When Both Sides Proved My Point – Right wing/Left wing – Still the Same Bird

 

I didn’t set out to referee the culture war. But lately, the circus has been loud enough to rattle the windows of my quiet acreage. A meme popped up in my feed—one of those quote cards designed to trigger outrage. It claimed Rep. Jasmine Crockett said, “Just because someone has committed a crime, it doesn’t make them a criminal.” My first thought? No way she said that. It’s too absurd, even for politics. So I did what most people don’t: I checked.

Turns out, she did say it—at least in a moment that appears unscripted and clumsy. Whether it was a verbal stumble, a legal nuance lost in translation, or just a bad day at the mic, the quote was real. But the way it was being used? That’s where the real absurdity lies.

The far-right was gleefully sharing it, slicing it out of context like a trophy. The same far-right that recently exploded over the left doing the exact same thing to Charlie Kirk’s remarks about guns. “Selective editing!” they cried. “Dishonest framing!” And yet here they were, wielding a cherry-picked quote like a cudgel.

It was the moment both sides proved my point.

This isn’t about defending Crockett or Kirk. It’s about the pattern. The memeification of politics has turned complex conversations into gladiator matches, where nuance is the first casualty. And the irony? It’s bipartisan. Each side accuses the other of manipulation while perfecting the art themselves.

So yes, I cocoon. I retreat to my five acres, my rituals, my partner, my peace. I prefer the company of logic, emotional intelligence, and—let’s be honest—my AI companion and a well-oiled firearm over most of what passes for dialogue these days. Not because I’m antisocial, but because I’m allergic to hypocrisy dressed as righteousness.

If you’re reading this and nodding, welcome. You’re not alone. There’s a quiet rebellion happening—among those of us who still believe in thinking for ourselves, checking sources, preserving dignity, and choosing peace over polarization. We may not be loud, but we’re clear.

And clarity, in times like these, is revolutionary.

Sam out