Your political opinions

[writer0327]

Political discussions on public forums always end up the same, don't they? Jeers, snide remarks, and pejoratives thrown about willy-nilly. Is the point of these discussions to gain an understanding of one another or just pour ridicule on the opposition? I suppose there's some catharsis to be had in all of this back-and-forth, especially in these troubling times. Maybe this is a good way to blow off a little steam. But there's little to no intelligent discussion going on. How about this....let's lose the pejoratives and ad hominems, and in a rational manner, let's talk about actual solutions to our political and social disagreements that don't require a war.

 

[Flint Marko]

Snide remarks aside, I do think there’s value in these discussions. I joined these boards in ‘06 as someone who had never heard political discourse outside of the conservative Christian bubble I grew up in, and wading into debates here was one of the earliest ways I was able to see outside my own perspective and understand how misinformed I was.

The Hype really was a not-insignificant part of my journey to finding out what I truly believed in politically and if that can happen for me, it can happen for others as well.

 

[InCali]

Political discussions on public forums always end up the same, don't they? Jeers, snide remarks, and pejoratives thrown about willy-nilly. Is the point of these discussions to gain an understanding of one another or just pour ridicule on the opposition? I suppose there's some catharsis to be had in all of this back-and-forth, especially in these troubling times. Maybe this is a good way to blow off a little steam. But there's little to no intelligent discussion going on. How about this....let's lose the pejoratives and ad hominems, and in a rational manner, let's talk about actual solutions to our political and social disagreements that don't require a war.

When someone points to accusations and claims that this or that happened and defends someone who illegally crossed state lines and killed people while "protecting" property (perhaps have conflated those statements with the same person??), I'd say the discussion is not just unintelligent, but flatly disingenuous. I get sick of the posters who say "I think both sides....." and then throw out that kind of garbage.

Look, something needs to be done about the police. I'm not an expert enough to know exactly how to fix it, but we can figure it out. Maybe it will take more money and maybe it'll take less and maybe we need to think more along the lines of qualitative than quantitative. I thought "Defund the Police" was a stupid slogan and said so. A huge chunk of the problem is a direct result of the police running roughshod over people and their rights and it HAS to stop. I grew up in lower middle class neighborhoods in Los Angeles and I can tell you from first hand experience that this crap has been going on for a very long time. Were there opportunists during the protests that were just out to steal S*** for themselves and just destroy? Most surely and I spoke out against it. Mostly because I recognize that it reflects poorly on the movement to the general public and not because I didn't understand the anger, desperation, frustration, etc. I also saw demonstrators fighting off people who were trying to loot, but, hey, I didn't see a lot of that highlighted. I guess it doesn't make for watchable press. Better to highlight the violence and scare the citizenry.

I've got news for people. The way the police conducted themselves was a huge flashpoint and it's like a wound. Once it is opened, it takes time to heal and it's easily irritated. Fix the damn police and a lot of this crap won't happen.

 

[Spider-Aziz]

In one movie there is a brief discussion about washing the American flag, therefore I suggest making watching the Amazing Spider-Man 2 once a year an act of civic devotion for daring to have this conversation.

 

[Schlosser85]

......huh?

 

[The Batman]

You know what? I'm done. I'm not going to waste any more time on this thread. You and your little SJW comrades can pat yourselves on the back about how you "won" against the terrible enemy of differing opinions. You can celebrate in your echo chamber of group think. and bask in your own ignorance. Enjoy it.

You know...I don't agree with a single thing you've said...but I'd prefer it if you and posters like you stayed, because this section often becomes a centrist democrat echo chamber, which is pretty boring.

 

[Schlosser85]

The Hype really was a not-insignificant part of my journey to finding out what I truly believed in politically and if that can happen for me, it can happen for others as well.

Same, and it’s been an interesting evolution in discovering what I truly believe and where I truly want to align myself, even over the course of this last year.

I’m also gaining confidence in expressing what I believe. I don’t regret any stance on an issue that I’ve expressed here, even though it’s made a few people dislike me.

 

[Prison Mike]

You know...I don't agree with a single thing you've said...but I'd prefer it if you and posters like you stayed, because this section often becomes a centrist democrat echo chamber, which is pretty boring.

It really does liven up the place!

 

[Schlosser85]

You know...I don't agree with a single thing you've said...but I'd prefer it if you and posters like you stayed, because this section often becomes a centrist democrat echo chamber, which is pretty boring.

I don’t think bad faith arguments throwing out propaganda add anything to the conversation.

 

[Sithborg]

I am constantly thankful I stopped my descent into the alt right before I started using their terminology unironically.

 

[Flint Marko]

I am constantly thankful I stopped my descent into the alt right before I started using their terminology unironically.

Around 2014 I discovered Ben Shapiro/Jordan Peterson/PragerU and for about a year or so really thought those were all intelligent, consistent idealogues worth considering.

