Politics,politics,politics

**zombul** · 01-24-2007, 09:53 AM

It seems that IM has become so political lately and I have pretty much kept my opinions to myself and am almost burnt on the discussions. However I thought I would lay it all out so that I am not like some members who seem to jump on the “whatever is popular bandwagon”. So here it is and I hope you can criticize me, debate why I am wrong but keep in mind I am stubborn and you will not change my mind. After this I vow to stay out of any politically motivated thread for the next week because it’s killing my sense of humor.
First I call myself republican, though on many issues I see good and bad and often ride the fence. I believe that abortion is the right of the mother as long as the line is drawn and she isn’t allowed to just get knocked up and keep getting abortions, so limit it to one. I don’t appose stem cell research if it can truly find cures too many of the problems people suffer with on a regular basis. I think the right to bare arms is just that “the right of the people”. I am an avid hunter and don’t believe restrictions should be placed on me because someone else can’t be trusted with a firearm. I have the right to protect me and my family.
And now we come to gay marriage, I wouldn’t be opposed to it though I believe it is a horrid thing. I am opposed to it because I think we have to draw the line somewhere before people start going overboard and start marrying animals or some other idiotic things.
I think our president is a douche bag but I also think the election of Hilary Clinton would be the biggest mistake in our country’s history. I also believe BigDyl would make a great Monica Lewinsky if he ever wanted to pursue an internship.
I support the war in Iraq and still think it was a good decision though I wish we could wrap things up there soon.
I believe global warming may be a serious issue and should be monitored closely because it is too risky not to.
I believe our economy is going to have major problems if we don’t stop illegal immigration. I support building a giant wall between the US and Mexico and think we should give stiff penalties to those who enter our country illegally. I think any alien should be treated as a terrorist or at least a potential terrorist because they have penetrated our borders illegally.
I think rape should carry stiffer penalties and all pedophiles should be required to have a 2x2 sign in their front yard to inform the surrounding neighbors.
Social Security reform should be dealt with immediately because I pay in and should receive something when I want to retire.
Fuel is over priced still and I think oil companies should be charged with price gouging.
IM is the greatest forum on earth and I am sure I will hear some constructive criticism but just told you what I think. Now for the rest of the week I can dodge all the politically motivated threads. I could also give you reasons I support these thing s but why? If there is one thing I have learned it’s that you’re not going to change anyone’s mind on these issues.

**fufu** · 01-24-2007, 10:42 AM

Fuel prices in the US actually aren't that expensive if you compare them world wide. Over in the UK it is priced waayyyy more. No one complained years ago when the fuel community were selling it really cheap and losing money, but that just makes sense. Also it is good to specify what you mean by oil companies. Do you mean the extractors? The refiners? Or maybe the distributors? There are often different groups of people that will perform each of these tasks and that must be considered when finding out why oil is priced the way it is.

Not trying to be argumentative, but just some things to think about.

**goandykid** · 01-24-2007, 11:04 AM

Except for a few members, politics on IM is like a game of basketball. We may hate you and flame you and throw shit at you for 15 mins while we argue, but after that its back to all hugs.

Dont worry about it.

**Pepper** · 01-24-2007, 11:05 AM

Yeah, this is mild. You shoulda been here for the Foreman era.

**fufu** · 01-24-2007, 11:10 AM

Originally Posted by goandykid

Except for a few members, politics on IM is like a game of basketball. We may hate you and flame you and throw shit at you for 15 mins while we argue, but after that its back to all hugs and BJs

Dont worry about it.

Fixed.

**zombul** · 01-24-2007, 11:48 AM

Don't get me wrong I don't mind a political debate but that seems to be the subject wit the most interest lately.

**MCx2** · 01-24-2007, 11:58 AM

Originally Posted by zombul

Don't get me wrong I don't mind a political debate but that seems to be the subject wit the most interest lately.

I agree. That's why my post count average has been down over the past week.

**ALBOB** · 01-24-2007, 01:35 PM

Originally Posted by goandykid

Except for a few members, politics on IM is like a game of basketball. We may hate you and flame you and throw shit at you for 15 mins while we argue, but after that its back to all hugs.

Dont worry about it.

Hey, I didn't get a hug from Jodi. I want my Jodi hug!!!

**Squaggleboggin** · 01-24-2007, 04:14 PM

Originally Posted by Pepper

Yeah, this is mild. You shoulda been here for the Foreman era.

Wow. I still wonder sometimes who that guy was. So many posts all the time. Maybe he just lived off royalties from someone else and stayed on IM all day. I'm going to stop before I start. Just amazing.

