>>Rich is right on one level....but there is no 'RETURN' to the 17th century....they never LEFT IT.
I am?
Let me explain something to you. I appreciate your intentions. I really do. However, there is no middle ground with someone like BO or Mike. None. I think you can see that. I have often had discussions with the sane democrats in this forum in the past. Chickencounter for one. Crocat for another. Even domer and I have discussed things without ranker. I'm sure there are others, but the point is that because of people like BO and Mike, it makes it next to impossible to have a rational discussion with any democrat in here. They hear me say things to BO and Mike and assume I'm speaking about them too. I'm not, I'm speaking to those two in the manner they deserve. Come on now Cynthia, do I really need to get along with people who call me a Nazi and insinuate I'd like to put people in concentration camps and pull out their teeth? Should I show respect to a man who says the most hateful things about my country and it's citezens on a daily basis? These people say those things and far worse referring to ALL Republicans. I've never done that. I refer to liberals, and I've always made a distinction. Although the distinction is narrowing, it's still there. Sorry, but there's no reason to treat them any different than they deserve.
I've said it before, we're headed for trouble in this country. Sooner or later people are going to get feed up enough about being called racist and Nazis and fascists for no reason other than for political gain, and then they're going to do domething about it.
Rich,
Thank you for the insight into your thoughts. Really, you have offered a bit more perspective.
Sometimes, I think the people on this board tend to hurl fuel toward others --so much that it clouds up the issue and the point one is trying to make. You have cleared a lot up for me here.
I hear points on both sides. I agree with "line item" points here and there....and I can't stand to be put into a box of either a liberal or a conservative. I try to pull out pieces of the puzzle in the discussions and create logic and common sense in the scheme of things. I know they say that you can't get away from being in either box....it's like being a little bit pregnant, but I really have found a way to step back and listen to all sides.,
President Clinton dropped the ball before 9-11. Period
Hillary has experience on the job...more so than Obama. Perhaps. But, he is popular for some reason, so perhaps there is more to the history books of the future we don't understand. Lincoln wasn't popular and look what he did.
Hillary could very well have learned something during her stay in office that we just can't analyze or understand on a deeper level. Just a thought. Doesn't mean one has to agree or fall in like wih the package.
McCain can say what we all feel......"Castro should die"? ----ok, well not a wise statement to utter in public, I admit.. .But Castro was wrong to suppress his people the way he did. Communism is a bad apple. Who would want to live in the past....except for those vintage car owners., ha!
The list goes on and on...there are bits and pieces of these issues that have to be discussed on point. Instead of the same old rhetoric of he said he said.....liberal vs conservative with no room in the middle of the bed for stretching, why can't folks at least bash he devil in these details. Geesh....
So, I thank you and those who have taken the time to explain themselves a bit more on this board. In the old days, bitching and insults were the theme of most threads.
I agree that Micky tends to show a sense of disdain for America..big time.....but he does have passion for his beliefs and he lives here on the "gate". We have a small community here on the gate, so we have to deal with that. I have to admit I have enjoyed this place so much compared to the days of gates pastl. Why? Because of the way Xavier and Professor and Sirs, and Plane hold an intelligent discussion. That doesn't mean I have to agree wih them. You are a bit like a pitbull. I have to say. I tremble a bit when I respond to you because I don't want to have to hear those words you typed to Terra. I'll be honest, Rich.
Anyway...
I know that XO is a fantastic "thinker" as well as the Professor, and others. But to call names, Richpo doesn't solve the problem on both sides. I agree. it just fuels the pissiness, and extinguishes the flames of points that could be made and taken to a deeper level. Now, all we see is a swift boat of personal digs and basher tones. I like to debate Micky and XO and Prof...and I am getting better at debating BT.ha! The reason is that those people provide something in a civil way to chew on.....think through...and politely hold room for response. I have no problem being "wrong". I have no problem with the "gift" of changing my mind. I have changed my thinking in many ways since this Iraq war began. I am allowed to think freely. THere are many people in my own world here who are so afraid to "jump ship" to the other side...that they replace logic and common sense with frozen rhetoric, when it comes to important issues.....,issues worth the chew.
You remind me a bit of Mike because of the deep and passionate "anger" you both exude in your threads....well, ok...so what. That's ok. Hell, passion is mighty and strong if it doesn't insult, right? Nott necessarily. Insults are a way of making one's feelings known...not unlike a parent hitting a child because it only feels good on the part of the parent - in that moment. The child didn't learn a thing...except to react and hurt, and scream and hit back!
You don't have to get along with any person< Rich...and I am not saying that you should.
I would like to find out solutions for these problems in our world. I have a feeling the future generation of debaters will not bother with insults and innuendos......such things will have been a sign of times past.....instead there will be direct and viable "discussions" with direct and viable solutions to problems.
If you notice decades and decades if not centuries of debates have focused on what the person wants instead of what the person debating can give up and negotiate in order to make it work.
"Make it work, people." Tim Gunn