Opti
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Post by Opti on Jun 17, 2015 8:44:36 GMT -5
for now... the pendulum will swing back. It always does, even for a little while. And then, liberals will be even more angry. The pendulum always swings. This is why God invented wine, men, and chocolate.
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Green Eyed Lady
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Post by Green Eyed Lady on Jun 17, 2015 8:44:38 GMT -5
The majority often tramples upon the rights of the minority. It is part of the "human condition". It was also something that the Founding Fathers were keenly aware of, and many of them were quite concerned about the "Tyranny of the Majority". It is a reason why we are a Republic with a representative government rather than a democracy.
On a micro level, we have situations like on this board. Without meaning to, the majority can be quite stifling to the minority on any topic, regardless of political affiliation. Of course everyone believes that they themselves are completely fair minded. Agreed. Except for the part about "without meaning to".
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MJ2.0
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Post by MJ2.0 on Jun 17, 2015 8:46:55 GMT -5
The majority often tramples upon the rights of the minority. It is part of the "human condition". It was also something that the Founding Fathers were keenly aware of, and many of them were quite concerned about the "Tyranny of the Majority". It is a reason why we are a Republic with a representative government rather than a democracy.
On a micro level, we have situations like on this board. Without meaning to, the majority can be quite stifling to the minority on any topic, regardless of political affiliation. Of course everyone believes that they themselves are completely fair minded. the funny thing is that the people in the minority are usually just expressing their personal feelings on it and not necessarily trying to stifle others rights. And they are still made to feel as though they're thinking the wrong thing. Clearly I need to re-read 1984 in order to prepare for the future.
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mmhmm
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Post by mmhmm on Jun 17, 2015 8:49:40 GMT -5
The majority often tramples upon the rights of the minority. It is part of the "human condition". It was also something that the Founding Fathers were keenly aware of, and many of them were quite concerned about the "Tyranny of the Majority". It is a reason why we are a Republic with a representative government rather than a democracy.
On a micro level, we have situations like on this board. Without meaning to, the majority can be quite stifling to the minority on any topic, regardless of political affiliation. Of course everyone believes that they themselves are completely fair minded. It seems to me everyone has an opinion and each person, naturally, believes their opinion to be correct. If we didn't, we wouldn't hold that opinion. What seems difficult for some to grasp completely is that what is right for one person may not be right for another. If that's the case, it only makes sense that both are right - within their individual spheres. If we can step out of our own individual spheres far enough to see that we don't share a sphere with <that guy over there> for all kinds of reasons, it gets easier to accept that we can differ and still be fellows in humanity. We do share a planet.
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mmhmm
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Post by mmhmm on Jun 17, 2015 8:51:21 GMT -5
The majority often tramples upon the rights of the minority. It is part of the "human condition". It was also something that the Founding Fathers were keenly aware of, and many of them were quite concerned about the "Tyranny of the Majority". It is a reason why we are a Republic with a representative government rather than a democracy.
On a micro level, we have situations like on this board. Without meaning to, the majority can be quite stifling to the minority on any topic, regardless of political affiliation. Of course everyone believes that they themselves are completely fair minded. Agreed. Except for the part about "without meaning to". I don't think the majority, as a whole, does "mean to". I think there are individuals within the majority - usually louder and more bombastic, or more critical, or more confrontative - who do, indeed, "mean to".
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Lizard Queen
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Post by Lizard Queen on Jun 17, 2015 8:52:52 GMT -5
The majority often tramples upon the rights of the minority. It is part of the "human condition". It was also something that the Founding Fathers were keenly aware of, and many of them were quite concerned about the "Tyranny of the Majority". It is a reason why we are a Republic with a representative government rather than a democracy.
