“Whatever Happened To My Party?”: An Interview With The Common Man

The Common Man is a regular reader and commenter here on A Lady of Reason. I have enjoyed much of his sensible and insightful comments he’s made on the blog. He’s graciously taken the time and given me the honor of giving me an interview with him over the subject of how he used to be a Democrat, but ultimately turned away from the party. This is his perspective as a fellow conservative.

So, tell me a little about yourself first:

I’ve been a teacher for 41 years at New England schools and colleges. My family members were moderate Democrats. From a young age, I’ve been a part of the workforce and both my upbringing and my present status is that of a middle class working individual. I am married, have a daughter and am a home owner.

In your correspondence with me, you said you used to be a Democrat. Could you tell me a little more about that?

The Democratic Party has changed substantially from the 1960’s to the present. Since that time there have been many changes in the party for the negative. I’ll list some of the major points in no specific order. The continued support of a welfare system initially intended to assist persons and families who were at risk evolved into a lifestyle in poorer communities where we see individuals and families accepting welfare as a substitute for education, training, and employment which would contribute to their towns, cities, and ultimately, the country. The civic leaders of these poorer communities became part of the problem, but furthering programs that allow them to prosper, while creating a dependency in their consistency on the welfare checks, child support checks, food stamps, Section 8 housing, free medical services on and on… All of it being supported by US citizens who actually work and contribute to our society. That imputes the system, and the civic leaders. When my family members immigrated to this country, they were required to have a job waiting for them here in America. They came, they worked, and became American citizens paying taxes, and helping to build their communities as productive people. This was the American Dream. The liberal concept of uncontrolled, wide open borders with an unlimited amount of drain resulting on our schools, medical facilities, police forces, and of course, the taxpayers who pay for it all was not a reality in past years. The Democratic concept of building a voting constituency based upon people entering the country illegally, became a reality. I like all fair minded people became disenchanted with the party.

What were the first inklings of discontent for your support of the party and when did they start to happen?

It started with the Clintons. I began to recognize that Washington was operating above the law and although busy with raising a family and working two jobs, I kept my eyes and ears open for changes within the party. As I saw in more recent times that enemies of the United States, such as Al-Qaeda, became emboldened with a more far left liberal series of changes within the laws. I realized the the obvious that we were providing these types of groups with free reign to come here and make their violent statements. Global powers who seeked to benefit from the willingness of our government to make trade deals that favored them, and weakened America’s economy. When President Obama took office, I had hoped he, being a man of color, we would see a re-imagining of how America assists people of color in impoverished urban settings. In fact, he campaigned to people of color strongly indicating that he would reform their educational systems, they way that they are dealt with in criminal situations, and in general their entire socio-economic challenges. This did not happen. The facts are that he clearly emboldened through direct action, a number of countries while weakening our position militarily, and economically, resulting in huge advantages for them and putting the United States last. This is a globalist, far-left, Marxist series of actions delivered to the American people by a well dressed, well spoken, smooth talking gentleman president.

In brief, what was the eventual tipping point in leaving the Democratic party?

All of this came to a head in the Clinton vs. Trump election for the presidency. When the truth outed that the Clintons had long engaged in elitist, highly questionable practices regarding the law, their finances, fundraising, and use of what can only be termed as underhanded manipulation of the former, I started to have doubts about her as our president. On the other side, Trump, who I’ve always seen as kind of a brute, seemed to be less able to hide his past and who he was as a high powered millionaire businessman, a person who had many women and affairs, and spent time as a celebrity with men’s programming such as the Spike Channel on cable TV, etc. These weaknesses and events seemed to be while troubling, were somehow less so than the Obama-Clinton union. Let me add also that, I grew up in a household with strong women, with a father and grandfather who taught me no prejudices against women, but to admire how strong a woman can be.

The Nation has been polarized greatly since the 2016 Presidential Election. Have you been all that politically active before then? And if not, what made you now?

Here before like many working family men, I was not overly involved in politics. The culmination of all that I have stated above coming to light drew me to become involved on a level a level I had not before.

