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Exclusive Content => Editorials => Topic started by: Dexter on November 06, 2018, 02:19:27 pm

Title: I've been confused recently, but I think I get it now...
Post by: Dexter on November 06, 2018, 02:19:27 pm
This isn't just about left vs right anymore. The authoritarians have declared war on the libertarians, and both sides have some of both, which is why everything is insane right now.
Title: Re: I've been confused recently, but I think I get it now...
Post by: Sanguine on November 06, 2018, 02:33:18 pm
This isn't just about left vs right anymore. The authoritarians have declared war on the libertarians, and there are both in both parties, which is why everything is insane right now.

 :beer:  You got the first part!

Now, the next step is who is who?  Which side is predominantly demanding authoritarianism?
Title: Re: I've been confused recently, but I think I get it now...
Post by: Dexter on November 06, 2018, 02:35:05 pm
:beer:  You got the first part!

Now, the next step is who is who?  Which side is predominantly demanding authoritarianism?

The fact that I'm here and completely disillusioned with the left should make it clear.  :patriot:
Title: Re: I've been confused recently, but I think I get it now...
Post by: Sanguine on November 06, 2018, 02:39:33 pm
The fact that I'm here and completely disillusioned with the left should make it clear.  :patriot:

I understand and I applaud that.  However, truth is the best antidote to the ills of society, so seeking after it is paramount.  Don't stop. 
Title: Re: I've been confused recently, but I think I get it now...
Post by: musiclady on November 06, 2018, 02:42:45 pm
:beer:  You got the first part!

Now, the next step is who is who?  Which side is predominantly demanding authoritarianism?

The problem is that "our side" didn't used to demand fealty to authoritarianism, and now some of "us" are.

So your question is important.  Who IS who?  The left has always been and is increasingly Marxist, but now "our side" is wanting that to happen too.  (Again SOME.... not all).
Title: Re: I've been confused recently, but I think I get it now...
Post by: Sanguine on November 06, 2018, 02:44:46 pm
The problem is that "our side" didn't used to demand fealty to authoritarianism, and now some of "us" are.

So your question is important.  Who IS who?  The left has always been and is increasingly Marxist, but now "our side" is wanting that to happen too.  (Again SOME.... not all).

Yes, that's why I said "predominantly".  I think it's up to us who identify as Republicans and/or conservatives to fix that; it's not up to those who have recently opened their eyes.
Title: Re: I've been confused recently, but I think I get it now...
Post by: skeeter on November 06, 2018, 02:51:32 pm
The problem is that "our side" didn't used to demand fealty to authoritarianism, and now some of "us" are.

So your question is important.  Who IS who?  The left has always been and is increasingly Marxist, but now "our side" is wanting that to happen too.  (Again SOME.... not all).

Surely you're not comparing the authoritarianism of the left - the speech codes, use of activist courts, advocacy of laws governing behavior they find objectionable, all backed by the implicit threat of street violence - with anything Trump has seriously proposed or supporters' vigorous defense of his policies?
Title: Re: I've been confused recently, but I think I get it now...
Post by: XenaLee on November 06, 2018, 02:52:44 pm
Yes, that's why I said "predominantly".  I think it's up to us who identify as Republicans and/or conservatives to fix that; it's not up to those who have recently opened their eyes.

Fix it.... how, exactly?    :shrug:
Title: Re: I've been confused recently, but I think I get it now...
Post by: INVAR on November 06, 2018, 02:57:23 pm
Surely you're not comparing the authoritarianism of the left - the speech codes, use of activist courts, advocacy of laws governing behavior they find objectionable, all backed by the implicit threat of street violence - with Trump supporters' vigorous defense their candidate and his policies?

I do.  I have read it posted and said to my face by Trump fanatics, the desire to impose same authoritarian garbage that the Democrat Left is engaged in.

They have no more respect for liberty than the Left does, and will impose the same totalitarian crap if they could, given their own words and statements.
Title: Re: I've been confused recently, but I think I get it now...
Post by: mystery-ak on November 06, 2018, 02:57:39 pm
I'm confused too..why this thread is in Politics...
Title: Re: I've been confused recently, but I think I get it now...
Post by: skeeter on November 06, 2018, 03:00:24 pm
I do.  I have read it posted and said to my face by Trump fanatics, the desire to impose same authoritarian garbage that the Democrat Left is engaged in.