On a micro level, we have situations like on this board. Without meaning to, the majority can be quite stifling to the minority on any topic, regardless of political affiliation. Of course everyone believes that they themselves are completely fair minded. It seems to me everyone has an opinion and each person, naturally, believes their opinion to be correct. If we didn't, we wouldn't hold that opinion. What seems difficult for some to grasp completely is that what is right for one person may not be right for another. If that's the case, it only makes sense that both are right - within their individual spheres. If we can step out of our own individual spheres far enough to see that we don't share a sphere with <that guy over there> for all kinds of reasons, it gets easier to accept that we can differ and still be fellows in humanity. We do share a planet. Even if 90% of the opinion is exactly the same, people are getting pummeled for any slight deviation from the majority opinion. That is what concerns me. One must "toe the company line", so to speak.
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midjd
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Post by midjd on Jun 17, 2015 8:53:11 GMT -5
The majority often tramples upon the rights of the minority. It is part of the "human condition". It was also something that the Founding Fathers were keenly aware of, and many of them were quite concerned about the "Tyranny of the Majority". It is a reason why we are a Republic with a representative government rather than a democracy.
On a micro level, we have situations like on this board. Without meaning to, the majority can be quite stifling to the minority on any topic, regardless of political affiliation. Of course everyone believes that they themselves are completely fair minded. the funny thing is that the people in the minority are usually just expressing their personal feelings on it and not necessarily trying to stifle others rights. And they are still made to feel as though they're thinking the wrong thing. Clearly I need to re-read 1984 in order to prepare for the future. It is unfair to be berated for your opinions when you're doing nothing to stifle anyone's rights. But I also understand that for those whose rights have been stifled, or are under attack (by lawmakers, etc.), it can be hard not to paint someone who shares the same opinion as the "stifling" group (even if this person doesn't agree with the aims of this group, just the philosophy) with the same brush. I am sure it is exhausting to sift through all the opinions and figure out which people want to strip you of certain rights versus those who just "don't agree" with an aspect of your lifestyle or personality.
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mmhmm
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Post by mmhmm on Jun 17, 2015 8:55:26 GMT -5
The majority often tramples upon the rights of the minority. It is part of the "human condition". It was also something that the Founding Fathers were keenly aware of, and many of them were quite concerned about the "Tyranny of the Majority". It is a reason why we are a Republic with a representative government rather than a democracy.
On a micro level, we have situations like on this board. Without meaning to, the majority can be quite stifling to the minority on any topic, regardless of political affiliation. Of course everyone believes that they themselves are completely fair minded. the funny thing is that the people in the minority are usually just expressing their personal feelings on it and not necessarily trying to stifle others rights. And they are still made to feel as though they're thinking the wrong thing. Clearly I need to re-read 1984 in order to prepare for the future. I learned a really big lesson many years ago. Some dude was blathering away on television. I was trying to get my darned ironing done, so was listening with half a mind. The dude said: "Nobody can make you feel anything. You can choose what you feel. The responsibility lies with you." That has stuck in my mind for 50 years +. It really had an impact on me and has helped me a great deal over the years.
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ArchietheDragon
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Post by ArchietheDragon on Jun 17, 2015 8:55:32 GMT -5
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Lizard Queen
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Post by Lizard Queen on Jun 17, 2015 8:58:25 GMT -5
I am sure it is exhausting to sift through all the opinions and figure out which people want to strip you of certain rights versus those who just "don't agree" with an aspect of your lifestyle or personality. It probably is, but it would be hella lot more rewarding. You'd probably find a lot more allies that way instead of making enemies.
