wall street journal: palin quotes nazi/farmers want obama

[guitarist]

MacMagus wrote:
I did not characterize "Americans who don't vote like we do" in any way shape or form.

The category of Americans that I referred to was "people who suffer the most under the policies of the current administration."

I'll accept that. While I don't disagree with you, don't be surprised if they don't share your views or my views regarding their suffering or their circumstance. Many in the path of Katrina might blame the reckless incompetence of local figures like Mayor Nagin and Governor Kathleen Blanco, rather than federal failures. Or better yet, they might actually blame Katrina. And many parents who's adult children were killed by an insurgent's bomb or bullet might actually blame the cowardly insurgent who shot them, rather than the policies they continue to support, in spite of being viewed with disdain and disapproval by the opposition. They might support the cause even more than before, not less. Or some may blame the policies, and agree that the doctrine is wrongheaded and unnecessary. I imagine it varies from family to family, or individual to individual.

When those Americans support the people who made them suffer, that bugs me.

I hear ya. Being bugged is sort of a permanent way of life in a democracy. I'm sure they are equally bugged by what they perceive as our unnecessary suffering at the hands of leaders and policies we choose to support. It works both ways. Since the concerns are political, one side understandably doubts the sincerity of the other side's concern.

[Black Landlord]

guitarist wrote:
[quote=MacMagus]
I did not characterize "Americans who don't vote like we do" in any way shape or form.

The category of Americans that I referred to was "people who suffer the most under the policies of the current administration."

I'll accept that. While I don't disagree with you, don't be surprised if they don't share your views or my views regarding their suffering or their circumstance. Many in the path of Katrina might blame the reckless incompetence of local figures like Mayor Nagin and Governor Kathleen Blanco, rather than federal failures. Or better yet, they might actually blame Katrina. And many parents who's adult children were killed by an insurgent's bomb or bullet might actually blame the cowardly insurgent who shot them, rather than the policies they continue to support, in spite of being viewed with disdain and disapproval by the opposition. They might support the cause even more than before, not less. Or some may blame the policies, and agree that the doctrine is wrongheaded and unnecessary. I imagine it varies from family to family, or individual to individual.

When those Americans support the people who made them suffer, that bugs me.

I hear ya. Being bugged is sort of a permanent way of life in a democracy. I'm sure they are equally bugged by what they perceive as our unnecessary suffering at the hands of leaders and policies we choose to support. It works both ways. Since the concerns are political, one side understandably doubts the sincerity of the other side's concern. Oops, meant to send PM.

[OWC Jamie]

MacMagus wrote:


That includes those people who, for example (and not exclusively), suffered in the aftermath of Katrina

Katrina had nothing to do with that.

MacMagus wrote:
and those people who have lost their children in Iraq because of the Bush doctrine of imperialism-but-call-it-preemptive-anti-terrorism.

When those Americans support the people who made them suffer, that bugs me.

Voluntarily.

[MacMagus]

> > That includes those people who, for example
> > (and not exclusively), suffered in the aftermath of
> > Katrina
>
>
> Katrina had nothing to do with that.

While the suffering after the hurricane was greatly enhanced by incompetence, delays and inadequate aid by the federal government, I think that it's safe to deduce that Katrina had a great deal to do with it, too.


> Voluntarily.

That's an interesting concept. Please explain what you mean by that word in the context of these articles.

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/opinion/374037_amy08.html

http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articl...carefully/

http://www.mediamouse.org/features/081506gover.php

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/con...02528.html

[guitarist]

More of the "those fortunate enough to share my political (anti-military intervention) point of view aren't perfect, but we're factual, sincere, and enlightened. But man, those unfortunate souls who support, or participate in military intervention, they can't possibly do it for informed, voluntary reasons, it can only be because they're "duped" into it. How can there possibly be any other rational explanation for them being so wrong? No young American would willingly serve in the military. Clearly, they're being coerced, manipulated, it's not volunteer at all. It's all a...lie!

I imagine that receives nods of knowing agreement among the back-scratching, tea-drinking crowd in University dorms and magazine offices on the east and west coast.

But it's cool, hang in there! Maybe one day you'll hit the jackpot, someone here will slap their forehead and go "my god, you're right! What was I thinking? I'm gonna change my party affiliation right now!"

[MacMagus]

[quote guitarist]
...
Yeah! Sarcasm fixes every problem and makes all of us good chums.

Let's have more of that!!

[Black Landlord]

MacMagus wrote:
[quote guitarist]
...

Yeah! Sarcasm fixes every problem and makes all of us good chums.

Let's have more of that!!
Great post, macmagus! Thanks for elevating the discourse!