Keep in mind that a lot of us may disagree with what you're saying, but outside of the thread it's not big deal. I sometimes wonder how many people are like me: They think of what the opposition would say and ask out of interest, and it ends up making others extremely angry. Sorry for wanting to educate myself on different opinions. I think that if you're going to become angry about something, you simply shouldn't discuss it. I would hope that most adults (and others for that matter) at least have the capacity to control their own emotions. But I know it's not true anyway.

**goandykid** · 01-24-2007, 04:22 PM

Originally Posted by Squaggleboggin

Wow. I still wonder sometimes who that guy was. So many posts all the time. Maybe he just lived off royalties from someone else and stayed on IM all day. I'm going to stop before I start. Just amazing.

Keep in mind that a lot of us may disagree with what you're saying, but outside of the thread it's not big deal. I sometimes wonder how many people are like me: They think of what the opposition would say and ask out of interest, and it ends up making others extremely angry. Sorry for wanting to educate myself on different opinions. I think that if you're going to become angry about something, you simply shouldn't discuss it. I would hope that most adults (and others for that matter) at least have the capacity to control their own emotions. But I know it's not true anyway.

Yes, he was truly a mystery. I like to picture him as a buff Dave Chappelle.

**KelJu** · 01-24-2007, 05:45 PM

Originally Posted by Pepper

Yeah, this is mild. You shoulda been here for the Foreman era.

Haha, weren't you one of the people who left because of Foreman?

**maniclion** · 01-24-2007, 06:09 PM

You think this is bad just wait for the 5 months leading up to election time next year, you ain't seen nothing yet pal....

This is the only place i can discuss politics with a mix of people, every other place I go everybody is on the same side and it's like a big circle jerk......

**squanto** · 01-25-2007, 01:55 AM

Originally Posted by Squaggleboggin

Wow. I still wonder sometimes who that guy was. So many posts all the time. Maybe he just lived off royalties from someone else and stayed on IM all day. I'm going to stop before I start. Just amazing.

Keep in mind that a lot of us may disagree with what you're saying, but outside of the thread it's not big deal. I sometimes wonder how many people are like me: They think of what the opposition would say and ask out of interest, and it ends up making others extremely angry. Sorry for wanting to educate myself on different opinions. I think that if you're going to become angry about something, you simply shouldn't discuss it. I would hope that most adults (and others for that matter) at least have the capacity to control their own emotions. But I know it's not true anyway.

I want to see Squaggle be sarcastic.

**ZECH** · 01-25-2007, 06:22 AM

Originally Posted by maniclion

You think this is bad just wait for the 5 months leading up to election time next year, you ain't seen nothing yet pal....

This is the only place i can discuss politics with a mix of people, every other place I go everybody is on the same side and it's like a big circle jerk......

That's what makes it good.

**BigDyl** · 01-25-2007, 06:37 AM

Originally Posted by KelJu

Haha, weren't you one of the people who left because of Foreman?

**Pepper** · 01-25-2007, 06:54 AM

Originally Posted by KelJu

Haha, weren't you one of the people who left because of Foreman?

He was a large part of it. He wasn't the only jack ass though.

There was no fun being here with trolls like that just screwing up every other thread.

**Pepper** · 01-25-2007, 06:55 AM

Originally Posted by BigDyl

and?

**DOMS** · 01-25-2007, 06:57 AM

Originally Posted by Pepper

He was a large part of it. He wasn't the only jack ass though.

There was no fun being here with trolls like that just screwing up every other thread.

You should see them (JackAss and some of the other banned people) over at their dropout forum. There's like 10 active members max. It's kind of pathetic.

**KelJu** · 01-25-2007, 10:28 AM

Originally Posted by Pepper

He was a large part of it. He wasn't the only jack ass though.

There was no fun being here with trolls like that just screwing up every other thread.

Yeah I know right. It is no fun debating when everyone isn't on your side.

**Witchblade** · 01-25-2007, 10:35 AM

"I'm sick of all the threads about politics! My solution: I'll make another thread about politics! Eat that!"

**DOMS** · 01-25-2007, 10:40 AM

**zombul** · 01-25-2007, 11:20 AM

Still more and more political threads popping up, and I want to voice my opinion in them but my end of the week protest must stand. Be strong grasshopper.Don’t succumb to the temptations.

**ALBOB** · 01-25-2007, 11:25 AM

Originally Posted by KelJu

Yeah I know right. It is no fun debating when everyone isn't on your side.