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mmhmm
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Post by mmhmm on Jun 17, 2015 8:58:53 GMT -5
It seems to me everyone has an opinion and each person, naturally, believes their opinion to be correct. If we didn't, we wouldn't hold that opinion. What seems difficult for some to grasp completely is that what is right for one person may not be right for another. If that's the case, it only makes sense that both are right - within their individual spheres. If we can step out of our own individual spheres far enough to see that we don't share a sphere with <that guy over there> for all kinds of reasons, it gets easier to accept that we can differ and still be fellows in humanity. We do share a planet. Even if 90% of the opinion is exactly the same, people are getting pummeled for any slight deviation from the majority opinion. That is what concerns me. One must "toe the company line", so to speak. I don't find that true. I don't find it all that difficult to state my opinion, whether it agrees with the majority, or not. Nobody on this message board can "pummel" me. I'm untouchable unless I choose to be otherwise. If I've stated my opinion and others decide to wax nasty, all I have to do is stop responding. Unless, that is, I want to argue, or actually believe I'm going to change someone else's view by stating my opinion again, and again. Why would I wish to do so in an unfriendly environment? It's really easy to just "walk away". Your opinion, and your principles remain intact.
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MJ2.0
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Post by MJ2.0 on Jun 17, 2015 8:59:51 GMT -5
the funny thing is that the people in the minority are usually just expressing their personal feelings on it and not necessarily trying to stifle others rights. And they are still made to feel as though they're thinking the wrong thing. Clearly I need to re-read 1984 in order to prepare for the future. It is unfair to be berated for your opinions when you're doing nothing to stifle anyone's rights. But I also understand that for those whose rights have been stifled, or are under attack (by lawmakers, etc.), it can be hard not to paint someone who shares the same opinion as the "stifling" group (even if this person doesn't agree with the aims of this group, just the philosophy) with the same brush. I am sure it is exhausting to sift through all the opinions and figure out which people want to strip you of certain rights versus those who just "don't agree" with an aspect of your lifestyle or personality. yes, I see your point, especially if this was a much larger group. But in a smaller more personal group - where a lot of us have "known" each other for years - I'd think people could take the time out to figure out who is a "threat" and who is a "passive dissenter".
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mmhmm
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Post by mmhmm on Jun 17, 2015 9:01:42 GMT -5
I learned a really big lesson many years ago. Some dude was blathering away on television. I was trying to get my darned ironing done, so was listening with half a mind. The dude said: "Nobody can make you feel anything. You can choose what you feel. The responsibility lies with you." That has stuck in my mind for 50 years +. It really had an impact on me and has helped me a great deal over the years. but how did the ironing turn out? ROFL! I haven't got a clue! I don't even remember what the heck I was ironing!
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MJ2.0
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Post by MJ2.0 on Jun 17, 2015 9:01:54 GMT -5
the funny thing is that the people in the minority are usually just expressing their personal feelings on it and not necessarily trying to stifle others rights. And they are still made to feel as though they're thinking the wrong thing. Clearly I need to re-read 1984 in order to prepare for the future. Time to start the YMAM book club again. Maybe we can make a game out of it. Read the book and then give points for real life examples in current events. I wish I was only joking about that July - 1984 August - Atlas Shrugged
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Lizard Queen
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Post by Lizard Queen on Jun 17, 2015 9:01:51 GMT -5
Even if 90% of the opinion is exactly the same, people are getting pummeled for any slight deviation from the majority opinion. That is what concerns me. One must "toe the company line", so to speak. I don't find that true. I don't find it all that difficult to state my opinion, whether it agrees with the majority, or not. Nobody on this message board can "pummel" me. I'm untouchable unless I choose to be otherwise. If I've stated my opinion and others decide to wax nasty, all I have to do is stop responding. Unless, that is, I want to argue, or actually believe I'm going to change someone else's view by stating my opinion again, and again. Why would I wish to do so in an unfriendly environment? It's really easy to just "walk away". Your opinion, and your principles remain intact. Because you want to introduce some moderation where things start getting extreme. Something like, "hey guys, things are getting a little out of hand here." When you let the most extreme opinions do all the talking, it spreads extremism.
