Yes, I am a flip-flopper. An open letter to the right-wing lurkers.

[Bjorn Against]

Dear Right-Wing Lurkers,

As many people here know I used to be on your side of the political spectrum myself. I used to believe in this thing you call the free-market, I used to believe global warming was a hoax, and I used to believe that corporations could be trusted to do what was in the best interests of society. You know what happened though? I recognized I was wrong.

I was wrong, and I admit I was wrong. I am not proud that I was wrong, but I am not ashamed of it either because I know that I recognized my misguided ways and I changed. You can call me a flip-flopper all you want, it doesn't bother me one bit because I know that I recognized the facts and I made changes in my beliefs that are consistent with those facts.

Nearly every credible scientist on this Earth recognizes that global warming is a serious issue, an issue so serious in fact that our very planet could die out if we don't act quickly. Yet right-wing ideology is holding up progress because rather than listening to the science, your side is listening to those who would rather lie to you than to undermine their ideology or their profits.

We hear a great deal about freedom coming from the right-wing, but what exactly is freedom? Does freedom mean nothing more than the ability of corporations to make huge profits? And how exactly does it protect our freedoms to bomb other countries which posed not threat to our freedoms? We are constantly being lectured about freedom by people who torture, people who bomb civilian neighborhoods, people who want to listen in on our phone conversations, and people want to limit our rights to peacefully protest to what they call "free speech zones".

If they truly wanted freedom though, they would recognize this whole country as a free speech zone. They would not be trying to limit my right to free speech by doing away with net neutrality, they would not be shipping people off to secret prisons overseas, they would not be torturing people, and they would view freedom as meaning something more than simply dropping bombs on people.

As much as your side likes to say nice words about freedom, we have seen your ideology do nothing but undermine our freedoms.

I used to be a right-winger because I thought that the right-wing was sincere when they told me about their desires to stand up for freedom. But the more I watched them in action, the more I realized that they talked about freedom in the same way the George Orwell did. To them freedom meant authority, and no matter how many empty slogans they fed me about freedom it became very clear that their goal was control.

And so I moved to the left, not the center but the left. I moved to the left because that is where I saw the people taking to the streets and calling for true freedom. I saw people standing up for the workers to organize for their own interests, I saw people standing up to condemn the slaughter of innocent civilians, I saw people standing up for science and the protection of our environment, and I saw people standing up for democracy.

So yes, you can call me a flip-flopper but I have no regrets about flipping my positions, in fact moving to the left was the best decision I have ever made in my lifetime. Now it is my duty and obligation as an American citizen to exercise my first amendment rights, and I will continue to speak out and condemn the people who are destroying this nation.

While I condemn the right-wing however, I will also always recognize one thing; people can change. Right now it is up to those of you on the right end of the spectrum to recognize the flaws in your ideology. You need to recognize the piles of dead bodies that are laying in Iraq right now who were killed in your name, you need to recognize the people who are sleeping on the streets tonight because your ideology has embraced corporate profits over workers rights, you need to recognize the people who are going to suffer as the result of global warming, and you need to recognize your ideology is contributing to this. It is not too late to change. I changed and I was accepted onto the left with open arms, and as long as you are genuine in your desire to bring about a better society you will be too.

Yes we will fight you every step of the way as long as you are pushing a dangerous ideology, but we are also willing to respect those who are able to admit they were wrong in the past.

This is a crucial time for our nation. We have seen hundreds of thousands of people killed in Iraq, we have seen tens of millions suffer without health care, and we have watched our environment slowly approach a tipping point. The time for change is now, and it can't be incremental change. We need to save our society for our future and our children's future. It is time to decide which side you are on. Do you stand with those who are killing civilians, or do you stand with those who are trying to stop the killing.

It is your choice.

Sincerely,
A Citizen

[NanceGreggs]

1. Beautifully stated!

:kick: and REC'D!!!