They have no more respect for liberty than the Left does, and will impose the same totalitarian crap if they could, given their own words and statements.

I'm not talking about what some anonymous stooge posted to you on an internet forum. I'm talking about tangible authoritarian policies.
Title: Re: I've been confused recently, but I think I get it now...
Post by: Jazzhead on November 06, 2018, 03:03:26 pm
Surely you're not comparing the authoritarianism of the left - the speech codes, use of activist courts, advocacy of laws governing behavior they find objectionable, all backed by the implicit threat of street violence - with anything Trump has seriously proposed or supporters' vigorous defense of his policies?

There's really no comparison.    The left advocates true authoritarianism,  and fealty to the gods of identity politics.    Trump has not governed as an authoritarian,  and has listened to constructive criticism (at least from those he has perceived to be loyal).   Trump's biggest flaw is that he has not clearly and forcefully distanced himself from a small segment of his base that (and I'll say this diplomatically) rejects Reagan's vision of America as a shining city.     
Title: Re: I've been confused recently, but I think I get it now...
Post by: Dexter on November 06, 2018, 03:03:54 pm
I'm confused too..why this thread is in Politics...

Is this not a political discussion? Where should it go?
Title: Re: I've been confused recently, but I think I get it now...
Post by: Mod1 on November 06, 2018, 03:09:35 pm
Moving to Exclusive Content/Editorials, as this thread is not based on a published article or commentary.
Title: Re: I've been confused recently, but I think I get it now...
Post by: mystery-ak on November 06, 2018, 03:10:04 pm
Is this not a political discussion? Where should it go?

It should go in General Discussion...Politics is reserved for everything happening on Cap Hill etc
Title: Re: I've been confused recently, but I think I get it now...
Post by: Sanguine on November 06, 2018, 03:10:59 pm
Fix it.... how, exactly?    :shrug:

By rejecting authoritarianism.  Maybe I'm not picking up what you're putting down?
Title: Re: I've been confused recently, but I think I get it now...
Post by: Mod1 on November 06, 2018, 03:11:59 pm
Because the thread essentially is the poster's own thoughts or thesis, mods determined it best belongs in our original content section of the forum.
Title: Re: I've been confused recently, but I think I get it now...
Post by: Dexter on November 06, 2018, 03:13:27 pm
It should go in General Discussion...Politics is reserved for everything happening on Cap Hill etc

Sorry.
Title: Re: I've been confused recently, but I think I get it now...
Post by: XenaLee on November 06, 2018, 03:23:20 pm
By rejecting authoritarianism.  Maybe I'm not picking up what you're putting down?

Lol....I'm asking how?  I reject authoritarianism.  You reject it.  Many, if not most of us, reject it.  How does that fix anything?  I'm serious.
Title: Re: I've been confused recently, but I think I get it now...
Post by: Sanguine on November 06, 2018, 03:31:42 pm
Lol....I'm asking how?  I reject authoritarianism.  You reject it.  Many, if not most of us, reject it.  How does that fix anything?  I'm serious.

That is the big question, isn't it?  You and I are for low taxes, less government, secure borders, etc.  And, what good does that do in the big picture?

Well...we vote, and we vote for people who share at least some similar values.  We don't send funds to those who support the wrong stuff.  We don't attend events for bad guys.  We speak out against bad guys and for good guys.  We try to overcome the public school system and teach our children well.

Of course, in this superheated environment none of that is enough.  I honestly don't know what the next step should be.  I have some ideas.  I think we should pick a week and drive up to Washington D.C. and shut the city down.  No violence, no overheated rhetoric, just tell those "elites" in D.C. to do their Constitutionally limited jobs or go home.  It would scare the hell out of them. 

Do you have any ideas?  I'm open to hearing them.
Title: Re: I've been confused recently, but I think I get it now...
Post by: INVAR on November 06, 2018, 03:32:31 pm
I'm not talking about what some anonymous stooge posted to you on an internet forum. I'm talking about tangible authoritarian policies.

Oh you mean like ObamaCare that the Republican Party has not only funded in full but refused to repeal after they were given total power? 

I find no difference between a party that has as an agenda to impose authoritarian policies, and a party that not only willfully looks the other way when it does, but funds those policies as well.