That's not it at all. For a true debate to happen you HAVE to have different opinions. What Pepper is talking about, and one of the reasons I left, is that true debate wasn't happening. We would try to discuss a serious topic and get nothing but personal attacks thrown our way. That or pure childishness. When I found myself doing it in response I knew it was time to take a break from IM.com. That's why I have nothing but the utmost respect for Decker. I certainly don't agree with a lot of his opinions, but he never resorts to childishness or personal insults when he's in a debate. Even though he's been attacked quite savagely in the past.

**Decker** · 01-25-2007, 12:13 PM

Originally Posted by ALBOB

....That's why I have nothing but the utmost respect for Decker. I certainly don't agree with a lot of his opinions, but he never resorts to childishness or personal insults when he's in a debate. Even though he's been attacked quite savagely in the past.

I hear old men push easy. And you're no. 1 on the list AL.

Of course I'm kidding. Thanks AL

You know it's funny how some people think that the anonymity of the forum removes all respect from the discussion. Hell, I don't mind when someone gets a bit personal in arguing, it just motivates me more.

What I do not care for are personal attacks that aren't funny or do not advance the argument/debate in some way.

**KelJu** · 01-25-2007, 12:16 PM

Originally Posted by ALBOB

That's not it at all. For a true debate to happen you HAVE to have different opinions. What Pepper is talking about, and one of the reasons I left, is that true debate wasn't happening. We would try to discuss a serious topic and get nothing but personal attacks thrown our way. That or pure childishness. When I found myself doing it in response I knew it was time to take a break from IM.com. That's why I have nothing but the utmost respect for Decker. I certainly don't agree with a lot of his opinions, but he never resorts to childishness or personal insults when he's in a debate. Even though he's been attacked quite savagely in the past.

I agree with most of that. Political debate is fun, but it is also deathly important to our way of life. Something that important should be treated with respect. I have jumped in the mud and on numerous occasions thrown some mud to get other people to jump in. It isn’t that I like to annoy people, but rather I think I am right and I try to get people to see things my way.

I am starting to see why that is a terrible way of talking to people, plus it is counter productive towards what I am trying to do. Foreman liked pushing people's buttons. He was a smart guy, but troubled. I seriously doubt he ever got his point across even with his 41,000 post or whatever.

We let things in our head cloud our perception. Personally attacking someone for an opinion is only going to make that person become defensive making it impossible to change their perspective. A bad perspective or attitude will make others have a bad attitude which causes the sharing of ideas stop.

With all that being said I will try to be more mindful of other people's feelings before I go on a rant about some issue. We don't want anymore people leaving, do we?

**ALBOB** · 01-25-2007, 08:27 PM

DAMN I wish you guys were hot chicks, 'cause it sure feels like group hug time. But since you're not I'll just say DITTO.

**ZECH** · 01-26-2007, 06:42 AM

Originally Posted by Decker

I hear old men push easy. And you're no. 1 on the list AL.

Of course I'm kidding. Thanks AL

You know it's funny how some people think that the anonymity of the forum removes all respect from the discussion. Hell, I don't mind when someone gets a bit personal in arguing, it just motivates me more.

What I do not care for are personal attacks that aren't funny or do not advance the argument/debate in some way.

One of my good friends at my old job I left back in Sept. was a black guy and was a die hard democrat. We would always give each other shit and we both loved it. We knew that both had different opinions on government, but we also knew that both parties are for self interest and both are crooks. We still keep in touch..........

**Pepper** · 01-26-2007, 06:52 AM

Originally Posted by KelJu

Yeah I know right. It is no fun debating when everyone isn't on your side.

OK, remember, I am not that far from Alabama....

**KelJu** · 01-26-2007, 07:17 AM

Originally Posted by Pepper

OK, remember, I am not that far from Alabama....

Come on down, I'll buy you a beer. Seriously, I don't feel ill will to anybody on this site. I really get into the debates, but outside of a thread I could care less.

I also have a Louis Black style of humor that doesn't translate very well with just words. If you could read my body language when I am typing half of this stuff, you guys wouldn't think I was such a dick.

**Pepper** · 01-26-2007, 08:20 AM

Originally Posted by KelJu

Come on down, I'll buy you a beer. Seriously, I don't feel ill will to anybody on this site. I really get into the debates, but outside of a thread I could care less.

I also have a Louis Black style of humor that doesn't translate very well with just words. If you could read my body language when I am typing half of this stuff, you guys wouldn't think I was such a dick.

I kind of gathered that from the rest of the posts in this thread...no problem here.

Thread: Politics,politics,politics

Thread Tools

Display

Politics,politics,politics

Similar Threads

I'm new to politics...

How Politics Should Be

Politics for hillbillies :-

But they took their politics seriously

Politics

Posting Permissions