I have often times kept my thoughts to myself on specific subjects, especially on social media. I did this mainly because I worked for a state institution and understood that I represented something bigger. I also did this because I did not want to offend anyone. I may lose a few friends over what I say, but oh well. I am not up for discussions on anything below, just thought I would finally say what I think. For my close friends, none of this will surprise you because I would vocalize around you all.
1. GLBT issues. "Issue" is an interesting word as it seems to lead one to believe that something might be wrong. The truth in case is that I take no issue with the GLBT community, and in fact believe that everyone should be allowed to love who they want to and live their life in a way they want to. With so much hate in the world, so much violence, so many horrible things- why are we so focused on preventing love? Yes, I support equal marriage. Yes, I support adoptions or surrogates for any couple who has the love and the means to raise a family. Love is not a bad thing so stop treating it like it is. Providing love to another person, especially when so many go without it, cannot be a bad thing. I believe that everyone has the right to live their life in the way they need to and that no one should judge. I also believe that those who focus their energy on passing judgment and fighting about this should refocus on other "problems" in the world. Why do people waste their time worrying about how others are living their lives? Go volunteer at the food bank, or hunt down people who do horrible things to kids. Stop the hate.
2. Gun control. OMG I am a bad Texan I know. I get it. I should be able to carry a gun just in case someone walks on campus or in my office. I have the right to defend myself, right? Well- guess what? I believe in the law enforcement officers and the dedication they have to their jobs. I don't want to carry. And I don't want others carrying. How the hell am I supposed to know who is the good guys and who is the bad guys? Furthermore, why people claim they have the "right" to carry a gun I believe I have the right to send my children to school and not worry that some gun toting idiot will walk in to their school and start firing. I also don't believe you need a semi-automatic weapon for "hunting." I fully support the freedom we have in America and I appreciate those who fight for it. But I won't lie- as homesick as I am for Texas, at least I don't have to worry about mass shootings. Here the bad guys shoot the bad guys. But because of their strict gun laws, I don't have to worry about who is carrying and walking into my kids school. They had their last mass shooting in 1996. Google it. Enjoy. By the way- in a zombie apocalypse, I will carry a bow and arrow. Or use by boots to stomp their heads in. So, I really have nothing to worry about there.
3. Prancellor Sharp. I worked at Texas A&M for 13 years. I enjoyed my time most under Dr. Robert Gates. He was the type of leader I would follow off a cliff if need be. I didn't mind working for the other Presidents who followed. However- Sharp did things a bit different. I will not pretend to know all of the ins and outs of the politics, but I will let you know my perception. I support the fact that the activity analysis was ordered; I believe looking for efficiencies is always a good thing. However, I believe the Chancellor's office should apply the same rules and take a good, long hard look in the mirror. My own two cents.
4. Texting and driving. Again- something you can't do in Australia. If you are caught texting or talking on the phone in your car you will be fined. It seems that many people think it is (once again) their right to text, talk, read the newspaper, do whatever they want while driving down the road. And once again, I think that people should feel safe on the roads. If you want to kill yourself, fine. Don't endanger the lives of those I love.
5. And while I am at it- the right to pull over and search without reason is not a bad thing. Why you ask? Because the drinking and driving laws are so strict here that you really cannot avoid the penalties. They set up random stops and can pull anyone over they want to and administer a breathalyzer. Many people would claim that this is a violation of rights, freedoms- whatever. If it keeps my family safe from stupid people, then I am ok with it.
Random crap, but things I think about now that I have the time.
I have no idea what you're referring to with #3 (I'll have to ask Tom about this one :)), but I agree with you 110% on every other "issue" you wrote about above. As I'm sure you can understand, there are very few people here in Texas with whom I can converse about these topics…it's kind of isolating at times. And like you, I rarely talk about where I stand - in person, on social media, or on my blog - because I don't want to offend someone or be forced into a debate. (I'm terrible at debates!) Thanks for sharing!
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