanks for your kind words, Paulette. I've also written to Comcast asking what action they're taking. We'll see what happens.
Perhaps we should also comment on Twitter. Yes! It is time to stand up. I pray that it isn't too late. God bless!
This is appalling, Megan. I see that there's been an apology -- but really, why is this person not at least being put on a leave of absence -- or fired? His comment was beyond disgusting.
Thanks, Mary and Beth for standing with me. We've got to stand up and condemn this kind of behavior.
People tend to jump outside the realm of decency when they feel threatened, or when they think they are so above others that they are immune.
So your point is well made. We have developed a nation of entitled, unsavvy and non-critical thinkers.
You were right to take on the school board back then. But our school system continues to make sure that our kids don't have critical thinking skills. That's we parents have to take up the slack. Keep fighting, Megan. I think you heard God's call for you and you answered. Good luck!
Thanks, Loretta!
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