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Posted: Thu Aug 23, 2007 11:44 pm
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Posted: Fri Aug 24, 2007 12:28 pm
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Posted: Fri Aug 24, 2007 1:30 pm
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Posted: Sat Aug 25, 2007 8:21 am
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Posted: Sat Aug 25, 2007 8:16 pm
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Posted: Sat Aug 25, 2007 8:45 pm
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Hmm. I've got to say that I'm in pretty clear disagreement with some of the statements you made (and this guild is here so we can discuss ideas, yes?).
First off I, as many here, find political titles inappropriate to categorize my varied social desires, so I'm disheartened when you diminish a good portion of your country and the world by referring to them disparagingly as "libs." This is a polemic attitude that I've seen used often by people with many different stances but the same is true every time - slapping derogatory labels on others does nothing to resolve issues or address concerns. It serves only to separate and polarize. Therefore I do everything I can to avoid such apparently slanderous terms.
When you say you support "the war," which war do you support? The open-ended and dangerously vague War on Terror? The operations in Afghanistan which were supposed to root out and destroy Al-Qaeda but which have nearly ceased without any given explanation? The operations in Iraq which are focused on a two-pronged assault against the Shia and the Sunnis (the Sunnis having been our allies against the Shia until the US refused to help the Sunnis spread their specific Muslim doctrine)? That same war in Iraq which, despite having failed to produce any WMDs or make any notable dent in the Muslim-on-Muslim violence, continues to be promoted as a successful peacemaking campaign? I'm not sure how any of these actions can be considered worthy of support.
And what do you mean by support? That you give them bullet proof vests and vehicular armor since our government refuses to do that? That you send care packages to the poor shell-shocked teens and young adults over there? That you help fight alongside them? Or that in some ambiguous way you wish them well? I, personally, don't like anyone dying over religious ideology so it could be said that I support the troops in that sense, in spite of my sincere stance against the military occupation of Iraq.
You say that people complain about how bad America is - I've heard very few of these voice and, living in a very liberal town in the American Northwest, you'd expect I'd be at the epicenter of the anti-American "libs" you decry. In fact, most of us love this country, even if we stand at stark odds with some of the decisions of its leadership. Also, I found your statement about Communist nations to be starkly McCarthyan and out of place in any true explanation of what is wrong with those nations.
For the record, I revere capitalism, democracy of the common man and the federated states working in union for mutual benefit. Those aren't exactly Communist ideals, but they do borrow pages from the same social morals.
Finally, when you say "those Communist countries," I must assume you're referring to places such as the pre-collapse USSR, China and North Korea. You seem to suggest that the only alternative to a democratically run Republic is a leader-worshiping military union, which, I'm sure when it's put in those terms, stands out even to your eyes as a fallacious statement.
I guess what I'm trying to say is that your above post seemed like a baseless attack, and I'm going to have trouble respecting your views unless you demonstrate the reasons for your stances and the reality of your claims.
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Posted: Sat Aug 25, 2007 9:53 pm
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Theophrastus Hmm. I've got to say that I'm in pretty clear disagreement with some of the statements you made (and this guild is here so we can discuss ideas, yes?). First off I, as many here, find political titles inappropriate to categorize my varied social desires, so I'm disheartened when you diminish a good portion of your country and the world by referring to them disparagingly as "libs." This is a polemic attitude that I've seen used often by people with many different stances but the same is true every time - slapping derogatory labels on others does nothing to resolve issues or address concerns. It serves only to separate and polarize. Therefore I do everything I can to avoid such apparently slanderous terms. When you say you support "the war," which war do you support? The open-ended and dangerously vague War on Terror? The operations in Afghanistan which were supposed to root out and destroy Al-Qaeda but which have nearly ceased without any given explanation? The operations in Iraq which are focused on a two-pronged assault against the Shia and the Sunnis (the Sunnis having been our allies against the Shia until the US refused to help the Sunnis spread their specific Muslim doctrine)? That same war in Iraq which, despite having failed to produce any WMDs or make any notable dent in the Muslim-on-Muslim violence, continues to be promoted as a successful peacemaking campaign? I'm not sure how any of these actions can be considered worthy of support. And what do you mean by support? That you give them bullet proof vests and vehicular armor since our government refuses to do that? That you send care packages to the poor shell-shocked teens and young adults over there? That you help fight alongside them? Or that in some ambiguous way you wish them well? I, personally, don't like anyone dying over religious ideology so it could be said that I support the troops in that sense, in spite of my sincere stance against the military occupation of Iraq. You say that people complain about how bad America is - I've heard very few of these voice and, living in a very liberal town in the American Northwest, you'd expect I'd be at the epicenter of the anti-American "libs" you decry. In fact, most of us love this country, even if we stand at stark odds with some of the decisions of its leadership. Also, I found your statement about Communist nations to be starkly McCarthyan and out of place in any true explanation of what is wrong with those nations. For the record, I revere capitalism, democracy of the common man and the federated states working in union for mutual benefit. Those aren't exactly Communist ideals, but they do borrow pages from the same social morals. Finally, when you say "those Communist countries," I must assume you're referring to places such as the pre-collapse USSR, China and North Korea. You seem to suggest that the only alternative to a democratically run Republic is a leader-worshiping military union, which, I'm sure when it's put in those terms, stands out even to your eyes as a fallacious statement. I guess what I'm trying to say is that your above post seemed like a baseless attack, and I'm going to have trouble respecting your views unless you demonstrate the reasons for your stances and the reality of your claims.
