I read quite a few political articles on Gather. It is in part because I am a member of The Constitution And The Law, in part because I try to keep up with what people on my friends list are publishing and also because I try to be well informed. I could probably be better informed, but that is another article. On one article I was reading recently I was so tired of the (it seems to me) never ceasing Democrats are, Democrats say, all Democrats.. and the exact same thing on other articles just substitute the word Republicans that I commented (I see my page views jumping through the roof!):
Name Deleted, enough of the "he said, she said". It is not a good thing to talk in absolutes. To be honest I am getting really sick of reading the "democrats are" and "republicans are" comments. I really don't think that helps solve anything. I am not attacking you as a person Name Deleted, but democrats are people too. Maybe its a good thing that we have more than one party in this country. We will never ever ALL see eye to eye on what is the best solution to a problem because we are all flawed and human. But, if we can't get past the labels than we are never going to solve anything!
I have been thinking about this for a couple of days and read more comments that were not only disheartening, but patently incorrect. One of them concerning if Obama gets elected we will see more labour unions replacing good American holidays for Islamic holidays. At least that is how I understood the comment. I am just wondering what good people feel they are doing with these comments. Do you see them as a way to institute some positive change? Maybe you think if you lay your comment about how all Democrats/Republicans are pigs I will have a sudden epiphany and say "Oh, I must change my wicked ways now, they are so right!" So here is what I would like the people who use these expressions and group all people who belong to one party or another in absolute terms to do. Explain to me, because I am obviously missing something, how you are making the USA a better place by pigeonholing people based upon their political affiliation. I am not being sarcastic here. I honestly wish to know.
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I did however write recently my thought's on how the President and his Republican Party worked in concert to stage this 'fake emergency' of passing the Presidents proposed plan for Offshore Drilling.
Those people drafted and crafted a well-executed plan to use the upcoming (planned) recess as the backdrop against which they shall take their stand.
The President and his Party had 7.5 years with which to resolve this ongoing prolonged problem, they did nothing while they controlled Congress and the Executive branch.
THEY are using this wedge issue for political profit, not as a means for immediate relief to the average citizens of this country.
I believe you might be speaking about lumping average americans in one camp or the other. The only way I find it applicable is in reference to the sheeple.
I commented on a posting the other day, where the post was 15 inches long. I was a rant against Obama's plan which calls for the US to adhere to it's commitments to the UN regarding ending poverty and hunger around the world. A noble gesture in my opinion but, the article was complaining the whole time about the cost. American Taxpayers would be spending 300 Million dollars over a number of years, compared to the 18 Million we currently give.
The problem with this persons article is that Senator Obama didn't write this legislation, he wasn't a co-sponsor of this legislation, he had nothing to do with this legislation.
I found the source of this persons article and it belonged to a group which is dedicated to "keeping your informed via email" on 'whats new'.
It was complete fiction and yet, the person who got this in the mail believed it based on blind faith and like a good sheeple, passed it on.
Follow ME and I'll set you free . . .
I too get tired of religion and names and the koran being the focus of a presidential election.
The only thing I can suggest is find the candidate who fits you the best and vote for that person.
Good Article Chana.
http://friendsofdanh.gather.com.
Our goal is to help you further your exposure and to support other gather members.
I wish more people would remember that we all are people who want the same things. A chance to raise our families in this great country.
Fora like Gather give people a chance to speak their minds. Overall this is a very good thing. Unfortunately, some people abuse the privilege.
My brother, however, is a different story. I hate arguing with him. It's all about how much he can say and not about a discussion. It doesn't matter if I argue back with him or not. Even if I just stand there nodding or shaking my head he goes on and on.
So, all the cussing and name calling is just a personality thing. I choose who I listen to (not my brother) and who will influence me. And it is the people who discuss and not argue. I have even changed my mind when the argument was presented in a non confrontational way.
I have had to do it two or three times and even the I have to skip to another article and then click share. I can't post at all from my gather.
I know to copy and paste but I forget. I get busy trying to keep my comments down to miinimal anger, although I really want to let it out good.
I say we all just cast one vote this election season. One vote for all the parties' candidates and current ones holding positions.. A vote to hang them all in Time Square at midnight December 31st. Or, put them in front of a firing squad and give the order to shoot.
Don't laugh, this is meant to be serious.
I'd like to go back to the days when, as a liberal Democrat, I could count on some level-headed Republicans to throw in a few good ideas about fiscal responsibility.
Nowadays, it's all about character assassination.
Like Doug I long for some real discussion and airing of real ideas instead of promises of vague changes from both sides.
I have always preached "Check their record" how did they vote and what did they do before they were running for president. This time it is more difficult if one is limiting the choice between Obama with no record and McCain with a 22 year record that is not all that great.
There are certain behaviors that are distinctly Reublican and Democratic. But, having said that, I agree with you. It is much more useful to discuss ideas rather than the personalities of others. Broad sweeping statements about any group are not useful.
http://friendsofdanh.gather.com.
Our goal is to help you further your exposure and to support other gather members.
I come from a multi party system where on occasion two parties with less than a majority had to form coalitions to govern the country. It works out okay about 50-50.
Each of these two parties only reflects a small segment of people's ideals. When I think about how I would vote I find myself thinking along the lines of who stands to benefit the most if candidate X is elected? If I don't see any benefit to me or the issues that concern me then I won't support that person. I don't care if he or she is purple with pink polka dots or is working on marriage #13, if they understand and seem to have a viable plan for fixing the current messes then they have my vote!
I tried to address this in two articles of my own last year. One discussed the definition of Conservative, the other thedefinition of Liberal