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Green Eyed Lady
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Post by Green Eyed Lady on Jun 17, 2015 9:05:14 GMT -5
the funny thing is that the people in the minority are usually just expressing their personal feelings on it and not necessarily trying to stifle others rights. And they are still made to feel as though they're thinking the wrong thing. Clearly I need to re-read 1984 in order to prepare for the future. It is unfair to be berated for your opinions when you're doing nothing to stifle anyone's rights. But I also understand that for those whose rights have been stifled, or are under attack (by lawmakers, etc.), it can be hard not to paint someone who shares the same opinion as the "stifling" group (even if this person doesn't agree with the aims of this group, just the philosophy) with the same brush. I am sure it is exhausting to sift through all the opinions and figure out which people want to strip you of certain rights versus those who just "don't agree" with an aspect of your lifestyle or personality. This one made me think and it's a bit early for that. Good post. Stifling rights isn't always a clear cut thing. Let's just say we are debating taking out the "under God" part in the Pledge of Allegiance. If you are for it (hypothetical) and I'm against it, who is guilty of stifling who's rights? I mean if it's taken out, my rights are stifled. If it isn't, your's are. "Rights" aren't clear cut and what one may see as stifling, another may not. I didn't say that very well but what I'm trying to get at is people may see themselves as standing up for their own rights rather than stifiling the rights of others.
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Lizard Queen
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Post by Lizard Queen on Jun 17, 2015 9:05:48 GMT -5
the funny thing is that the people in the minority are usually just expressing their personal feelings on it and not necessarily trying to stifle others rights. And they are still made to feel as though they're thinking the wrong thing. Clearly I need to re-read 1984 in order to prepare for the future. I learned a really big lesson many years ago. Some dude was blathering away on television. I was trying to get my darned ironing done, so was listening with half a mind. The dude said: "Nobody can make you feel anything. You can choose what you feel. The responsibility lies with you." That has stuck in my mind for 50 years +. It really had an impact on me and has helped me a great deal over the years. I studied psychology in school, so I find it really unfair when some people insist that we respect the feelings of some people without question, while telling other people their feelings are wrong. I don't remember everything I studied, but it seems like instead of telling people their feelings are wrong, we would try to examine them a little more and determine the origin of the feelings. That seems to be the best way to transform feelings, IMO. YMMV of course...
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The Captain
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Post by The Captain on Jun 17, 2015 9:05:54 GMT -5
the funny thing is that the people in the minority are usually just expressing their personal feelings on it and not necessarily trying to stifle others rights. And they are still made to feel as though they're thinking the wrong thing. Clearly I need to re-read 1984 in order to prepare for the future. Time to start the YMAM book club again. Maybe we can make a game out of it. Read the book and then give points for real life examples in current events. I wish I was only joking about that Holy shit! Get outta my head woman...I was actually drawing mental analogies on this yesterday. It's gotten to the point where we can't speak freely in real life for fear of being accused of hating on something. Now we can't even have a frank discussion on the boards.
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ArchietheDragon
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Post by ArchietheDragon on Jun 17, 2015 9:06:19 GMT -5
It is unfair to be berated for your opinions when you're doing nothing to stifle anyone's rights. But I also understand that for those whose rights have been stifled, or are under attack (by lawmakers, etc.), it can be hard not to paint someone who shares the same opinion as the "stifling" group (even if this person doesn't agree with the aims of this group, just the philosophy) with the same brush. I am sure it is exhausting to sift through all the opinions and figure out which people want to strip you of certain rights versus those who just "don't agree" with an aspect of your lifestyle or personality. I remember one particular discussion on this board about issue X. I spent half my time trying to get others to understand that I don't have a position and the other half explaining that just because I'm not "For" doesn't mean I'm "Against" No really, I didn't have a position, I can truly see both sides of issue X, not only that I understand that there are people who first hand live both sides of position X (unlike me who is not first hand involved in either side). If only everyone didn't have a position about any issue, this message board would be so polite.
