The Name Game

“Sticks and stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me!” This is one of the most famous declarations of childhood. Yes, as we grow older we know just how untrue that statement really is. Cutting remarks, false accusations, gossip, slander and name calling or false labeling can be very hurtful. There is no one who knows this truth better than the political activist as we approach the mid-term and general elections of 2014 and 16.

Let me begin by admitting that reckless name-calling or false-labeling of opponents is evident on each side of the political divide. There is some truth to what Winston Churchill said, “Show me a young Conservative and I’ll show you someone with no heart. Show me an old Liberal and I’ll show you someone with no brains.” We need to examine ourselves before we are too quick to spew nonsense from our mouths!

Nevertheless, I am writing from the conservative viewpoint and challenge my political opponent to respond from their perspective. When the debate on this issue is concluded, hopefully each party will do their best to refrain from exaggerated name calling.

Therefore, let me begin by offering a few labels that have been falsely attributed to the conservative:

• Bigot – the conservative who opposes the homosexual life style.
• War on Women – one who either opposes abortion or wants limits whereby abortions can be permitted.
• Obstructionists – those who oppose the President’s progressive attempt to “radically transform America” or believe the government is spending money we do not have on things we do not need, leaving our descendents with enormous debt. Congress members who do not compromise their conservative values when voting.
• Uncompassionate – those who oppose any effort of illegal immigration, especially if we resist the recent flood of children into our borders.
• Global Warming Deniers – those who believe there are many lies from the environmentalists who communicate false information, knowing that over the past 100 years the earth’s temperature has risen only 0.4 degrees.
• Hate Groups – Christian activists who simply defend and promote biblical moral values i.e., Family Research Council.
• Racist – those who oppose anyone of color, especially the President, when it comes to ideology.
• Terrorist – those who still believe that the 2^nd Amendment applies when it gives us the right to bear arms.
• Extremist/bigot – those who embrace an evangelical faith.
• Nazis – conservative or pro-family organizations.
• Islamophobe – those who expose and condemn the actions of radical Islam.

There are many more labels that have polarized the political and social landscape of America. Name calling in order to slander our opponent is a dangerous thing to do. Some writers have suggested that spewing lies about others will have an impact upon election results. They note that 40% of the lies told about opponents will be believed by ignorant voters. Do not those who promote these tactics have a conscience and realize they have to stand before a living God some day and give an account for the words that came from their lying mouths?

If we attach a degrading or misleading name to anyone, we better have facts to back it up. For instance, if you call our President a “socialist,” have the evidence! Proverbs 6 gives a warning to those who are quick to label another so as to gain some sort of twisted advantage over them. “A worthless person sows discord…the Lord hates a false witness who speaks lies and sows discord among brethren.”

As the mid-term election nears we all ought to refrain from falsely labeling others. Instead, let me suggest that we simply speak the truth and persuade our listener that there is a better way to view certain issues. I believe that persuasive argument will eventually win in the end. It demands much more effort and patience, but ultimately it may produce a changed mind and possibly a new friend.