Let’s Get Something Straight...

A customer happened by our office on Monday for a service we no longer offer (faxes and quick-copy services for the public). Once we informed that customer we no longer offered the services, on their way out they happened to ask if we were still an ultra-conservative newspaper, then went on to elaborate that due to what they’ve read, it doesn’t look like it. I am paraphrasing here, but the story went the same way.
Let’s get something straight. We are not a conservative newspaper. Hold your britches, cupcake. Before you run for the pitchfork and torch, let me add that we are also not a liberal newspaper.
The newspaper itself is neither liberal or conservative. Nor should we be either one. Our news, features and sports coverage is not leaning toward any one party, ideology, or person. That’s not who we are. As for me, you might be surprised to find that I am, in fact, very conservative. That might turn some of my left-leaning friends off, but it’s the truth. I believe in the core tenants of conservatism: small government, fiscal responsbility, the sanctity of life, and I operate by a strong Christian moral compass. The only thing that separates me from some folks is that I believe everyone is created equally and we are all children of God. We are all sinners in need of a savior, and I believe that to be Jesus Christ. Call upon His name, and you will be saved.
What I don’t believe is dehumanizing people because of their beliefs, birth country, or what they choose to do with their life. I will always draw a line at anyone telling me what to do or how to live my life. Aside from my Lord, no one dictates anything about my life.
I challenge everyone who claims the blood of Christ to read the red words and live them. You will be a much happier person if you live in harmony with what you say you believe. Treating anyone as “less than” because they are different from you just shows your true colors.
America is often referred to as the great melting pot. We are not. We are a tapestry. We are a quilt of different people and that includes cultures, language and, yes, religion. We have different accents, skin colors, and beliefs. The common thing that could unite us all is not dependent on a single religion, color or language. Treating people with the same respect and dignity you demand for yourself will bring us together faster than anything that happens in Washington.