Tales of a coffee-holic: Harsh words

Nothing bothers me more than uninformed people angrily spouting political beliefs.

Don’t get me wrong, if you’re knowledgeable about the issues and you have different opinions that I do, I could listen to you talk all day. I enjoy a good debate as long as both sides can keep cool and remain respectful.

One of the things that bothers me most is when someone says that legislation is being crammed down peoples’ throats. First of all, if you’re one of the people saying this, you’re being dramatic. Calm down. Whenever legislation is passed with which you disagree, nothing is being crammed down your throat. Something you didn’t like happened. It occurs pretty often to all of us in life and you better just get used to it. Otherwise, attempt to do something about it instead of whining.

I propose that since we have the right to vote, nothing’s getting crammed down anyone’s throat. If something really is, I suggest you file assault charges.

I recently saw some online comments claiming that the Sidney school bond is being shoved down the throats of the voters. Although you might find the campaign annoying, while you might not want to pay higher taxes, while voting twice on the issue within the span of one year might be a nuisance, nothing is being crammed down your throat. The bond didn’t pass. You exercised your right as an American citizen to vote and you voted it down.

You claim that the legislation known as Obamacare was crammed down your throats as well. No matter what you believe about the ethics of how it was passed or how terrible it will be for U.S. citizens, the American people voted President Barack Obama into office as well as the men and women of Congress who helped pass the bill. With the poor state of voter turnout in the United States, I don’t think a lot of you have much room to complain.

I say you have every right to complain if you’re legitimately wronged and you know what you’re talking about. Please hush if you don’t. I know complaining is fun, but it’s obnoxious for those of us who have to listen.

Another terribly obnoxious trend I see in online comments is what seems to be a misunderstanding of the first amendment. How many times have I seen an angry Facebook rant asking, “What happened to freedom of speech?” when a famous person is fired or chastised for saying something hateful or stupid.

Freedom of speech means I can print negative things about any person or government entity, as long as they are true, and not worry about legal or government sanction. It does not protect private individuals who made their company or organization look bad by spewing stupid or hateful speech from being fired. That has nothing to do with freedom of speech.

I know angry rants are fun. They might add drama to your life and make what you say seem important, but they also make you look extraordinarily dumb if you don’t know what you’re talking about. Please stop.