It's My Fault?

This isn’t one of my regular blog posts (www.andrewtkemp.com/blog).  This is actually a response to a conversation.  But, here we go.
 
Okay, so the other day I posted the following on Facebook, “I am tired of Republicans saying, ‘You had your turn, now it is ours.’ Our turn didn't rely on misogyny, racism, bigotry, and xenophobia. So, piss off.”  It was met with equal parts agreement and ire.  That I can accept.  We, as a people, are divided right now.  Like it or not, we are.
 
I would like to say that it is unique to this time period, but it isn’t.  We have always been divided.  Sure, I know people will argue that we have had times where we were of a singular mind.  Maybe during wars.  But, even then, that was only the spoken narrative.  We were still divided.  By race, religion, sexuality, and wealth. 
 
What is bothering me is that much of what is going on is being blamed on liberals/left/Democrats by the conservative/right/Republicans.  Somehow, this is our fault.  They are without blame.  I was told, “As much as I disagree with most liberal policies, I abhor the pieces of crap that are intentionally turning us on one another. Quit falling for the two party manipulation and treat each other with respect.”  First, this statement in itself is a statement of antagonism.  Second, well, we have a two party state.  Like it or not.  Finally, it is easy to say you want to treat each other with respect when your voice is the only one in control.  As someone replied, respect is earned. 
 
In my original post, I noted, “Our turn [Democrats] didn't rely on misogyny, racism, bigotry, and xenophobia.”  I am not quite sure what the issue was.  Evidence? 

• Misogyny: Kavanaugh?  Trump? A group of men making decisions on womens’ health?
• Racism: Police violence? Attacks on BLM?  The creation of WLM (give me a break)?
• Bigotry:  Bathroom bills? The law about who you can serve?
• Xenophobia:  The wall?  The immigrant camps?  ICE? 

 
So, complain all you want that this is my/our fault. 
 
WAIT!  Retort pause….
 
Obama
Hillary
Mail
Benghazi
Taxes
Obamacare
Hillary
Oh, and, well, Bill got a BJ and lied about it
 
Continue on.
 
So, my point being.  Stop it.  It is not the fault of protestors, liberals, leftists, Democrats, minorities, immigrants, or the news media that we are divided.  It is that the policies that are being enacted, are dividing us.  The only care or concern is money. 
 
Hey, my taxes went down!  I am happy.
 
It doesn’t matter how much.  Or if everyone gets it.  Or the fact that the rich are getting richer over it. 
 
Money, money, money. 
 
Oh, and, “I need my freedoms.  Not yours.  Mine.”
 
And, I know that you might be reading this and thinking, well, that isn’t me.  I am not racist, misogynistic, bigoted, or xenophobic.  But, if you are supporting a group or part of a group that does, your silence on the matter is consent.  Therefore, you are complicit. 
 
So, I am not going to stop.  I am not going to be quiet.  I am going to keep talking.  Questioning.  Calling out people.
 
Feel free to respond.