Why can't we be friends...
Once again, thanks to everyone for the great comments. One thing that strikes me is that I don't think we're after anything all that different. We all want the responsible implementation of tools and the judicious application of rules. We all want to responsibly help those who really need it and stop the bullshit with a minimum of intrusion. So, I guess I wonder where the lines are drawn that makes us side ourselves with the donkey or the elephant.
For me, the truth of the matter is that the extremists on the right scare me more than the extremists on the left. For others, I'm sure the idea of enforced altruism is equally freaky. I remember a story from Sunday school when I was a kid that said Heaven was a place where you didn't have your own utensils. You had really long utensils that you used to feed the person across the table from you and they were, in turn, responsible for feeding you. That didn't really seem like a place I wanted to be, least of all for all eternity.
So, if the truth is that most of us converge in the middle, why is it that an independent party is doomed to fail in this country? Even in this moment of clarity when I realize that we're all after the same thing, would I start shouting "Less filling!" if someone shouts "Tastes great?" Why can't someone come along and say "Reasonable people: Be ye left or right, we can meet in the middle and leave the religious nut-job zealots and the Diana Moon Glampers of the world behind! Let us cast aside the petty political poop-flinging as the sins of our youth and strive to be the genesis of an age of reason!" Well, maybe not said exactly like that because half the world wouldn't get it and the other half would think it's too pointlessly hyperbolic... Nevertheless, I don't understand why an independent party isn't the most successful party given that most of us fall into its sweet spot. Do you?
For me, the truth of the matter is that the extremists on the right scare me more than the extremists on the left. For others, I'm sure the idea of enforced altruism is equally freaky. I remember a story from Sunday school when I was a kid that said Heaven was a place where you didn't have your own utensils. You had really long utensils that you used to feed the person across the table from you and they were, in turn, responsible for feeding you. That didn't really seem like a place I wanted to be, least of all for all eternity.
So, if the truth is that most of us converge in the middle, why is it that an independent party is doomed to fail in this country? Even in this moment of clarity when I realize that we're all after the same thing, would I start shouting "Less filling!" if someone shouts "Tastes great?" Why can't someone come along and say "Reasonable people: Be ye left or right, we can meet in the middle and leave the religious nut-job zealots and the Diana Moon Glampers of the world behind! Let us cast aside the petty political poop-flinging as the sins of our youth and strive to be the genesis of an age of reason!" Well, maybe not said exactly like that because half the world wouldn't get it and the other half would think it's too pointlessly hyperbolic... Nevertheless, I don't understand why an independent party isn't the most successful party given that most of us fall into its sweet spot. Do you?
posted by bigsoda at
7:25 PM
5 Comments:
Hallelujah, brother!
I, for one, have voted in every single presidential election since I was 18, yet still have to vote for either a Republican or a Democrat for president.
Here's the breakdown: All right-wing Republicans are shit-flinging nuts, and all left-wing Democrats are shit-flinging nuts.
Moderates are ignored by the extremes of both parties.
Here's the fix: If you live in a blue state, vote red - If you live in a red state, vote blue. For presidential elections vote for the loudest nut-job that isn't a Republican or Democrat.
Works for me.
PS: As a kid you were such a hippie, with your utilitarian utensils and whatnot.
Luv U.
By
DC Liar, At
11:31 PM
You're really harshing my mellow, maaaan...
That fucked up story actually comes via a Lutheran church in Rolling Meadows, IL. I think it was part of some secular scared straight program. That's why I'm still a free agent, religiously - I'm holding out for the best offer.
By
bigsoda, At
6:03 AM
Thats the most rational thing I've ever heard you say.
Probelm is, anyone who isn't a donkey or an elephant doesn't stand a chance and as long as everyone knows it, They won't "waste" their vote and vote for what they believe is the lesser of two evils.
I didn't vote in 1996 or 2000 cause I didn't like any of the candidates. It was wrong and I should have at least picked an independent candidate.
I actually think McCain is somewhat close to center what with his stem cell researching, abortion approving views.
he realized he didn't have a chance since he was not extreme enough, so he picked Palan to please the Faldwells and get elected.
He sold out before he is in office, so he lost me.
Both sides are screaming "we need to clean up washington. we need change."
I have heard that for EVERY election that I can remember which really tells me we do need change, but the change is from the two partys. we need real change.
A vote for a dem or a republican isn't change.
By the way, I never heard that spoon feeding story in Sunday school. Then again, I failed sunday school and had to retake it and the only thing I remember is throwing up on the priest during my confirmation classes. (the think it was the devil coming out)
By
Bucky Pilsner, At
8:35 AM
My wife and I would never buy a house that was part of an association. We want to have full control over our house and driveway. My dad will probably never live where the isn't an association, because they like a governing body keeping a set of rules in place that they agree with.
As for politics, we're similarly split. He's from a "protect and defend" mentality, and I'm from a "live for today, fix tomorrow" thought process. The Republicans say stuff that's comforting to him (freedom, security, religion) and the Democrats say things that are more comforting to me (hope, prosperity).
Basically, I feel like the whole Red vs. Blue thing sells newspapers and television shows. I blame the media as much as anything for the out-of-control divisiveness.
I've also said all along that the voting machine should only have issues - not names - and you vote on those. The candidate with the closest record to yours gets your vote. Seems better than the dog and pony show that goes to the bigger coffers.
By
Chris B., At
10:06 AM
Chris makes some interesting points that kind of make what I've been saying the past two posts, and the point of this last post shine through.
I too would not live in a house with an association. (Did once, never will again)
Chris Likens associations with the republicans rules, I liken the associations with the democrats pay us taxes so we can take care of you. Like social security, universal health care, unions etc..
I can see why he sees it his way, and I feel my point of view is also valid.
So... We both want the same thing, but think a certain party is the one to give it to us.
The Donkeys and the elephants aren't that different, they just pretend they are.
Time for a new animal in washington. (and not a swine with makeup)
By
Bucky Pilsner, At
9:38 PM
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