Much of the Conservative side has been unpopular and greatly censored since. I know I have struggles being a closeted conservative, yet speaking out here on A Lady of Reason. How do you deal with the backlash and vitriol of the radical liberals?

The Democratic party has enjoyed control of the greater majority of all of our media here in America for at least 25 years. Now that real opposition has taken place in the form of the election of a Republican president, the voice of the Democratic party has become increasingly far-left, radical, desperate and divisive. When I fact check what I’m seeing in magazines, newspapers, online and in 95% of the media, I find that the majority of it is untrue. Like most Americans, I will listen to the truth, regardless of what your party is. However, when I am lied to by powers who call themselves quote “news”, I am then compelled to label these entities unreliable and on the payroll of the far-left. This problem is pervasive and as a full time teacher teaching ages four though adult I have observed firsthand the teachers’ union including college professors indoctrinating young people toward an ideology that is politically Left. In essence, quote “growing” a huge constituency of future Democratic voters. It is the mandate of a teacher to instruct their students to learn both sides of any debate, ideology, or faith and then having researched these topics, make their own decisions. This has not happened! These are some of the key points to why I reached the turning point leading me away from the Democratic party and coming to the sad reality that this can no longer be my party.

Have you ever had a negative experience in person with a radical liberal?

I am smart enough and I’m old enough to know that the type of discussion that you have fostered with your important blog will when discussed face to face with this group will ultimately not lead to fair discourse. I have no desire to be accused of being a racist, homophobe, misogynist, and any other number of devices used to shout down any person that presents factual evidence contrary to this growing far left liberal ideology, and as seen in more recent times, beyond that, many if these groups have resorted to physical violence which I will not engage in unless my back is against the wall and a matter of life and death. Therefore I do not put myself in that position. May we hope it never comes to that.

Thank you for your time thus far, but I want to end with one last question: What is your advice for fellow closeted conservatives that want to speak out?

You need to invest time in researching the truth and since you will find overwhelmingly, that your magazines, newspapers, internet and TV is 95% controlled by the Left, you will have a hard time fining the facts. It takes a lot of work to shift through and filter out what is really taking place. Remember that Fascism as seen by Italy’s Mussolini and the 3rd Reich started as a controlling of all that people see and heard in their media. What we’re seeing now is a mass blanketing of all that we see and hear with a far left agenda. If a person is not willing to do the digging, they will be kept in the dark, and worse than that, likely to simply follow in lockstep with what others are doing. In conclusion I’d like to say to you, Lady of Reason, what you have provided us giving voice to topics with factual accounting is crucial. I for one know this is what all of our citizens need in order to make rational decisions for our country’s well-being.

—The Common Man

Thank you Common Man! It was an honor getting to see your perspective! If anyone else wants to have a guest post or an interview, please contact me at aladyofreason@outlook.com and write the topic you want to talk about!

Reflections on Current Events: PragerU vs. Censorship by The Liberal Media

Reflections on current events is a new segment of A Lady of Reason. A history teacher in my sophomore year of high school would make the class write reflections on current events in the news, with the view it made us more well rounded, engaged citizens to think about what we see and hear about, and reflect on it, not just absorb it like mindless sponges! While he was much more liberal than I, I found common ground in that sentiment, as how can one make change without knowing what’s being changed? Inspired by the spirit of that assignment, I take some time to reflect on a major event going on involving the conservative community, or some liberal lunacy that has gained prominence! Part of the job of speaking out and advocating is being informed of what’s going on in the world around us. “Forewarned is forearmed!” 

The recent flurry of news over censorship of conservative voices online and on social media platforms has captured more national attention in recent days since it has come out PragerU has been censored by Facebook. However, this issue is not new and has been going on for years! The rampant culture of radical liberalism has pervaded our country, from blatant lies in politics, to propaganda and brainwashing in our schools and higher education, to most major organizations,  news outlets, TV, movies, and yes, the internet! Conservatives must fight twice or more as hard to be heard, and when they do, face intense backlash, ad-hominem attacks, and vitriol. We are reduced to backwards stereotypes such as racists, misogynists, homophobes, transphobes, etc…etc… who are privileged white males! Not to mention anti-intellectual cavemen who want to set our country back to the stone age in terms of social progress and equality!