[katsy]

2. k/r

:applause:

[Libby2]

3. Very nice....K&R

[zabet]

4. Thank you.

:applause:

[Ecumenist]

5. MN Against bush, I can truly say that this

has been one of the most noble and hope inspiring posts I've ever read on DU. I pray that more of your former ompratriots take your conversion in contemplation and search their hearts for the truth of your words and the state of the planet. I salute you with deepest reverence for the honesty of your testament. Thank you for your post.


:patriot:

[brer cat]

6. Outstanding post!

You are a huge asset to DU.

Recommended.

[MasonJar]

7. Dear Mn, I applaud your move to the left. You can speak with assurance

to those who might follow in your wise footsteps. I know many Americans are now on the anti-Bush bandwagon. I hope the trend continues until no one is left on the curb.

[WillyT]

8. Bravo !!! - Wonderful Post !!!

:bounce::yourock::bounce:

:hi:

[quiethm75]

9. Great post!

:applause:

[Kurovski]

10. K&R.

It's not even a matter of having to "mend your ways", imo.

You were enormously lied to (as were we all) and you had the presence of mind to see that.

Excellent op, thanks.

[silverojo]

11. This should be a LTTE in every newspaper nationwide

K&R!

[Yael]

12. Wonderful!!!

i could have written this, and I too have moved from right to left of left. I skipped past center without even a second thought -- because I knew I had been *wrong* and I didn't want to compromise with wrong.

One thing I would add from my perspective is that fallacy known as "free markets". The pure theory assumes that businesses will strive to "do the right thing" as relates to their employees and customers.

Truth of the matter is that the almighty dollar trumps all, predatory practices are now the norm rather than the exception, and if you think without an FDA, OSHA, SEC (eee, eye, eee, eye, oh) that these businesses wouldn't be poisioning us for profit and having their employees sleeping in fields and earning $0.05 an hour, then you simply haven't been paying attention.

On paper, supply side makes sense to me. In reality, it CAN'T work -- it is simply impossible. Time for a little demand-side economic policies and let the neo-cons fall where they may.

[Bjorn Against]

16. It was actually the "free-market" stuff that moved me too...

It was the anti-globalization protests in Seattle and elsewhere that really started to open my eyes and move me to the left. I was opposed to all those FDA and OSHA regulations at one time, but then I not only realized how important such regulations were but I also realized how weak those agencies actually were. Anyone who looks at who heads the FDA, OSHA, the USDA, etc. you will see a lot of former corporate lobbyists. The regulatory agencies the right spends so much time complaining about have virtually no power anymore because they have been so compromised.

[niceypoo]

13. You can debate the Freeper Lurkers directly in any anti-Hillary thread

[Bjorn Against]

17. Opposing Hillary does not make someone a Freeper.

[niceypoo]

30. No, but any lurking freepers have carte blanche to attack her openly

Thus, those who visciously attack her, or any other candidates, are joined by the lurkers with whom they are allied by default.

[Bjorn Against]

32. So would you say Lieberman critics were allied with Freepers by default during the CT primaries?

Sorry, but just because someone does not support your candidate does not mean they are allied with Freepers no matter how much you may try to spin.

[Hoof Hearted]

52. Would you say Edwards critics were allied with Freepers by default when he scampered out

of the Senate? I'm sure we could pass this hat to everyone but: it does seem that the R's have a distinct odor of fear about them, almost like dogs that pee themselves in the face of a bigger dog, when faced with the possibility of a female AND Clinton presidency. I LOVE it. If Hill gets in, I will DANCE. If Obama gets in, I will DANCE.

[riqster]

14. Fanatstic post!

As for me, I've not moved an inch. But somehow this Centrist is now viewed as a Leftist. Odd, that.

[sicksicksick_N_tired]

15. Recommended. nt

[proud patriot]

18. I have Flip Flopped

I used to be 100% anti - gun .

