Letter: Some local opinions seem oxymoronic

The definition of an oxymoron is: A figure in which an epithet of a contrary signification is added to a word; e. g., cruel kindness; laborious idleness.
I think we all see oxymorons in our world and government on a daily basis. These are the ones I see.
Here are some examples, simple as they are. The Republicans want less restrictive government in our lives. Yet, go against a woman’s right to choose an abortion or not. I see it as her body, her choice and her moral turbulence. Her choice doesn’t affect anyone but her. Yet, the extreme right is saying it’s not her right to choose. Less government? Oxymoron?
Here is one I see and find funny. A large portion of RBC employment is government based. At one time, it was over 50 percent and I am sure that number has increased due to lack of oil and gas jobs. Yet, the base of this area is anti-government. How is it that people who are employed by the government, with benefits of health, retirement, and vacation plans stand against that very institution? Oxymoron?
Since RBC is Republican-based, you would think that there would be open arms toward expansion of corporate employment such as oil, gas and coal. One would think that there would be an open-arms program toward building, employment and expanding a good tax base for future of RBC citizens and children. Yet, I see just the exact opposite. It’s kind of like the Republicans are acting more like extreme liberals, and the liberals are not even countable in the county. Yet, liberals are being blamed for much of what has taken place. This is not true on a county level. The attitude of RBC is much like Summit County or Boulder, cater to those who are rich, and well-connected. After all, the majority of those who are making these choices work for the government right? Hmm … is this another oxymoron?
While I was home over the 4th of July, I had some wonderful conversations with many old friends on the topic of the Tea Party. I am all for a third-party system. One that is moderate, not extreme from ether side. I personally feel that this is part of what is wrong with our nation, very few leaders in power stand in the middle where most of us are. I agree with fiscal responsibility. However, when I wrote a note in the paper after Bush bailed out AIG, there was total support in RBC for his choice. I stated this quote, “Fascism should more appropriately be called Corporatism because it is a merger of state and corporate power,” Benito Mussolini. What took place? Was this not a merger? Did I miss something? “The symptoms of fascist thinking are colored by environment and adapted to immediate circumstances. But always and everywhere they can be identified by their appeal to prejudice and by the desire to play upon the fears and vanities of different groups in order to gain power,” Henry A. Wallace.
Let’s see, fears and vanities of different groups … to gain power. What happened to the nation that stood for all peoples’ rights? The right to choose what is correct for themselves? The right to choose for their bodies, and lives? The right to choose if they want to be religious or not? The right to choose how they choose to worship or not? What happened to the idea of doing what is best for all of the people, not select groups, and shards of a whole?
Here is where I disagree with the Tea Party and what I see as an oxymoron. I believe in total separation of church and state, period. Why? Because religion leads to judgment, separations, the need to say “I am right and you are wrong.” The stupid comment of “God is on our side” is shocking and sad. Are we not all creatures of a God? “The purpose of separation of church and state is to keep forever from these shores the ceaseless strife that has soaked the soil of Europe with blood for centuries,” James Madison.
I agree with George Carlin’s statement, “I’m completely in favor of the separation of church and state. My idea is that these two institutions screw us up enough on their own, so both of them together is certain death.” In my eyes, religion is personal and to be taught at home … or not. Again, I see conflict. “The number, the industry, and the morality of the priesthood, and the devotion of the people have been manifestly increased by the total separation of the church from the state,” James Madison.
In my eyes, the beauty and the power of man lies within his differences. It is within the difference that we are allowed to grow, exchange and become more, not less. Most wars are religion-based. In my eyes, it is madness. Morality belongs to all men and women, not a church, not a religion, not a following. It is something that is in the hearts of all people, it’s called compassion. Compassion for others, your neighbor, your community, your state, your fellow man. Again, in my eyes, an oxymoron.
I will close with a scientific fact from NASA on compassion. For the last 40 plus years there have been two satellites floating above the Northern and Southern Hemispheres to monitor the electrical magnetic fields of earth. It has been known for years that this field changes and has profound effects on earth. It is watched to monitor the shift in the poles, earthquakes, weather patterns and so on. About 10 years ago, the data was downloaded and observed, and something shocking had taken place. For the first time ever in the 40 plus years, both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres were off the chart with the electromagnetic fields. Yet nothing known as a geological event had happened. Both satellites had relayed the same information. Something major took place. So the information was laid out over a time-based calendar to see what happened. What they found has changed the track of science, and I would hope mankind. The event that had taken place was this: The charts spiked on both satellites 15 minutes after the first plane hit the first tower on 9/11. What was being observed in space was the “consciousness of compassion” throughout the world. This is when all the media had the story out of what was taking place. This electromagnetic field was being seen from space. It was not Christian-based, or Muslim-based, it was heartfelt compassion from ALL people, and ALL walks of life. An oxymoron? Or, the true power of what is best in all humans.
Dalai Lama said a mind committed to compassion is like an overflowing reservoir — a constant source of energy, determination and kindness. This mind can also be likened to a seed; when cultivated, it gives rise to many other qualities, such as forgiveness, tolerance, inner strength, and the confidence to overcome fear and insecurity.
That’s about as simple as it gets.
Michelle E. Hale
Hayden