I actually disagree a lot with the left. I can't stand absolutist thinking on either side, and it sucks that no one on here has the courage or strength to admit they are wrong - instead going into full attack mode. I'm guilty of it at times as well - more out of frustration but am definitely trying to no longer get wrapped up in it all.
I don't nitpick when it comes to getting my news. I simply grab a newspaper (Houston Chronicle, since Houston is where I live) and start reading. When I turn the tv on I simply leave it on your traditional news channel (CNN) and start watching. I don't go about my way to find out what's happening around the world and where I should receive this information from. And I think that has a lot to do with who is wrong and who is right, the fact that so many outlets side with X. So, if you're an intellectual and have an open mind you're going to be neutral when it comes to grabbing a paper and start reading. It doesn't make me a liberal the fact that I agree with what I read, or what just happens to be on every newspaper or every news channel, it just makes me a rational person who uses reasonable logic and common sense. Now if you're on the other side of the spectrum, first, you're going to hate the "liberal media" since you don't agree with logic and paste yourself to Fox News and Rush Limbaugh. You're mad at the fact of not agreeing with the general consensus (the media) so you feel like you're unique and and therefore think you're correct. In all, I believe it takes effort (unfortunately) to be a rational person and actually have your senses in place. Now a days it's not something many people do. And those that have instilled in them their emotional beliefs that have been ingrained since childhood can't fathom that every smart person disagrees with them. You see, I used to lean right until I started reading and started searching for information. I read and I agreed with what I was reading. And I started reading because I'm an adult now and need to act like one. So you can definitely say I outgrew being a republican. My point is choosing to inform yourself and having an inquisitive mind, which is the way it should be, doesn't make you a liberal, it just makes you someone that wants to know things and wants to know the facts. So republicans, wake up, drink your coffee and grab a paper. Open the paper with an open mind start reading. Know the truth. Know what is really happening. Paper company's aren't going to waste their time lying to you. Why would they? They are simply bringing you the news and on occasion, some opinion and insight. And if you agree with that you read, don't be surprised, it's only normal, it just means you're actually not crazy.
Right or wrong? We're talking extremely difficult public policy/political (in the academic sense of political) problems. We have an incredibly complex society made up of humans living in a complex world where even more humans live. There is often no right answer, just approaches that may push the problem in certain directions. It's not a winner take all kind of thing. I'm always amazed when I see postings about politician X "destroying" politician Y. It's not a sporting event. It takes compromise and thinking and an ability to not give into the temptation. Lots of people lack those qualities these days and we are quickly creating a system that actively discourages those qualities. Beware of people who grossly simplify complex, dynamic issues. Be even more cautious of people who choose an approach to issues that appeals to emotion rather than challenging our better natures.
You play to the lowest common denominator everyday in D&D, texxx, waltzing around this forum tossing crap in all directions. I trust you enjoy yourself. If you didn't, I'd be very concerned for your mental health. Just be sure to keep those high top rubber boots on, OK? You wouldn't want to ruin your socks.
It takes time, focus and patience to do that. Not once, but continuously. Ima git me muh straight shooter.