Ok, sir, it's late and I don't care if you respect my views. gonk
As I said, I stand on both sides of the fence. "Libs" is what it's called in my house, so forgive me for working out of habit, here. confused If I could think of an abbreviation for "Republican", believe me, I would use it. Last I checked, "Libs" wasn't an official insult for those who support the Democratic party. It's not my fault that you take it that way.
You have a point in the matter of which war I was talking about. I didn't specify, and I don't think I need to, now. I agree with any military movement we make, because it is a MOVEMENT. I feel that it's better to try to do something rather than standing by and letting things work themselves out. The War on Terror was brought to a front in defense. When we are attacked, shouldn't we stand up and say "no"? The troops are over there protecting us, and trying to make an effort to protect the people of those countries. Whether it works or not is irrelevant, in my eyes. I know, this sounds stupid. But the point is, THEY ARE TRYING. If one thing doesn't work, well, try something else, right? And just because something isn't all over the media, doesn't mean it isn't working and doesn't exist. I've actually had conversations with soldiers that have done some serious work overseas, and they say that what is released to the public by the media isn't at all what's going on. One man said that most everything is peacefull, and that the media is twisting things to make it seem like no work is getting done and that the people are caught in violence and misery. Are we not taking first hand accounts seriously here?
I support the war in the way that I would gladly defend the soldiers and what they are doing. I don't think of their efforts as useless and unworthy of support, as they're just trying to help and make the world a better place. I often donate money and other needed items to soldiers and/or their families who suffer so that we can be proud of our country. And yes, I DO wish them well everyday.
Are you not a part of Gaia Online? There are so many posts talking about how they "unfortunately" live in the US, and that they would love to live somewhere else. It's all over the TV, it's all over the Radio, it's all over the Internet, and it's coming out of people's mouths. Perhaps you don't hear it where you live, but it's been around. I also wish you wouldn't over analyze my post. I know that this is peaceful conversation, and therefore I didn't mean any offense by my post... rolleyes
By "those Communist countries", I in no way suggested that it's the only alternative to a democracy. If you read the whole post, I stated that it was a rant. Yes, I know, I usually hate rants, too. But it's a heat of emotion, and, in the heat of emotion, I didn't plan on sitting down and discussing my entire belief system to anyone. I only meant that in some countries dominated by one leader, there is little choice in what you can say and take in. Please don't take the generalization seriously. I didn't mean it that way. wink
There was no attack, and once again, I don't care whether you respect my views or not. This is the Internet, and I don't know you. If I did know you, I think it would make little difference in my eyes...no offense, I hope.
Anyway, that's probably the last long, possibly pointless, and even more possibly garbled post I'm going to deal with tonight. sweatdrop
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Posted: Sat Aug 25, 2007 10:04 pm
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I don't think that some of your points defended to my satisfaction your stance, however, I'm glad you stepped up.
It's important that we, as Atheists, be willing to defend our stances as Rusty Conscience did. Just as her answers didn't completely put to rest my every statement, we'll often find ourselves in the unenviable position of defending an idea that the attacker refuses to or cannot understand.
The most important thing we can do, even as Rusty Conscience says, is to take action of some sort. Now, of course, I'd prefer that action were articulate and well-defended, but in my eyes the worst thing we can do is just be a doormat for some raging opponent who thinks volume or condescension are the same as correctness.
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Posted: Sat Aug 25, 2007 10:13 pm
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Theophrastus I don't think that some of your points defended to my satisfaction your stance, however, I'm glad you stepped up. It's important that we, as Atheists, be willing to defend our stances as Rusty Conscience did. Just as her answers didn't completely put to rest my every statement, we'll often find ourselves in the unenviable position of defending an idea that the attacker refuses to or cannot understand. The most important thing we can do, even as Rusty Conscience says, is to take action of some sort. Now, of course, I'd prefer that action were articulate and well-defended, but in my eyes the worst thing we can do is just be a doormat for some raging opponent who thinks volume or condescension are the same as correctness.
Thanks...I think. Sorry, but I can't help but think you insulted me, although politely, there. xd
Thanks for the recognition, though. Also, I can't help but be relieved that you didn't come back in for another go. I'll admit, your words almost overwhelm me....ALMOST. But, hey, I'm a 15 year old student. Cut me some slack. biggrin
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Posted: Sat Aug 25, 2007 10:23 pm
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Posted: Sat Aug 25, 2007 10:34 pm
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Posted: Sat Aug 25, 2007 11:18 pm
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Posted: Sat Aug 25, 2007 11:52 pm
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Posted: Sun Aug 26, 2007 11:28 am
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Posted: Sun Aug 26, 2007 11:34 am
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ProjectOmicron88 I'm a liberal, and I vote democrat, so I guess that makes me a secular tree-hugging heathen. The thing is, I have a very cynical view of the electoral college system, and loathe politics in general. It's basically a contest to see who's the better liar. But, I do think democrats in today's age are more trustworthy than republicans. Of course, there's the fine dividing line between liberal and conservative that transcends party, so I guess I pick people based on those values. It's just that most liberals tend to be on a democratic platform.
I can't say it any better than this, with the following exceptions: I don't hate politics, just the way people currently practice it; and, I usually vote democrat but will consider a green party candidate if they have a decent shot and I like them the best.
Oh, and both of my parents are conservative Republican Christians. Take that for what its worth.
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