The liberals make all sorts of excuses, for example saying that conservative viewpoints are “hate speech”. But, has anyone actually thought about what actually is hate speech? I’ll give you liberals a hint; it’s NOT simply an unflattering truth or unpopular opinion! You see, even a more bigoted opinion is not against the law. I’m not justifying making unsubstantiated claims just to incite anger and provoke outrage, nor spreading nasty lies about any group. The key difference between where it ought to cross the line is inciting violence, and threatening individuals or groups with actual credible threats (i.e. bomb threats, shootings, assault etc…). Saying an unflattering, harsh and blunt opinion or criticism of someone or some group is not the same, and if censored, will go down a very slippery slope! When did a frank but honest critique become racist, sexist, xenophobic, homophobic etc…? When was it decided criticizing a politician’s flaws and scandals is tantamount to hurling a racial slur? The fact is, there are many many opinions I strongly disagree with that I wish were never said in the open. However, I’d never dream of limiting their right to speak freely in this country, a democracy where the people can speak their minds about their government and anything else! I demand my rights to speak my mind, therefore, also fight for the rights of others to speak theirs, even in conflict with my own opinions. Quite a foreign concept, huh? 😉 After all, the true reason for needing a right to free speech is for just the occasion that speech is unpopular. The Nazis never came after those saying “Heil Hitler!”, now did they? Many opinions will get your goat, even anger you. They certainly do for me on occasion, but I will still uphold their right to voice them in this country.

Speaking of speech that can skirt the line between unpopular and illegal, what about some things the liberals have said? Madonna wants to “blow up the White House”! and yet, no one ever came after her for making a blatant threat against the president and the government! What about all the people who have made death threats against Trump, our president, yet let off the hook with a slap on the wrist, or less! The incidents of “stab a Trumpkin” in a college, or a grave that said “Don Trump” at an elementary school Halloween party! Not to mention YouTube videos joking about assassinating Trump, or what about Antifa inciting violence with provocative statements against their opposition? The liberals get to say all the petty slurs they want, comparing the NRA to baby killers, or criticizing Trump’s appearance, yet decrying any one else doing it to liberal politicians, like Hilary Clinton, or Michelle Obama. What about sacking conservatives for saying something unpopular and cancelling their TV show, or blackballing them, yet letting liberal actors and celebrities slander conservatives scott free? I won’t say all conservatives air their views in the most polite, professional and articulate manner, but to say we’re the hateful ones, while spewing out blatant lies, slander and hate for conservatives is complete and utter hypocrisy!

It’s scary that here in America, major corporations such as Google and affiliated social media platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and others can censor conservatives and almost no one bats an eye or speaks up! The liberal bias is rampant online, as in every major news outlet, magazine, and media in general. They say all groups need to see themselves in the spotlight in a positive way to feel valued in our society, yet don’t bat an eye at stereotyping conservatives as backwards, ignorant hicks and bigots! When do we get our turn in the media? When do our voices get to be heard on supposedly free speech sites like Facebook, YouTube and Twitter? The recent incident with PragerU and Facebook and YouTube censoring, where 3 million or so viewers couldn’t access his most recent videos all overnight it seemed, really brought to light to many the extent the blatant censorship of conservatives goes! And this isn’t the first time PragerU was censored either! Countless others, many much smaller and less prominent are censored every day by these liberal corporations online, and in the media, and who’s going to speak up for them? PragerU was lucky since they are so prominent, but what about the little guy, such as my little platform to speak out? Who will protect me? The fact that this happens is an outrage, and if it were to happen to a prominent liberal organization, there would be international outrage on every major news network! Telling too how Facebook decided it was all an “accident”, but who honestly believes the fact 3 million people couldn’t reach PragerU’s videos when PragerU got thousands of views on his others? You may not agree with everything PragerU has to say, you may oppose it strongly, but you know the saying…

First they came for the — and I didn’t speak up,

Now they came for me and there was no one left to speak for me…

There will be more stories to come of censorship until we hold them accountable! It’s only a matter of time until they come for you too unless we speak up together and fight to get our voices heard! Who will be there when they come for you if you let others be shut down?