I hold a more broad opinion of responsible gun
ownership . Since we keep a Gun in our house .
My husband has brought me around.

[orleans]

19. you did?

"I used to be on your side of the political spectrum myself"

[Bjorn Against]

20. Yep, I switched sides about seven years ago.

If you read back in my journal you will see I have written about it a few times.

[Perry Logan]

21. P.S.: Get out of my country, you treasonous bastards.

[Laelth]

22. You give me hope.

Thanks for that. I needed some hope today.

:dem:

-Laelth

[Toots]

23. There is more to it than Freedom's March.

There is that attitude of superiority that every member of the Republican Party exudes. They feel they are better than every other person in the world and America that isn't a right winger..They use derogatory language and actions and mask it in Religion..It is all about how they "deserve" the best and the rest of the world can just fuck off...Freedom is just code for "We will get what we want and screw everybody else"

[Mister Ed]

24. You Have Not Flip-Flopped

All along, you have been a believer in what is right. And your belief in what is right has led you to the left.

K&R

[Cerridwen]

25. Very nicely written and stated. I agree with Mister Ed's post.

That whole flip-flop schtick is just a way to "scare" and embarrass people away from changing their minds based on a greater awareness of facts and reality. Almost any emotionally and intellectually mature person will change their mind if presented with indisputable facts that their previous idea or belief was false. You've just shown you have both the emotional and intellectual maturity to admit when you're been "wrong" and adjust to the facts. Seems so basic and simple, doesn't it?

It's great to have you on "our side."

:hi:

edit: 3 edits for 3 words (need to be more caffeinated before posting LOL)

[Stump]

26. I flipped too...

Back in September of this year. I will admit I voted for Bush not once, but twice. I bought in to the bullshit hook, line, & sinker and thought I was doing what any good Christian should do by voting for the "Official Christian Party".

Then I began to put things in perspective. I realized that the issues on the right are always the same: abortion, gay rights, etc. You know, the moral issues. But then I thought about issues such as helping the poor and the less-fortunate. What about fairness? What about the least of these Jesus spoke about? Didn't seem to be much of a concern for my GOP buddies as long as taxes stayed low and we bombed the shit out of some middle-eastern country. Looking back I think of all the times I heard "Christians" say things like "we should drop a nuke on Iraq and build a big Wal-Mart." In a good Christian way, of course. :eyes:

I also realized I don't have to be pro-abortion to be pro-choice. I realized it is much more sensible to look for ways to reduce the abortion rate than to outlaw abortions. I struggled with these issues because I live in Lynchburg, VA (i.e. Jerry Falwell) and have been taught that no Christian would ever vote Democrat...no "real" Christian at least.

But when I finally began to think for myself (it's embarrassing for me to say that now :blush:) I realized my Christian beliefs line up much more closely with the beliefs on the left. I joined a Christian congregation that does not delve into politics but focuses on the teachings of Jesus. I will never again let anyone else dictate what I believe. I'm a proud Democrat and I've only been old enough to vote in the Presidential elections twice so hopefully I'll live long enough to more than atone for voting for Bush twice!!!

[Vektor]

27. Welcome...

:hug:

I can tell that you are truly embracing the teachings of Christ. Jesus did not peddle hate like the right wing does.

Sad they don't get that.

Glad you do.

Welcome to DU. :hi:

[Libface]

37. Can I ask you

about your signature pic? Is that a sniper?

[Vektor]

39. The kind...

That shoots with a camera. :-)

[Libface]

42. Ah ok. Thanks. n/t

[Vektor]

48. Tee-hee...

No prob! :-)

[Swamp Rat]

28. Welcome to DU!

:hi:



:D

[xxqqqzme]

31. '...I don't have to be pro-abortion to be pro-choice....'

Thank you for stating the obvious. It is a CHOICE not dictate. By limiting or even denying a woman that choice, her health can be jeopardized. It is a choice that should be discussed, in private, between a woman and her doctor.

