How to Spot the Mean-Spirited Politics That Ain’t Worth Your Time
Posted in Politics • By Dean Burnette
Well now, friends, I’ve been chewing on something like a hound dog with a tough bone, and I reckon it’s time to spit it out. After attending our recent Georgia GOP State Convention up in Dalton, I’ve been watching some folks spread more poison than a cottonmouth in a kiddie pool. And bless their hearts, they’re working overtime to make good Republicans feel bad about being Republicans.
The Rule About Wrestling with Pigs
Now, my granddaddy always told me, “Dean, never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty, but the pig likes it.” That wisdom has served me well, especially when I see certain writers stirring up more drama than a soap opera during sweeps week.
Recently, I came across an article that had more spin than a tornado in a trailer park. The writer painted our state convention like it was some kind of three-ring circus, complete with name-calling and conspiracy theories that would make Oliver Stone blush. But here’s the thing that gets my goat: this writer wasn’t just criticizing—he was trying to tear down the very foundation of what we Republicans stand for.
What Really Happened in Dalton
Let me tell you what I saw at that convention, and it wasn’t no circus. I saw good people from all across Georgia—folks who took time off work, drove hours, and spent their own hard-earned money to participate in our democratic process. These weren’t actors or conspirators; they were teachers, farmers, small business owners, and retirees who care enough about our country to get involved.
Did Josh McKoon win re-election as our party chairman? You bet he did. And he won fair and square with overwhelming support from delegates who knew exactly what they were voting for. When someone wins that decisively, it’s not because of some grand conspiracy—it’s because the majority of Republicans in Georgia believe he’s doing a good job.
The Georgia Republican Assembly (GRA) folks? They’re good people too, even when they don’t agree with each other on everything. That’s what happens in a real organization with real people who have real opinions. Sometimes discussions get heated, and sometimes feelings get hurt. That’s not corruption—that’s democracy.
Warning Signs of Political Poison
Now, after reading more toxic takes than a chemical spill, I’ve learned to spot the warning signs when someone’s trying to sell you a bill of goods instead of the truth. Here’s what to watch out for:
1. They Attack Everyone’s Character
When a writer spends more time calling people names than discussing actual issues, that’s a red flag bigger than the one at Stone Mountain. Good reporters and commentators focus on facts and policies, not personal attacks.
2. Everything’s a Conspiracy
If every political event is described as a “fix” or a “circus,” you’re probably reading someone who sees shadows where there ain’t no trees. Real politics involves real people making real decisions—not elaborate schemes worthy of a Hollywood thriller.
3. They Claim to Speak for “True” Republicans
Anybody who suggests they’re the only “real” conservative in the room is usually the one stirring the pot. True conservatives build up rather than tear down, and they sure don’t spend their time trying to discourage other Republicans from participating.
4. They Use Inflammatory Language
Words like “ringmaster,” “clowns,” and “disemboweling” aren’t the vocabulary of serious political discourse. They’re the tools of someone more interested in creating drama than solving problems.
The Publications That Spread This Poison
Furthermore, we need to be careful about where we get our information. Some publications have made their reputation by attacking Republicans more than Democrats. They claim to be conservative, but their main contribution seems to be discouraging good people from getting involved in politics.
These publications often feature writers who seem more interested in personal vendettas than promoting conservative values. They’ll take a disagreement over convention procedures and turn it into a federal case. Meanwhile, they ignore the real work being done by Republicans across Georgia to advance conservative principles.
The Real Heroes of Our Movement
Instead of focusing on the complainers, let me tell you about the real heroes I saw in Dalton. There was the young mother from South Georgia who stood up to speak about education issues. The retired veteran from North Georgia who talked about fiscal responsibility. The small business owner from Metro Atlanta who discussed the importance of free enterprise.
These folks didn’t come to Dalton to create drama or settle scores. They came because they believe in the Republican Party and want to make Georgia better. They voted for Josh McKoon because they trust his leadership, and they participated in the GRA because they believe in grassroots involvement.
What This Means for Good Republicans
Here’s the bottom line, friends: don’t let the naysayers and pot-stirrers discourage you from staying involved. Our republic depends on good people willing to participate in the political process, even when it gets messy. And yes, it does get messy sometimes—that’s the nature of democracy.
When you see articles that spend more time attacking Republicans than promoting Republican values, consider the source. Ask yourself: is this writer trying to build up our party or tear it down? Are they encouraging participation or discouraging it? Are they offering solutions or just complaints?
The Moral of This Story
The truth is, politics attracts all kinds of people—the good, the bad, and the ugly. Some folks get involved because they want to serve their community and advance conservative principles. Others seem more interested in settling personal scores and tearing down anyone who disagrees with them.
As Christians, Jews, and conservatives, we’re called to be wise as serpents but gentle as doves. That means we need to discern between legitimate criticism and mean-spirited attacks. It means we support good people doing good work, even when they’re not perfect. And it means we don’t let the complainers and conspiracy theorists drive us away from our civic duties.
The Georgia GOP is not perfect—no political organization is. But it’s our organization, and it’s filled with good people trying to advance conservative values in our state. When we let the critics and conspiracy theorists discourage us from participating, we’re essentially handing over control to those who would tear down rather than build up.
Moving Forward with Faith and Wisdom
So here’s my advice, friends: stay engaged, stay positive, and stay faithful to conservative principles. Support good leaders like Josh McKoon when they earn your trust. Participate in organizations like the GRA when they align with your values. And most importantly, don’t let the political pigs drag you down into the mud.
Remember, we’re not just Republicans—we’re Americans blessed to live in the greatest country on God’s green earth. We have the privilege and responsibility to participate in our democracy, warts and all. That’s a blessing worth protecting, and it’s certainly worth more than the complaints of those who would rather tear down than build up.
As always, thanks for stopping by Southern Fried Thoughts. Now, who’s ready for some gumbo?
Until next time, keep your faith strong, your family close, and your politics positive.
Dean Burnette
Southern Fried Thoughts