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mmhmm
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Post by mmhmm on Jun 17, 2015 9:06:28 GMT -5
I don't find that true. I don't find it all that difficult to state my opinion, whether it agrees with the majority, or not. Nobody on this message board can "pummel" me. I'm untouchable unless I choose to be otherwise. If I've stated my opinion and others decide to wax nasty, all I have to do is stop responding. Unless, that is, I want to argue, or actually believe I'm going to change someone else's view by stating my opinion again, and again. Why would I wish to do so in an unfriendly environment? It's really easy to just "walk away". Your opinion, and your principles remain intact. Because you want to introduce some moderation where things start getting extreme. Something like, "hey guys, things are getting a little out of hand here." When you let the most extreme opinions do all the talking, it spreads extremism. Saying something like you mention isn't going to further an argument, though. It may work, and it may not, but it's not something that will add fuel to a fire. I'm also not one to believe on a message board like this one (not populated by the very young and impressionable) you're going to see the proliferation of extreme views. Most of us are old enough to know how we feel about things and that's not going to be easy to change. Not saying it can't change, but it's going to really take some doing and it's not likely to go from reasonable to extreme because someone else extols the virtues of their way of thinking over, and over, and over again. At least, it sure won't have that effect on me!
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movingforward
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Post by movingforward on Jun 17, 2015 9:07:16 GMT -5
I have started to stay away from a lot of the more controversial threads because I am admittedly disturbed by what some people think. After not sleeping half the night following the Zimmerman/Martin thread I decided maybe some threads affect me a little too much. I wasn't disturbed by the fact that the jury didn't have enough evidence to convict Zimmerman (the jury should have had another option other than 2nd degree murder) but I was highly disturbed by the fact that some people thought it was completely okay for an armed person to track someone even after the police told that armed person to stay put. I know those people have a right to think that and to express that opinion but it obviously upset me enough to keep me awake at night.
I tried to stay away from the Duggar thread (though I did a lurk a little and like a few posts) because I find that family and that situation extremely upsetting. I knew there would be posts that would alarm me so for the most part I stayed away.
People are going to believe what they are going to believe and for the most part you aren't going to change their minds so you can go round and round for 40+ pages about something but in the end most people are still going to believe what they believed on page one. I just don't have the time and the energy for it but I am glad there are those that do. We need people like that.
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kittensaver
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Post by kittensaver on Jun 17, 2015 9:07:40 GMT -5
I don't find that true. I don't find it all that difficult to state my opinion, whether it agrees with the majority, or not. Nobody on this message board can "pummel" me. I'm untouchable unless I choose to be otherwise. If I've stated my opinion and others decide to wax nasty, all I have to do is stop responding. Unless, that is, I want to argue, or actually believe I'm going to change someone else's view by stating my opinion again, and again. Why would I wish to do so in an unfriendly environment? It's really easy to just "walk away". Your opinion, and your principles remain intact. Because you want to introduce some moderation where things start getting extreme. Something like, "hey guys, things are getting a little out of hand here." When you let the most extreme opinions do all the talking, it spreads extremism. With the caveat that extremism can be liberal OR conservative. It's not like one POV has the lock on "good" and the other is "bad" - although clearly there are individuals who would want you (the Big You) to think so.
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mmhmm
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Post by mmhmm on Jun 17, 2015 9:09:25 GMT -5
It is unfair to be berated for your opinions when you're doing nothing to stifle anyone's rights. But I also understand that for those whose rights have been stifled, or are under attack (by lawmakers, etc.), it can be hard not to paint someone who shares the same opinion as the "stifling" group (even if this person doesn't agree with the aims of this group, just the philosophy) with the same brush. I am sure it is exhausting to sift through all the opinions and figure out which people want to strip you of certain rights versus those who just "don't agree" with an aspect of your lifestyle or personality. This one made me think and it's a bit early for that. Good post. Stifling rights isn't always a clear cut thing. Let's just say we are debating taking out the "under God" part in the Pledge of Allegiance. If you are for it (hypothetical) and I'm against it, who is guilty of stifling who's rights? I mean if it's taken out, my rights are stifled. If it isn't, your's are. "Rights" aren't clear cut and what one may see as stifling, another may not. I didn't say that very well but what I'm trying to get at is people may see themselves as standing up for their own rights rather than stifiling the rights of others. Most of the time, I think that's exactly what's happening. People are simply standing up for their own rights/beliefs. They don't have the intent to stifle anyone.