Today's factionalism doesn't do a damn thing to arrest or hinder authoritarianism, rather they just rearrange chairs on the deck but do the same thing.
Title: Re: I've been confused recently, but I think I get it now...
Post by: Sanguine on November 06, 2018, 03:34:26 pm
Oh you mean like ObamaCare that the Republican Party has not only funded in full but refused to repeal after they were given total power? 

I find no difference between a party that has as an agenda to impose authoritarian policies, and a party that not only willfully looks the other way when it does, but funds those policies as well.

Today's factionalism doesn't do a damn thing to arrest or hinder authoritarianism, rather they just rearrange chairs on the deck but do the same thing.
@XenaLee, or, you can just give up and blare your virtue-signals constantly, repetitively and without stop.
Title: Re: I've been confused recently, but I think I get it now...
Post by: skeeter on November 06, 2018, 03:41:55 pm
There's really no comparison.    The left advocates true authoritarianism,  and fealty to the gods of identity politics.    Trump has not governed as an authoritarian,  and has listened to constructive criticism (at least from those he has perceived to be loyal).   Trump's biggest flaw is that he has not clearly and forcefully distanced himself from a small segment of his base that (and I'll say this diplomatically) rejects Reagan's vision of America as a shining city.   

There's real irony in your opinion of Trump's main flaw, JH. Because the future of authoritarianism in the US depends very much upon an endless stream of needy, uneducated people from the third world as well as those otherwise comfortable with authoritarianism in the countries from which they are immigrating. A significant majority  have no tradition nor use of individual liberty beyond that which they need to fill their pockets.

With the abundance of evidence all around us I'm surprised you cannot see the cause and effect.

Title: Re: I've been confused recently, but I think I get it now...
Post by: XenaLee on November 06, 2018, 03:43:35 pm
That is the big question, isn't it?  You and I are for low taxes, less government, secure borders, etc.  And, what good does that do in the big picture?

Well...we vote, and we vote for people who share at least some similar values.  We don't send funds to those who support the wrong stuff.  We don't attend events for bad guys.  We speak out against bad guys and for good guys.  We try to overcome the public school system and teach our children well.

Of course, in this superheated environment none of that is enough.  I honestly don't know what the next step should be.  I have some ideas.  I think we should pick a week and drive up to Washington D.C. and shut the city down.  No violence, no overheated rhetoric, just tell those "elites" in D.C. to do their Constitutionally limited jobs or go home.  It would scare the hell out of them. 

Do you have any ideas? I'm open to hearing them.

Yeah, basically... that's why I was asking "how to fix it".  The only thing I've tried is voting and that doesn't always work (it didn't keep the rats out in 2008/2012).  Your idea of showing up in DC sounds like another Tea Party event.  Only problem is, the rats just ignored it and would again.  I think we need to make shock sure that we don't nominate any squishes (like Romney, McCain, etc.) in the future... for one thing.  Those two clusterfk's alone got us eight years of Obamanation.  We have to nominate ONLY those that we're sure will uphold conservative ideas. 

That said, I would have never nominated Trump to uphold my conservative ideas... and yet... I believe he has done that better than any establishment wonks like Jeb Bush would have done.  So it's easier said than done.  Dunno.  Whatever that "fix" is.... we need to figure it out... and do it consistently from now on.  The future of the nation and our future depends upon it.
Title: Re: I've been confused recently, but I think I get it now...
Post by: truth_seeker on November 06, 2018, 03:44:47 pm
The fact that I'm here and completely disillusioned with the left should make it clear.  :patriot:

Disillusion with the Left has become, drives the Intellectual Dark Web, #walkaway etc.
Title: Re: I've been confused recently, but I think I get it now...
Post by: XenaLee on November 06, 2018, 03:45:17 pm
@XenaLee, or, you can just give up and blare your virtue-signals constantly, repetitively and without stop.

Lol... don't hate him for voicing his opinions and concerns here.  It's kind of what we ALL do.  Right?
Title: Re: I've been confused recently, but I think I get it now...
Post by: Sanguine on November 06, 2018, 03:46:44 pm
Yeah, basically... that's why I was asking "how to fix it".  The only thing I've tried is voting and that doesn't always work (it didn't keep the rats out in 2008/2012).  Your idea of showing up in DC sounds like another Tea Party event.  Only problem is, the rats just ignored it and would again.  I think we need to make shock sure that we don't nominate any squishes (like Romney, McCain, etc.) in the future... for one thing.  Those two clusterfk's alone got us eight years of Obamanation.  We have to nominate ONLY those that we're sure will uphold conservative ideas. 

