We hear all the time about how tolerant and compassionate liberals are, and how intolerant they think conservatives are. Liberals tell us that we should respect everyone and their religious views, their political views, their sexual preferences, their national cultures, and everything else about others. We're to revel in our diversity and celebrate our differences.
The truth is that the left has never really been tolerant of those who think differently than they do. Nor are they particularly compassionate.
For proof, look no farther than the comments sections of news stories that reported on the health problems of Kentucky's senators, Mitch McConnell and Rand Paul, over the weekend.
On Sunday morning, McConnell fell at his Louisville home and broke his shoulder. Then on Monday, Paul underwent surgery to remove a part of his lung; a procedure made necessary due to the lingering health problems resulting from his being assaulted by his Bowling Green neighbor several months ago.
The amount of vitriol and pure hatred expressed by many of the liberal commenters isn't really surprising. The tolerant, compassionate left has no tolerance nor compassion for those who view government and society differently.
Truth be told, I'm not a fan of either McConnell or Paul. I don't agree with McConnell's establishment-favoring views, and I also don't align with Paul's beliefs on many public policy positions. But I'd never wish ill health upon them.
Imagine if something like this happened to Chuck Schumer, Nancy Pelosi, or any other prominent liberal. And imagine if conservatives started celebrating and wishing even more health issues. ("Hope he develops sepsis," one particularly compassionate commented about McConnell's injury.) The left's outrage would be boiling over.
The truth is, it's wrong when either side does it. But it's especially hypocritical when it comes from the side that proclaims itself the guardian of tolerance and compassion. It's why I reject the term "progressive" as a descriptor for liberals and leftists. You don't make progress when you want to stifle debate and discussion, and wish harm upon your opponents.
I enjoy trolling liberals on social media more than I probably should, but I don't even attempt to call out this shameful behavior for what it is. If those who celebrate the injuries to Kentucky's two senators can't see the wrong in doing so for themselves, it would be futile for anyone else to try to point out their disgusting behavior. Some people are beyond shame, and they've proved it this week.
