“The absolute value of x, denoted "| x |" (and which is read as "the absolute value of x"), is the distance of x from zero. This is why absolute value is never negative; absolute value only asks "how far?", not "in which direction?". This means not only that | 3 | = 3, because 3 is three units to the right of zero, but also that | –3 | = 3, because –3 is three units to the left of zero.” (www.purplemath.com)
The conservatives’ reaction to Obama speaking to school children has helped clarify my thinking. Bottom line, like the absolute value of negative three, they are no different than the liberals. The common characteristics are all there, just in a different direction.
Their reaction is knee-jerk. Thoughtless. They are so consumed with their dislike of Obama they are no longer listening or thinking. Reminds me of what Gore said about Global warming, “the debate in the scientific community is over.” Right, Al.
But I digress.
Have the people keeping their kids out of school on the day the President speaks thought about what message that action sends to their children or do they think they are protecting them from some larger conspiracy that will subliminally interlace into Obama’s speech the message that all that is liberal is good and all that is conservative is bad, all that is liberal is good and all that is conservative is bad, all that is liberal is good and all that is conservative is bad, all that is liberal is good and all that is conservative is bad, all that is liberal is good and all that is conservative is bad?
Crap! Maybe they’re right!
Seriously, there is an effort to organize a “Keep your child home from school day.” Are they all awakening from a bad drunk or are they just thick skulled in general? Do they not see the irony in keeping your kid home to avoid hearing a message about staying in school. Oh I forgot, it is really to avoid the Stepford Wife Programming. By keeping them home we are sending the message that we should not listen to alternative opinions, we should not engage in true dialog, we should not accept the fact that we could possibly learn something from “the other side.” And while I am at it, we are also encouraging the fact that there are two sides with completely different interests.
And at the risk of really going off on a Coocoo for Cocoa Puffs Rant, will everyone stop using the “N” word! I don’t mean that one. I mean the Nazi “N” word. We heard it first from the liberals referring to people who voice their opinion at the town hall meetings. This is my definition of ultimately offensive. Think about the comparison in a literal sense. Think about it as if you were a concentration camp survivor, which is impossible but give it a swing.
And now the conservatives are saying that Obama wants to create “an army of Hitler Youth.” I am repulsed.
My theory of Absolute Values is alive and well and living in America’s world of politics. Or more sadly, maybe it’s simply alive and well in America.
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