That said, I would have never nominated Trump to uphold my conservative ideas... and yet... I believe he has done that better than any establishment wonks like Jeb Bush would have done.  So it's easier said than done.  Dunno.  Whatever that "fix" is.... we need to figure it out... and do it consistently from now on.  The future of the nation and our future depends upon it.

As for that, I was a delegate at the last Texas Republican convention, and it was a very well-run show.  What I thought was really not an issue.  Our votes did count, but pretty much nothing else did. 
Title: Re: I've been confused recently, but I think I get it now...
Post by: Sanguine on November 06, 2018, 03:47:33 pm
Lol... don't hate him for voicing his opinions and concerns here.  It's kind of what we ALL do.  Right?

No, no hate, just massive fatigue. 
Title: Re: I've been confused recently, but I think I get it now...
Post by: INVAR on November 06, 2018, 03:48:59 pm
@XenaLee, or, you can just give up and blare your virtue-signals constantly, repetitively and without stop.

Or you can stick your finger in your ears and yell while shutting your eyes tight and pretend reality is not happening.

I think we should pick a week and drive up to Washington D.C. and shut the city down. 

THINK for a change.  That would be declared a terrorist act and would be dealt with in like-manner.  Hell we already have had prayer marches and marches for life declared as such.

Besides, you need a "permit" today in order to assemble to petition for a redress of grievances by the very body that you have grievances.  And they put you in designated areas, so the idea is not viable to engender what you think it would cause.

No violence, no overheated rhetoric, just tell those "elites" in D.C. to do their Constitutionally limited jobs or go home.

Oh, you mean like this?

(http://www.welovedc.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/912-1.jpg)

It would scare the hell out of them. 

No, it would just piss them off and give them the excuse to do what they want to do anyway.

What will it take to wake you up to the truth that THEY ARE NOT LISTENING ANYMORE??? 

The Beast is self-aware - and it is not going to allow or permit any efforts to restrict it.  Window dressing sure, because it placates people like you into the false belief that something is being done to keep us from going full on Communist.

Do you have any ideas?  I'm open to hearing them.

The ideas that would actually work have been rejected for party politics.

The lawless are not going to acquiesce to cease and desist demands via civil means, nor will it permit itself to be imposed by other laws since it disregards the existing restraints.  Fact.

They are a law unto themselves, and act as such.

Short of armed conflict (which will end badly for what remains of liberty) there is nothing that can be done politically except pray and repent.

But that is not going to happen, because the mere mention of that is near-universally held in abject contempt.   It's sad, because short of that - there is no going back to what was intended for us.
Title: Re: I've been confused recently, but I think I get it now...
Post by: XenaLee on November 06, 2018, 03:51:26 pm
As for that, I was a delegate at the last Texas Republican convention, and it was a very well-run show.  What I thought was really not an issue.  Our votes did count, but pretty much nothing else did.

Texas is one of the few, last bastions of sanity in politics.  If the immigration laws are not fixed and then upheld, even Texas will fall to the leftist insanity due to sheer forces of numbers of voters (as intended by the radical left Democrats).  It is crucial that our borders be controlled, illegals kept out, the idiotic immigration laws be fixed (chain migration, catch & release, etc.), and to do that we have to keep Democrats out of power.  It is really that simple.  Just... maybe not that easy.
Title: Re: I've been confused recently, but I think I get it now...
Post by: XenaLee on November 06, 2018, 03:53:05 pm
No, no hate, just massive fatigue.

And that's.... why we have the "Ignore" feature.
Title: Re: I've been confused recently, but I think I get it now...
Post by: Sanguine on November 06, 2018, 03:53:44 pm
Texas is one of the few, last bastions of sanity in politics.  If the immigration laws are not fixed and then upheld, even Texas will fall to the leftist insanity due to sheer forces of numbers of voters (as intended by the radical left Democrats).  It is crucial that our borders be controlled, illegals kept out, the idiotic immigration laws be fixed (chain migration, catch & release, etc.), and to do that we have to keep Democrats out of power.  It is really that simple.  Just... maybe not that easy.

Yes, so I guess my point is, that if enough of us attended the conventions, we might be able to have an effect there.  And, just getting conservatives nominated would be a big step. 