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Green Eyed Lady
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Post by Green Eyed Lady on Jun 17, 2015 9:10:56 GMT -5
Even if 90% of the opinion is exactly the same, people are getting pummeled for any slight deviation from the majority opinion. That is what concerns me. One must "toe the company line", so to speak. I don't find that true. I don't find it all that difficult to state my opinion, whether it agrees with the majority, or not. Nobody on this message board can "pummel" me. I'm untouchable unless I choose to be otherwise. If I've stated my opinion and others decide to wax nasty, all I have to do is stop responding. Unless, that is, I want to argue, or actually believe I'm going to change someone else's view by stating my opinion again, and again. Why would I wish to do so in an unfriendly environment? It's really easy to just "walk away". Your opinion, and your principles remain intact. Totally agree. One can walk away anytime. Thing is, it shouldn't come to that. You shoud be able to state your opinion, state the reasons for your opinion, read the opinion of others because they often have good points and come away from the discussion feeling good about it. Not walking away feeling it was a waste of time and nothing more was going to result than more waxing nasty. That was my whole point. Of course we can walk away, but why should it have to come to that? I guess my answer to myself is people are passionate in their beliefs - me included. Passion comes out in various ways!
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Lizard Queen
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Post by Lizard Queen on Jun 17, 2015 9:13:46 GMT -5
Because you want to introduce some moderation where things start getting extreme. Something like, "hey guys, things are getting a little out of hand here." When you let the most extreme opinions do all the talking, it spreads extremism. With the caveat that extremism can be liberal OR conservative. It's not like one POV has the lock on "good" and the other is "bad" - although clearly there are individuals who would want you (the Big You) to think so. Yes, it can be either, or it can be something that has nothing to do with liberalism or conservatism. Any extreme will be a red flag to me, personally.
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movingforward
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Post by movingforward on Jun 17, 2015 9:15:21 GMT -5
It is unfair to be berated for your opinions when you're doing nothing to stifle anyone's rights. But I also understand that for those whose rights have been stifled, or are under attack (by lawmakers, etc.), it can be hard not to paint someone who shares the same opinion as the "stifling" group (even if this person doesn't agree with the aims of this group, just the philosophy) with the same brush. I am sure it is exhausting to sift through all the opinions and figure out which people want to strip you of certain rights versus those who just "don't agree" with an aspect of your lifestyle or personality. I really think this is a key point. Somethings are just personal decisions that each person must make for themselves. Abortion, getting married, etc. If you don't believe abortion is morally ok, don't have one. If you think gay marriage is not moral, don't marry someone the same gender as yourself. Feel free not too . Don't agree with gender changes - great, don't change your gender. Just let everyone else make their own decisions about their own bodies, and their own lives. Once we get here - what is there to really discuss?