Trouble in Paradise: Hidden Dangers on Vacation

The summer is winding down, but there’s still time for that last minute summer vacation! Your bags are almost packed, plate tickets are bought, hotels are booked. You’re almost ready to go out the door – but wait! Did you forget something? Car keys? Check. Plane Tickets? Check. Underwear? Check. Toiletries? Check. ID? Check… There is one thing I fear, many leave behind on most trips, something extremely important, but you can’t pack it in your bags, or take it on carry on, or even see: Common sense.

The issue is, many seem to be more “carefree” when away on vacation. Of course, vacations are supposed to be fun leisurely getaways from the grind of daily life, but we’ve all heard the stories of people getting killed and mysteriously disappearing here and abroad. While out enjoying the nice sights, hotels, resorts etc… many forget and let their guard down. In such a blissful paradise, could there be trouble? Unfortunately in many places that answer is “yes”. People traveling to risky places, like 3rd world countries are being kidnapped, and killed by groups like ISIS for instance. Young naive Americans who think nothing of frolicking off in “enemy territory” of the Middle East and Africa are being kidnapped killed and tortured. Many, although it is being downplayed and covered up, are also being sold into human trafficking, in labor and the sex trade for young women.

What do you expect though going to places like that? Recently, a young couple cycling in the Middle East got killed by ISIS! Refugees are actively fleeing such war-torn hellholes, and yet, naive American and European tourists are going there for thrills! The amount of denial of many is incredible when it comes to the real dangers around the world. Militant groups, terrorists, and common criminals are all to eager to exploit and victimize some naive foreign tourists with no clue as to the culture, language or dangers abroad. Going into a war torn area with primitive living conditions in a dog-eat-dog society will not bode well for the well off Western tourist, who compared to the natives, has everything while they have nothing. Imagine if you were starving and desperate, robbing a few tourists, or holding them for ransom doesn’t seem as unfeasible. I mean, why should they care about you? You’re just some well off Westerner they were taught brought them into this poverty by their own country. Not to mention, many militant and terrorist groups needing to instill terror in the US and Europe by targeting their citizens. Seeing videos of tourists’ heads cut off understandably gives people the chills! For another case, a woman was arrested with her young daughter and sent to an Arabian prison for drinking alcohol on the plane over, before she even set foot in the country! Which brings up yet another point, is many tourists go in blind also not knowing the laws, such as zero tolerance for drugs and alchohol in many Arab and other Muslim countries. So much could go wrong in 3rd world countries between crime, trafficking and terrorism. Let’s not forget South and Central America and Mexico too! Drug cartels, gangs like MS-13 and more trafficking await you!

Even if the people don’t get you, there’s also the diseases. Ebola is in parts of Africa and they had an epidemic of it just a few years ago. That could have been brought back here due to international travel now. It’s scary! With today’s technology, a disease from over there could be here in a matter of hours! Dysentery plagues 3rd world countries with little sanitation like the Middle East, Mexico, Africa, South America and such. Not to mention parasites as well! Nothing like picking up a bot fly from Belize, or foot worm from Africa! Yes, there are vaccines for things, and anti-malarial drugs, but they don’t over everything! Also, what about the quality of medical care? A village clinic with no sanitation and never heard of Germ Theory isn’t the most ideal place if you come down with something! Going to seedy countries, and you may come back with more “souvenirs” than you ever wanted!