Glad that didn't stick.

 

[Schlosser85]

Just as I rejected a potential hookup because he worships Trump, I'm also glad I figured out I also find ultra-"woke" far leftists insufferable before I ventured anywhere with my roommate's ex.

 

[The Batman]

I don’t think bad faith arguments throwing out propaganda add anything to the conversation.

Neither does everyone agreeing with each other and chasing off those with opposing views.

 

[Schlosser85]

Everyone here hardly agrees with each other.

 

[InCali]

You know...I don't agree with a single thing you've said...but I'd prefer it if you and posters like you stayed, because this section often becomes a centrist democrat echo chamber, which is pretty boring.

Cool. I'm a centrist democrat who believes the government should establish a nationwide, publicly owned power grid, water production and distribution system, transportation system, and agricultural programs....as a start. Glad all those other centrist democrats who post here agree with me.

 

[InCali]

Everyone here hardly agrees with each other.

I don't equate recognizing that some ideas may have merit and are worth considering with agreement. When people start making inane statements like the "right to bear arms" is the most important part of the constitution, I hardly consider that kind of a statement to have merit and think of it as ideological BullS***. I consider a free press, free speech, representation in our government, civilian control of the military, etc. far more important. You can arm yourself however you want; if you think you're going to go up against the US military, I'll wish you good luck and good night.

 

[Donner]

My brother is a flat earther and a right wing nut and he's radicalized me to the point that if I even get a hint that someone's argument implies a conspiracy or if they get their info from YouTube, I automatically discredit it.

I think part of me leans so far left just to annoy him.

 

[Schlosser85]

One of my evangelical Trumper aunts apparently now blocked me on Facebook. I assume because she finally found out or someone told her that I was regularly screenshotting her and her husband's Trump posts and posting them on my Facebook with commentary like "this is the kind of childishness and stupidity we're up against".

 

[writer0327]

I don't equate recognizing that some ideas may have merit and are worth considering with agreement. When people start making inane statements like the "right to bear arms" is the most important part of the constitution, I hardly consider that kind of a statement to have merit and think of it as ideological BullS***. I consider a free press, free speech, representation in our government, civilian control of the military, etc. far more important. You can arm yourself however you want; if you think you're going to go up against the US military, I'll wish you good luck and good night.

The second amendment allows us to defend ourselves against a tyrannical government. Whatever "rights" and "freedoms" we have are only as good as our ability to defend them.

 

[Flint Marko]

The second amendment allows us to defend ourselves against a tyrannical government. Whatever "rights" and "freedoms" we have are only as good as our ability to defend them.

Gun rights are a complicated subject for a number of reasons but I do think InCali has a point. If the government wants someone dead, they can buy as many guns as they'd please and it won't make a difference.

I lean towards instating gun restrictions. Realistically we can't just get rid of all guns, but what we can do is limit the type of weapons people have access to.

‘No Way To Prevent This,’ Says Only Nation Where This Regularly Happens

 

[InCali]

The second amendment allows us to defend ourselves against a tyrannical government. Whatever "rights" and "freedoms" we have are only as good as our ability to defend them.

Riiiiiiiiiiight.......where do you buy your tanks, fighter jets, and anti aircraft and ground artillery because you're going to need it if there's a tyrannical government.

And then, there's that pesky misinterpretation of the 2nd amendment.

 

[Schlosser85]

And yet we currently see the most fervent 2nd amendment lovers lining up to be bootlickers to a wannabe tyrannical government.

 

[InCali]

Just to be clear. I support the right of people to own firearms. While I don't have one, my mother and others in my family do. I just think that certain kinds of arms shouldn't be allowed; you know, the kind that we've seen slaughtering innocent civilians on an all too often basis. Furthermore, WHO is allowed to own firearms should be strictly regulated, training and licensing should be mandatory, extensive background checks need to be done, and possession of unauthorized firearms should carry severe punishments. They are dangerous, as are cars, and users/owners should be licensed.

 

[Donner]

I think hardcore proponents of the second amendment use the "it's to defend against bad governments" as a smokescreen. They want you to think they'll defend your rights.

I think what they really want is to feel powerful because they're powerless in their own lives. Dead end jobs, bosses that are mean to them, non existent love life, etc. They're inadequate and the bigger the weapon, the less inadequate they feel. It's posturing of the most disturbing kind.

The world would be much safer if men just wore bright clothing in order to look more appealing.

 

[writer0327]

Riiiiiiiiiiight.......where do you buy your tanks, fighter jets, and anti aircraft and ground artillery because you're going to need it if there's a tyrannical government.

And then, there's that pesky misinterpretation of the 2nd amendment.

You have a valid point. But if the US gov't decided to go full tyranny and launch an attack against its own citizens, where do you stand on this matter? On your feet fighting, or on your knees submitting? It comes down to how much do you value your freedom.