Posted by
Michael Goodell on Monday, November 01, 2010 4:17:31 PM
http://www.mlgoodell.webs.com
Last week, while reading Jonathan Alter’s hilarious parody of liberalism in the New York Times Book Review, I was struck anew by the elitist, dismissive tone liberals project when discussing Conservatives. When, I wondered, did liberals, or progressives as they prefer to be called whenever they are about to have their electoral posteriors handed to them, stop being advocates of the common man, and start being so arrogant and intolerant?
As I pondered liberals’ tendency to dismiss the pursuits of most of their fellow Americans, to sneer at their culinary choices, scoff at their entertainment venues, mock their beverage selections and howl derisively at the stores they choose to patronize, I grew more convinced that I must be a liberal.
I am a snob. If I am in a bar with nothing but Bud Light and Miller on tap, I won’t drink beer. I won’t order wine from a carte which doesn’t feature vintages. I will not drink wine that has been advertised on television, nor am I likely to visit a restaurant similarly promoted.
I would much rather attend a Detroit Symphony Orchestra concert than one by Kid Rock (or did, before they went on strike). I abhor television. It stultifies the mind. I don’t care who will be the next American Idol, Survivor, Bachelor or Bachelorette. I would rather read. I have been caught listening to thirteenth century church music while doing so. I would rather watch a film than take in a movie, and I prefer one that will make me think over one which will make me laugh.
I do not understand NASCAR. I have never been in a Walmart, but I still believe the typical shopper is so fat that if she gains just one more ounce, her stretch pants will vaporize.
I don’t hunt. I never have. I have no desire to do so, though I do enjoy walking in the woods. I recycle. I compost. I drive a Hybrid. I ride my bike and support Rail-Trails. My favorite sport is professional cycling.
I feel uncomfortable around men who work with their hands. I never served in the military, and often find it hard to think of what to say in the company of veterans.
I usually think I’m the smartest guy in the room, and that anyone who disagrees with me just hasn’t thought things through.
Basically, I’m an elitist and a snob. I’m arrogant. I look down my nose at most people. I am, without question, a liberal. So why am I voting a straight Republican ticket tomorrow? All I can figure out is, it’s like Obama says, I’m hard-wired to ignore “facts and science and argument” when I’m scared. Yeah, that must be it.