Here's your label...

So, what are you? How do you describe yourself? How do others describe you? What label do you wear?

In so many ways we are defined by what label is applied to us, either by us or by others. Rarely are we described as being ‘just us’ instead of being a ***

It may have something to do with the human need to categorize or keep in some sense of order. Maybe it has to do with our propensity to differentiate between ‘ours’ and ‘others’. Or our capacity for defining us from our rivals. It could be anything from countries to video games to political affiliations to baseball teams. We separate, and we label. It’s a real life version of ‘The Sneetches’ or ‘The Zax’.

One of the problems with labels is that it does a disservice to the one labeled. Rather than describe, it tends to limit. As a result, generalizations are formed, presenting an incomplete if not erroneous portrait.

So let’s talk about labels for a bit. Specifically, let’s look at politics, especially in light of the Occupy movement. As was mentioned in the last blog, there is a wide variety of people attending these rallies, from all walks of life and affiliations. It would be a mistake to categorize all attending as radicals, rabble-rousers, unemployed or whatever. Quite simply, the generalizations are generally wrong.

But in this country over the last many years we’ve seen a technology shift that has allowed a quicker way to paint someone as a (name your poison). Primarily due to talk radio and various hosts, we’ve shouted epithets about our perceived enemies on the other side of the issue at hand. This is not a new phenomenon, but technology has made it quicker, more strident.

So how to you categorize yourself? Liberal? Conservative? Anarchist? Libertarian? Democrat? Republican? Independent? No matter how you slice it, you’re probably known as one or another. But in all likelihood, one label does not really define you or your beliefs.

After all, if you’re liberal, your beliefs might encompass strong Government intervention, abortion rights, strong social services, gun control, pacifism, loose immigration policies and an abundance of services available for illegal immigrants.

If conservative, you possibly view all the above with distaste. You might be for weak Government, especially at the Federal level, abortion (if legal at all) under strict circumstances only and only if it’s not paid for by public money, reform or abolishment of the welfare system, 2nd Amendment rights and tighter fences.

Other labels have their own variations on the topics mentioned and more.

The problem, as I see it, is that we’ve been Balkanized to the point where few people admit to having a variety of views from different camps. The loudspeakers on talk radio would have you believe that if you’re not all their way, if you haven’t drunk the Koolaid, then you’re some sort of an evil fool. You can’t possibly be a Rush fan if you are for women’s rights to an abortion. You can’t like Keith Olbermann if you own guns.

But how many of us are really like that, straight down the line?

This thought started to crystallize when my brother Eric mentioned that our parents have trouble differentiating which of us is more conservative. Well, Eric, I cede the mantle to you. It’s time I came out of the closet, so to speak. I’ve been living a lie and it’s time to clear my conscience.

You see, I’m only mostly conservative. Maybe only partially conservative.

I don’t want Government involved in my daily life. Federal government exists only to make war and print money and ensure equal treatment under the law. Oh, there are probably more, but that’s really it. Maybe to make roads to go from one state to another. And the Space program, I like that. But I cannot fully support the opinion that everyone is entitled to own guns. I understand the arguments in support of strong 2nd Amendment rights but that has been co-opted by right-wing zealots and the gun lobby. I mean really, why would anyone interpret the right to keep and bear arms as a free-for-all to own an arsenal of automatic weapons? I support kicking generations of families off the public dole. As it’s been said, it’s supposed to be a helping hand, not a lifestyle. I support legal immigration, and lots of it. The idea of having a country where people want to come to better their lives is appealing. But it has to be done legally. If you’re here illegally, you have no right to public assistance, education or a driver’s license. And you cannot vote. I’m for term limits and removing all funding but public money from the election process. What was the Supreme Court thinking when it granted personhood to corporations?

Abortion I’m still struggling with. Fortunately, I never would be in a position where it would be my decision.

So does this make me a screaming Liberal? Nope. A Libertarian? Possibly. A Tea Partier? It sounded good when I first heard the term, but then the luster has been worn off.

I prefer to think of myself as a non-aligned thinker, but others would categorize me as being a wimpy whatever. Oh, well. You can’t please everyone.

But somewhere there is probably a label with my name on it. At least make it something nice.