You think, “Well, duh! I won’t make those mistakes!” but it is so, so easy to when your guard is down when you’re relaxing or taking in the sights. In my own experience, I visited Europe on a school trip in high school. It was my first time, and even though I knew a bit of the language, and they warned us about pick pockets and such, we still didn’t know the area at all. The amount of risk taking on that trip by my classmates was jaw dropping to say the least. Imagine you’re in a city like Madrid, or Lisbon. You know nothing of the city, never seen it in your life, don’t speak the language well or know the culture. Don’t know which streets and areas are safe or not, yet, the minute your tour guide says “we’ll meet back in 2 hours”, you zoom off into oblivion not even looking back to see where you came from! You could be lost down many ally ways, bump into all sorts of seedy characters, yet be none the wiser until it’s too late. People have disappeared on vacations, think of Natalee Holloway in Aruba. It shocked me that each group didn’t have a chaperone accompanying them, as they all stayed with other chaperones. I wisely stayed with them too rather than zoom off with my naive classmates. The one time I did go with the other kids was when a college aged girl approached us and asked if we wanted to go to a “party” at 1 am! Alarm bells rang like crazy in my mind and after the girl left, I voiced my concerns to my group. What if she was luring us to be trafficked? What if it was a set up to rob us? Why would a complete stranger invite us to a party, not for some charity or event, but with seemingly no strings attached? It was too good to be true, and quite suspicious. My classmate’s response? “Well, we can dream…”! The naivety of those kids and chaperones for that matter, not looking after us more closely was astonishing!

Don’t think even 1st world Europe is safe anymore either! Many countries there are more poor, and have just as much if not more crime than any US city. In addition, now there is terrorism in many places in Europe especially by ISIS. London, Madrid, Brussels, Nice, Manchester etc… Their liberal “inclusive” policies are letting terrorists and criminals flourish in these countries! Many neighborhoods are being turned into 3rd world ghettos full of 3rd world culture, the same brutal culture back home. Turn down the wrong street, be in the wrong place at the wrong time, and you’re a goner!

Don’t think you’re safe with only travel in the US too! While our county is your best bet for now, every major city has crime and gangs and trafficking. Do you want to walk through Harlem at night? NY is a great city, but it has it’s danger zones like any other. Boston is great sightseeing, but gangs and crime happen still in seedy areas and at night. Seattle is cool, but now it’s plagued by a rampant homeless population, driving crime up, and business away. Visit cities near Mexico? Think about MS-13 and other gangs and drug trafficking and illegal immigration coming in.

This is not to say you can never travel again, all places here and abroad come with risks, but you can still have fun, and be safe. That means though, you have to be vigilant. Not keep valuables on your person or visible. Go with a group. Friends, a tour group etc… especially if you’re a young woman. Don’t wear offensive clothing with provocative slogans, political or other wise, don’t wear risque immodest outfits for women, as many cultures take it to mean you’re available or a prostitute. It can be explicitly forbidden in many parts of Muslim Countries! Know more about the city you’re staying in, the culture, the language, the crime rates. Find out how safe a place is and at what hours it’s not. Always tell people your plans and where you’ll be going and when you’ll get back. Give your family back home your itinerary. Know where the US embassies are in case of the worst like detainment for instance. Know your rights and the laws in the country your going in. Keep ID and passports in a place you can’t lose them. Get pepper spray. Bring first aid and medicine. Watch out for symptoms. Be careful what you eat and drink. Take bottled water. Be aware of your surroundings. And much more!

If you decide to travel to risky places, know the risks, basically. Forewarned is forearmed. This whole liberal “tolerance” propaganda, thinking everywhere is as tolerant as we are, and safe is delusional. Facts are, more Western places are safer, and minority inhabited places are not. Not the most flattering revelation, but the cold hard truth. Not every culture vibes with ours. Not every country welcomes Americans with open arms. Not every city even here welcomes you. And never forget, any place you go, even safer ones carry risks. I’m not religious by any means, but I can’t help but say even the Garden of Eden had its snake 😉 No place is crime free! Don’t be a victim, and pack your common sense with you too 🙂