Then, we've got to figure out how to keep them conservative once they get to D.C. 
Title: Re: I've been confused recently, but I think I get it now...
Post by: Sanguine on November 06, 2018, 03:54:21 pm
And that's.... why we have the "Ignore" feature.

Sometimes things leak in...
Title: Re: I've been confused recently, but I think I get it now...
Post by: XenaLee on November 06, 2018, 03:59:03 pm
Yes, so I guess my point is, that if enough of us attended the conventions, we might be able to have an effect there.  And, just getting conservatives nominated would be a big step. 

Then, we've got to figure out how to keep them conservative once they get to D.C.

I think there's something in the water there....something odd and alien perhaps?  I supported Kay Bailey Hutchinson as one of THE most conservative people I knew once.  Then she went to DC and got podded.    **nononono*
Title: Re: I've been confused recently, but I think I get it now...
Post by: XenaLee on November 06, 2018, 04:01:06 pm
Sometimes things leak in...

Lolol!   Yeah.  It's the dreaded reverse seepage factor.  I hate it when that happens!   :silly:
Title: Re: I've been confused recently, but I think I get it now...
Post by: musiclady on November 06, 2018, 04:15:28 pm
Yes, that's why I said "predominantly".  I think it's up to us who identify as Republicans and/or conservatives to fix that; it's not up to those who have recently opened their eyes.

Completely agree.

But most of us here are Republicans or Conservatives, so the point remains.

The "who is who" issue has been considerably blurred.  Generally, the Republican party still has the upper hand, but less and less so.
Title: Re: I've been confused recently, but I think I get it now...
Post by: musiclady on November 06, 2018, 04:17:33 pm
I think there's something in the water there....something odd and alien perhaps?  I supported Kay Bailey Hutchinson as one of THE most conservative people I knew once.  Then she went to DC and got podded.    **nononono*

Well, DC was originally a fetid swamp, so the fact that it remains so isn't shocking.

How many good conservatives have we sent there who got sucked into the mire before their first year was up??

I'm all for some of that "swamp draining" that has been declared, but I don't see any of that actually happening.  :shrug:
Title: Re: I've been confused recently, but I think I get it now...
Post by: XenaLee on November 06, 2018, 04:20:05 pm
Well, DC was originally a fetid swamp, so the fact that it remains so isn't shocking.

How many good conservatives have we sent there who got sucked into the mire before their first year was up??

I'm all for some of that "swamp draining" that has been declared, but I don't see any of that actually happening.  :shrug:

Yeah, I'm not all that hopeful that it's even possible, at this point.  It's like the eeevil is embedded.  Like.... DC is an extension of Hell!  lol
Title: Re: I've been confused recently, but I think I get it now...
Post by: musiclady on November 06, 2018, 04:20:47 pm
Yeah, I'm not all that hopeful that it's even possible, at this point.  It's like the eeevil is embedded.  Like.... DC is an extension of Hell!  lol

Sulfur oozing up through the soil.   :smokin:
Title: Re: I've been confused recently, but I think I get it now...
Post by: Cyber Liberty on November 06, 2018, 04:24:07 pm
Yes, so I guess my point is, that if enough of us attended the conventions, we might be able to have an effect there.  And, just getting conservatives nominated would be a big step. 

Then, we've got to figure out how to keep them conservative once they get to D.C.

This is how to get our foot in the door.  The way to do that (here, at least) is to get ourselves elected/appointed as Precinct Committeemen.  We'll be talking to the District Chair as soon as we get moved into our Castle.
Title: Re: I've been confused recently, but I think I get it now...
Post by: the_doc on November 06, 2018, 04:27:15 pm
@Sanguine

Do you have any ideas?  I'm open to hearing them.

I suspect we are headed for violence no matter how peaceful we conservatives try to be.  (Violence is just what community organizers do.)

BTW, I am relieved that you have gone back to your Annie Oakley avatar.  (The Mexican one was kind of creepy art, don't you think?)
Title: Re: I've been confused recently, but I think I get it now...
Post by: Sanguine on November 06, 2018, 04:40:57 pm
@Sanguine

I suspect we are headed for violence no matter how peaceful we conservatives try to be.  (Violence is just what community organizers do.)

BTW, I am relieved that you have gone back to your Annie Oakley avatar.  (The Mexican one was kind of creepy art, don't you think?)

I'm not a big Halloween fan, and that was as close as I wanted to get.   :laugh: