"We approach the issues of the day with an open mind and guided by those principles, not by blind devotion to any political party."

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COMMENTS:
*  So did any of you or is anyone paying attention to the overall message in the response? Did anyone who claims to believe in the values of what this country was built upon read the message? Liberal thinking is what eventually gave women the right to vote and gave many protections in rights to the disabled, and the elderly especially older workers. Those who claim to be Christian, did any of you see anything in paper's response that remotely reminded you of what Jesus might say? You answers suggest you missed the point, on purpose, for all of the political, separatist, bigoted, positional, and rigid reasons this country desperately can do without. Too bad.
   *  They always miss the point- unless it benefits them. People forget that they are to lead a life of service. And people who call themselves Christians forget that they are to lead a life of service to God and to others.
*  As I've gotten older, I find my views getting more liberal. Contrary to some opinions, it isn't a disease. It's the result of life experience during which one has had an open mind.  I don't care if people are conservative or tp types. That's just the way life is. I've elected to listen to different points of view. That's irrespective of how intolerant or self serving they are. In my experience, those folks don't really like to discuss the basis of their views. They like to condemn and belittle, not discuss. Too beneath their dignity to recognize there are opposing viewpoints.  Takes all kinds.
*  Classy, poised, and well put. It won't reach anyone who votes Republican, as they don't believe in one single item he listed.
*  Life is a BITCH. Don't elect one.
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Charlotte Newspaper Gives Honest Answer to Reader's Question: Why Do You Support Such a Liberal Agenda?
By Yuna Shin, May 19, 2015

North Carolina is arguably a purple state. Obama 2008, Romney 2012. Most of the state nowadays is solidly red thanks to gerrymandering. That means that, despite this political landscape, the population is not solidly red. In fact, according to voter registration in the state, Democrats outnumber Republicans and in many counties "unaffiliated" voters count a full third of all voters if not more. The state has been a "toss-up" for the past few elections. North Carolina is an interesting political animal plain and simple.

Now here comes an interesting tidbit from the news world of North Carolina.

Taylor Batten, the Editorial Page Editor of The Charlotte Observer invited the readers to ask honest questions on Honest Day, April 30, and promised honest answers. One of the readers, David Fry, took up on this opportunity and sent in his question.

To: observer editors
Question? Why do you support such a liberal agenda?
Remember you're supposed to answer honestly.

Batten does not take the bait. He could have easily started a heated argument against the conservative agenda and/or Fry, given a reactionary answer, made snide comments, etc. Rather, he gives one of the coolest responses that anyone would come across and does so with great compassion and grace.

Read his response below.

We believe that everyone is created equal.

We believe that children should not bear responsibility for the sins of their parents.

We believe that prevention is a heck of a lot cheaper than a cure.

We believe people should not be treated as lesser citizens, with fewer rights, because of whom they love

[. . . ]

We believe discrimination is wrong in every instance.

[. . . ]

We believe that police officers should act professionally, under incredibly difficult circumstances, regardless of a suspect's race.

We believe taxes should be kept as low as possible while still providing a sound safety net for the neediest, a robust education for all, decent health care for the elderly and the destitute, and other basics.

We believe politicians of any party should keep their promises, avoid the appearance of personal gain from the public trust, and look out for the general welfare, not that of any one special interest.

[. . . ]

We believe there are peace-loving Muslims.

[. . . ]

We believe in the separation of church and state.

[. . . ]

We believe if you're a fan of a politician solely because he has a 'D' or an 'R' after his name, then you're not paying attention.

We believe we have only one planet, and we should protect it for our grandchildren.

Batten is unapologetic to the end.

If that earns us the label "liberal" in your eyes, Mr. Fry, so be it. We approach the issues of the day with an open mind and guided by those principles, not by blind devotion to any political party. And that's the honest truth.

Read the full editorial here.
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