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mmhmm
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Post by mmhmm on Jun 17, 2015 9:15:28 GMT -5
I don't find that true. I don't find it all that difficult to state my opinion, whether it agrees with the majority, or not. Nobody on this message board can "pummel" me. I'm untouchable unless I choose to be otherwise. If I've stated my opinion and others decide to wax nasty, all I have to do is stop responding. Unless, that is, I want to argue, or actually believe I'm going to change someone else's view by stating my opinion again, and again. Why would I wish to do so in an unfriendly environment? It's really easy to just "walk away". Your opinion, and your principles remain intact. Totally agree. One can walk away anytime. Thing is, it shouldn't come to that. You shoud be able to state your opinion, state the reasons for your opinion, read the opinion of others because they often have good points and come away from the discussion feeling good about it. Not walking away feeling it was a waste of time and nothing more was going to result than more waxing nasty. That was my whole point. Of course we can walk away, but why should it have to come to that? I guess my answer to myself is people are passionate in their beliefs - me included. Passion comes out in various ways! But, you can state your opinion. You have stated your opinion, and stated your reasons, and can still read the opinions of others. There's no way anybody can ever guarantee you (the generic "you") are going to come away feeling good about it, but you can certainly come away with your opinion intact and some understanding of how others might see things differently. Nobody's opinion may change but it's sure possible to learn a bit. The problem, as I see it, comes out in the way some deal with that "passion". When trouble arises, it's almost always because someone takes the focus off the subject under discussion and puts it, instead, on an individual who holds a different opinion.
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happyhoix
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Joined: Oct 7, 2011 7:22:42 GMT -5
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Post by happyhoix on Jun 17, 2015 9:15:46 GMT -5
The majority often tramples upon the rights of the minority. It is part of the "human condition". It was also something that the Founding Fathers were keenly aware of, and many of them were quite concerned about the "Tyranny of the Majority". It is a reason why we are a Republic with a representative government rather than a democracy.
On a micro level, we have situations like on this board. Without meaning to, the majority can be quite stifling to the minority on any topic, regardless of political affiliation. Of course everyone believes that they themselves are completely fair minded. Agreed. Except for the part about "without meaning to". I don't understand. Do you think there is a behind the scenes conspiracy between the more socially liberal posters on this board to gang up and flood someone with posts if they dare to question their opinion? "Without meaning to" means that a particular discussion might have more people leaning one way than the other, and it might appear to the people in the minority that they are being 'picked on' when in fact, it's just that there are more people present expressing an alternative view. Nothing organized or intentional at all. I understand that it can feel overwhelming when you are one of the few people with an opposing viewpoint. Happened to me on the political board all.the.time. Specifically on the threads about global climate change or gun control, where I often felt like a lone voice crying in the wilderness. I don't think I was being ganged up on, I think there were just a lot more people who have opinions that are opposite to my own. It didn't bother me, and I'm not sure why it bothers you? Are you upset that people disagree with you?
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kittensaver
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We cannot do great things. We can only do small things with great love. - Mother Teresa
Joined: Nov 22, 2011 16:16:36 GMT -5
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Post by kittensaver on Jun 17, 2015 9:16:14 GMT -5
With the caveat that extremism can be liberal OR conservative. It's not like one POV has the lock on "good" and the other is "bad" - although clearly there are individuals who would want you (the Big You) to think so. Yes, it can be either, or it can be something that has nothing to do with liberalism or conservatism. Any extreme will be a red flag to me, personally. Agreed! I just brought up those two examples because they are the ones being discussed here. On a continuum, you will always have "fringes" . . . . that's why it's a continuum .
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Green Eyed Lady
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Look inna eye! Always look inna eye!
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Post by Green Eyed Lady on Jun 17, 2015 9:19:08 GMT -5
I learned a really big lesson many years ago. Some dude was blathering away on television. I was trying to get my darned ironing done, so was listening with half a mind. The dude said: "Nobody can make you feel anything. You can choose what you feel. The responsibility lies with you." That has stuck in my mind for 50 years +. It really had an impact on me and has helped me a great deal over the years. I studied psychology in school, so I find it really unfair when some people insist that we respect the feelings of some people without question, while telling other people their feelings are wrong. I don't remember everything I studied, but it seems like instead of telling people their feelings are wrong, we would try to examine them a little more and determine the origin of the feelings. That seems to be the best way to transform feelings, IMO. YMMV of course... Yes! Plus? Instead of saying what's wrong with the other person's opinion, say what's right with yours. I feel the same about candidates in an election. Tell me what is good about you - not what's bad about the other person.
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