Liberal – what IS that?
Lately, with the sheer nastiness in the form of troll like comments we’ve been reading on some of the liberal military family blogs, we were wondering something; for those of us who are proud to call ourselves Liberal – how do we actually define that term? We are asking you, our liberal readers, to let us know your definition. Either put in the comments, or write on your blog and link to it in the comment.
We are specifically looking for those readers who are liberal military spouses, or military family members – have you been told that you aren’t a “real” milspouse, or that you are a traitor etc.
For those reading this who are not liberals – please don’t get nasty, offensive, or force us to disemvowel any troll like comments (first offense) or ban you outright (subsequent offense. Thanks.
LAW
LeftFace -- The Other MilSpouse Blog 
What makes me a liberal
To be honest, I usually joke that I’m a closeted liberal. Island Dad and I both do our best to avoid political discussions with our friends/co-workers/military and milspouse peers. Unless we happen to know that they are also liberal. I’m not an overly opinionated person. And I think that maybe THAT is what makes *me* liberal.
To hear so many of my more conservative peers tell it, you’re unpatriotic if you don’t think their way, subscribe to their belief system. One of my favorite things about our country, though, is that I can make a conscious, educated decision to believe what I believe is right, not what someone is telling me is right. After all, isn’t that what my and my friends’ spouses are fighting for? Freedom!
If being proud to have a right to think, feel, and believe whatever I want to without someone else telling me I don’t love my country makes me liberal, so be it (I certainly don’t tell them they’re unpatriotic for thinking the way they do).
But that is exactly WHY I love my country!
I’ve had my patriotism questioned so many times it’s not even funny. When it’s coming from a military family member, I find it even more astounding. That sort of rhetoric has no place in civilized political discourse.
I have friends with completely different political views. We remain friends because we respectfully debate and respect one another’s differing views on the role of government. We usually find we have more ideas in common than not.
What I can’t understand are people who are more interested in being “right” (no pun intended) or in intimidating people who disagree than in truly making the country better.
Liberal means “favorable to progress or reform” or “open-minded or tolerant.” We don’t all think alike and our views vary, but progress, reform and tolerance are, I believe, the hallmarks of liberalism.
I linked up on my blog! Cheeeeeck it ouuuuut!
What It Means To Me, Unlikely Wife, To Be A Liberal.
I just found your blog, and I have to say it is a breath of fresh air. Although, maybe your could use a bit of a Marine wife opinion *wink*. I find it sad that people get shocked and angry when they find out my political views. They assume that since you are a military family that you automatically firmly believe everything that comes from the Right Wing of the government. I have been made to feel that I do not support my husband, the military, or my country. Unfortunately, it is very taboo to have any Liberal thoughts, and be a military spouse.
Amy – We’d love to find a Marine Wife Opinion! want to blog with us? we’d love to have you! email me if you are interested. plibarmywife at gmail.
LAW
I don’t even know where to begin. I’m a military officer’s wife, a liberal, and an agnostic. We live on base and I’ll just say, for today, I DO NOT FIT IN.
I’m lonely and I’m disgusted when I go to the weekly coffees and listen for hours as the rest discuss “those creepy Mexicans” and “those unions that have outlived their purpose” and “those lazy liberals”. I also got ambushed in a ‘prayer circle’ yesterday.
I couldn’t be more horrified if I woke up with a burning cross planted in my front yard. I maintain a facade of shyness so that my daughter won’t be the neighborhood kid outcast and my husband’s life will remain no harder than it has to be already.
I am not depressed, but I’m angry and I’m lonely. Help! Is there some sort of military-wide liberal spouse’s club? Some sort of outlet so that I can find others on this base who don’t hate me for not hating minorities and for not praying in public? I live on base and I feel like the lone blue dot in a sea of red. Is it any wonder that I constantly dream I’m being attacked?
where are you? we might know someone somewhere as well. No, there isn’t a liberal spouse’s club… that we know of. If you are ok with it, I’ll contact you by email.
LAW,
Thanks for the email. I appreciate both your blog and your personal time in reaching out.
You already know it’s hard, obviously….:)
I’ve sent your blog link to 5 friends on facebook (the only liberal spouses I’ve met in my dad’s 24 year career and my husband’s 22 years —why are they all such robots?).
Hey there! Just wanted to say that I’m one of her five liberal friends! Love the blog and thank you!
HiYa! glad you are enjoying it.
are you by any chance in NM?
Hi Tori,
Why do you ask? Not trying to be cagey, but curious what makes you ask? 😉
Heathen – she was on another string… looking for someone in the state who might be of the same philosophical idealogy.
I see. I’m sure you can understand why I want to be very careful (Gawd..why do I feel like I’m hiding from the SS or Big Brother?). :))
Yes, Tori, I am. You are as well then?
Nice to “meet” you. 🙂
guys – I have your email addresses. If you want – I’ll email each of you and you guys can privately talk, ok>
That would be great!
Yep! I’m fine with that. 🙂