[defendandprotect]

46. Lynchburg, VA --- Wow! .... How are you dealing with that community now????

[Stump]

49. It's not so bad...

Although Liberty University & TRBC are major forces in town, there are several other university's around as well and there is a larger group of progressives than one might think, especially among the youth. But make no mistake, the RW rules around here. I don't discuss politics too often at work because I work in a group setting and there is no help to be had...none.

[defendandprotect]

50. Are you getting any infiltration from the North?

Presume you're a native Southerner --- ??

Is personal racism an issue there --- ?

Or does it just come along with supporting the Repugs?

[FraDon]

29. Bravo • Thank You • K&R

Clear. Heartfelt. Articulate. Provocative. A perfect LTTE. Get it out there! How about the church newsletters?
• Who would Jesus waterboard? •

[glowing]

33. You sound like Edwards... Welcome to the fight... Its a trip.

:hi:

[ghostdancers_way]

34. thank you MN against Bush

You are not the first person I have heard state these issues
for their change of heart and politics, you are however the
first one I have heard that moved to the Left of Center.  Most
of the Kansans I have heard state that Bushco and the
extremists that have taken over the GOP have forced them to
the Center as Independents.

Thank you for the articulate and fact filled essay on what
prompted you to move out of the glaring 1984 reality of the
current GOP/Theocratic party.

Ho! Mitakuye Oyasin 

"We Are All Related" 

Wakan Tankan Nici Un 

(May the Great Spirit walk with you) 

 

[Richard Steele]

35. K&R

[Libface]

36. Wow

Thank you so much for posting this.

You know I used to think I was in the "center" (centrist dem) but then I started really paying attention after 2000 (couldn't vote til 2004) and learning about what that even meant and more about the history of the US over the past 30 years or so and now I consider myself to be pretty left. It was kind of bizarre to me to learn that so many other countries had Socialist parties. I never gave it much thought, didn't really understand what that meant either, but I had some idea that it was "bad" or wasn't allowed somehow (taboo here in the land of the free...). And here I am, paranoid about posting on or belonging to this board, paranoid about having any kind of "socialist" ideas, still having feelings of fear just because I, well, basically I care about other people. I don't think it should be like that. Anyway, thank you again for posting this (and to the other "converted" poster as well).

[namvet73]

38. I switched to the left in 1984 when I started to PAY ATTENTION.

Republican was the party of my family. In 1984, I became more of an individual, politically.

[ileus]

40. preach it to 'em!

[LaStrega]

41. kicked n/t [edit couldn't recommend over 24hrs argh]

[chervilant]

43. Will enough of us wake up?

Our country is divided and divisive, mired in fear and hatred about issues amplified by the vile corporate whores in the mainstream media. I remain hopeful that We The People will wake up to this national malaise, this calamity of spirit, in time to do something meaningful. However, I fear that most of us will cling to denial and externalization of responsibility long past the point of no return.

Thank you for this post. You and people like you sustain my hopefulness...

[1awake]

44. Ex-Right Winger here...

I voted for Bush.. twice actually. But over the course of the years, a general unease began to overtake me. At first, I couldn't really put my finger on it. But during the course of this year overall, I am forced to either alter what I believe to better fit in with the right, or continue to hold my beliefs and move to the left. I found that once you move past all the cool slogans, the patriotic phrases, and mud slinging, what I see is a self serving incompetent propaganda machine that appears to only be driven to achieve an agenda that has little to do with the American people. Yea..It's a hell of a thing to slowly realize the people you voted for are who they really are, and not who they want you to believe. It still sickens me, and I imagine it will for some time to come.

Never again...

[Blue_Tires]

45. ttt...well said

[defendandprotect]

47. It seems to take only one thing to open up all the issues --- to let in all the light -- !!!

[Hoof Hearted]

51. Little tears, just a few, and THUNDEROUS APPLAUSE!

Just, AWESOME. :applause: