Sometimes you're a funny guy Doug.
That's a trait I admire.
Now, if only you'd put the same energy into actual study and research.
IF so, I'd be backing you all the way.
You see, I accept reality and truth.
Even when I don't like it.
I don't LIKE the idea that our global climate changing PARTIALLY because WE have spewed "crap" (make your own list but carbon emissions from all these combustible engines that weren't around At ALL before approx. 1900?) into our atmosphere for 130 yrs. BUT I can accept it.
It's a truth I don't like but won't hide my head and deny!!
When a true fiscal REALIST expounds on the danger of the National debt, I don't deny I accept the reality and TRY to hold leadership accountable----BOTH sides!
When I've committed an act of injury to another human thru stupidity or irresponsible behavior I don't deny my act and hide my head in the sand and pretend it's not so.
I accept I erred, I summon the manhood to apologize and ASK for forgiveness and admit I'm a flawed human like the rest of humanity. Then I try to learn from my dumbness and smarten up enough to NOT make the same mistake twice.
This concept of just avoiding facts and truth we don't like IS what has led to my current feelings of scorn for the Republican party as it is now.
THEY are replete with liars, deniers, and spineless hacks willing to sacrifice their own beliefs and values for "acceptance" and power within the Party!
The Party might as well be the National Party of an all controlling central Gov't, (like China) because the end result of this LACK of manhood and courage results in the same thing. An all powerful PARTY ruling the people's Gov't!
I've determined you're not dumb, you enjoy humor and poking at opponents. THAT takes some smarts.
Now I wish you'd use them to balance out that intellect.
Nothing is so simple that you can learn the real truth only listening to half the argument.
Conservative views ARE worth my time to understand the principles or basis for the view.
And Liberal views are worth your time for the same reason. You'll gain an understanding of WHY those folks believe that way.
There is truth in BOTH viewpoints, just as Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson BOTH had the best intersts of the fledgling Country at heart even though they disagreed MIGHTILY with what shape the Country should take.
Ultimately Hamilton's view prevailed at the time.
Not sure that history has confirmed the wisdom of that decision by the young Country's founders.
Perhaps, Jefferson's view would have resulted in a greater and more peaceful populace based on a PLACE for each to call their own.
An agrarian viewpoint rather than a concentration of power in the Big metropolis's and banks! (which was Hamilton's view as I understand it)
Any of you that have a greater understanding of the basic difference of opinion in 1790 - 1800 please feel free to weigh in and correct me.
The goal is to gain an understanding of truth, NOT just preach my understanding as the only truth.
Many have studied history harder and more successfully than me.
I spent to much time playing baseball and chasing skirts.
I suspect I have THAT in common with quite a few of you!
We are ALL Americans, both Doug and I.
99.95% of us want whats best for the Country as a whole.
Problem is, we're NOT all equally smart or learned.
WE have to depend on the "experts" who have done the work, put in the time to understand, to KNOW, and then listen to them!
NOT dismiss them as manipulative "elites" trying to sabotage our Union for some perverse reason.
The vast majority have no axe to grind.......... they are just researchers and students of History or the other Sciences.
They SHOULD be respected for their knowledge not put down as the "enemy" of anybody.
Truth is NEVER the enemy.
Our inability to deal with the Truth is the REAL enemy!
Stop being conned by either side. As Reagan said, when you're told something by someone seeking your agreement, approval, and especially your VOTE, TRUST BUT VERIFY!
Preferably with a very disparate source of info!
Have a nice weekend Doug, and all of you baseball lovers and concerned Americans!
You have need to be concerned.
Just be careful of what you believe to be real. Sometimes it's an illusion someone WANTS you to believe.
2/16/2020 3:42 PM (edited)