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Brooks

Republican – Alabama

My First P4A Fight... Have a feeling it won't be my last!

Thu. Oct. 30, 02:14pm EST

Okay, so I've been here for a week, and already, I have managed to piss someone off. A certain poster who shall remain anonymous, claiming to be 'independent' while sounding like Al Franken doing an impersonation of Michael Moore. I'm sorry, but I have about had it with these types. In my opinion, this is precisely the kind of people McCain blew his campaign trying to appeal to, and he never had a chance in hell with them. These so-called "independents" are nothing more than Democrats who are ashamed of being associated with their liberal party nutbags. Oh, they agree with the nutbags, they'll certainly vote for and support the nutbags, but they just don't want to publicly admit it, they had rather hide and cower behind the label of "independent" and pretend they have taken some enlightened moral high ground. They are gutless wonders, in my opinion, afraid to speak out for what they really believe, and determined to try and fool others into believing they are truly "independent" when nothing could be further from the truth.
 
Being such a staunch conservative right winger, you may find it amazing how many devoutly liberal friends I have. In fact, most of my close personal associations are with people who are extremely left-wing. We maintain our friendship by avoiding discussions of politics for the most part, because we respect the fact that our opinions differ sharply. I completely disagree with them on the issues, but I can respect the views they have, I can respect the fact that they will stand up for their views and make no bones about who they are. They don't pretend to be 'moderate' or 'independent', they will tell you straight up, they are liberal and democrat. They may be totally wrong on political issues, but at least they have a spine. I respect that.
 
Over the past 8 years, and indeed, throughout this election campaign, it seems that true conservatives want to 'reach out' and try to appease these so-called 'moderates' and 'independents' by watering down their own conservative views, in essence doing the same thing, trying to fool people into believing they are something they're not. Part of the problem the Bush administration has had, is this abandonment of the right, who felt the pressure and scorn from liberals and ran for cover. Where? Under the comfortable umbrella of 'moderate independence' of course! It's just easier that way, you don't have to listen to the tongue lashings, you can avoid the ridicule and insults, just put on your 'independent' hat and pretend to be a 'moderate' so the other side will not lump you in with the rest of the vast right wing conspirators. For some of us, being liked and accepted is far more important than our principles and convictions, and that is really sad to me.
 
Maybe it is a 'fault' in my personality, but I really don't have a problem with revealing the truth, pulling the mask off the posers, exposing frauds when I encounter them. Granted, I don't make a lot of friends doing this, after all, no one likes to have the truth revealed about them when they have gone to such great lengths to conceal it. They tend to get all offended, and then the name-calling begins, but that's okay with me, I have been called names all my life, it doesn't bother me. What bothers me, is people thinking they are pulling the wool over my eyes, thinking I am too dumb to see through them, that I don't see the deception they are trying to get away with. I just can't stand a phony person. Speak your mind, have the courage to stand up for what you believe in, and you will earn my respect, whether I agree with you or not.

Comments
Jenci Spradlin Fri. Oct. 31, 12:37am EST#1

I tend to agree with author Elizabeth Gilbert (Eat, Pray, Love) who says that "Sureness is something like a neck brace, which we clamp around our lives, hoping to somehow protect ourselves from the freightening constant whiplash of change. Sadly, the brace doesn't always hold."

Throughout my own life, I can think of many times that I was absolutely sure about this or that, and indeed, in our political history, how many times have we been told by our elected officals that they were sure this particular bill or that specific military action would solve a problem or meet a need?

Gilbert adds the following, "Perhaps it is for this reason that the people we instinctively turn to in times of trouble are those who - we sense - have made space within their convictions for doubt and mystery. Compassion grows best, it appears, in the soft spots beneath quiet surrender. So I try very hard to go easy on the firm conclusions."

For me, doubt and mystery are the stuff of life! It makes my journey in this world exciting. There is adventure in the discovery; and sure, there is comfort in learning something new that advances my beliefs and there's fear in being wrong. But for me, I'd rather live in that state of quiet surrender (which doesn't mean that I'll LITERALLY be quiet) than to live confined to a no-wiggle-room-grab-a-bullhorn-to-heck-with-everyone prison of my own making.

Zeke Murrah Sat. Nov. 01, 12:11am EST#2

"Over the past 8 years, and indeed, throughout this election campaign, it seems that true conservatives want to 'reach out' and try to appease these so-called 'moderates' and 'independents'" -- Isn't part of what's happening here necessary political strategy. Reaching out to moderates seems like selling out sometimes, but those votes are needed to win elections. Bush fired up the a socially conservative base to win in 2000, but he won by the slimmest of margins. A win is a win, but a few more votes going for the GOP candidate sure would help. Nail-biters are great when watching sports, but I'd like a safe margin of victory in an election. Making the GOP umbrella smaller so fewer people fit under it doesn't make much political sense, even if those comfortably under the umbrella would feel more enthused about their party. It's a tough balance to stay true to principles while reaching out to attract new members.

Brooks Sun. Nov. 02, 01:11am EST#3

Why do you think Ronald Reagan won by a landslide? Do you think America's political compass has shifted THAT far in the past 25 years? I don't think so! I believe America is largely conservative, and Reagan delivered a solid conservative message, because he believed in what he was saying, and it wasn't just things he had to say to get elected. Since Reagan, we have been inundated by politicians who want to water down conservatism and appeal to liberals. Each election cycle, this is rejected, and they just keep moving further left. Bush (with Karl Rove's brilliance) realized he could capture a lot of social conservative votes, and he went for that. Even Clinton, Gore, and Kerry, didn't mind carrying a Bible around, and going to church a few times, to appeal to social conservative voters. But true conservative core values, both fiscally and socially, have not been adequately articulated on the American political stage, since Reagan, and THAT is what will generate an overwhelming majority of energized voters for the Republican party. As long as Republicans waste their time trying to appease the left, cater to liberalism, and cave on their core conservative principles, they will continue to have problems getting elected.

Joe Spears Sun. Nov. 02, 11:07am EST#4

Here is how I see it, GOP will never win left leaning independents. Ever. So attempting to get them is fool hardy. The reverse if true as well.

Now what independents are up for grabs? I think those with no opinion, those who don't care, and the truly uninformed. Either party just need to present their case to these people that theirs is the best one for them.

Regan was an anomaly, he had great presence, very articulate, and generally a lovable and playful personality. He also was following up one of the most inept leaders the western world has ever known in the 20th century.

I too thing we are a "right of center" nation.

Joe Spears Sun. Nov. 02, 11:07am EST#5

er .. think (not thing)

Jenci Spradlin Sun. Nov. 02, 04:08pm EST#6

In case anyone wants a rational analysis of the infamous "undecided" voter, I came upon this very interesting story in Time today that looks at the demographics of and motivations of the undecided voter. I have a new-found appreciation for them.

Joshua Boulée Sun. Nov. 02, 08:03pm EST#7

Thanks for the link, Jenci. I love the analogy comparing which vote has the worst consequences to choosing whether to die by fire or hanging. I think there are a lot of people that are looking at this election as a choice between two different lists of downsides. Neither candidate is really giving us much to vote FOR.

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