Toward A More Constructive Dialogue

[athelind]

I could have phrased Monday night's entry more tactfully, and probably should have. Several people whose opinions I value and respect have noted that accusing those who disagree with you of being stupid, deluded or worse will win no converts and prove no points.

With the outrage and frustration filtered out, what I was really trying to say was, "What are you people thinking??"

On that level, this was not an entirely unsuccessful attempt at communication. Several of you did give some indication of what you've been thinking.

You think, apparently, that George Walker Bush is a "conservative".

Please note that I did not attack the conservative philosophy. I did not claim that one had to be Stupid, Deluded or Corrupt to adhere to conservative ideals. While I disagree with many -- though not all -- conservative positions, while I am in fact far more willing to proudly embrace the label of "Liberal" than any candidate endorsed by the Democratic party in well over a decade, I can indeed see the logic and the internal consistency of conservatism.

The single author who most deeply influenced my personal philosophy is well-known -- even infamous -- for his conservative views, particularly later in life. I may have reached different conclusions than he did, but I still hold his opinions and his thought processes in the deepest respect.

I think, however, that, were Robert Heinlein still alive, the regime of George Walker Bush would horrify him.

He has, in hafoc's words, "...betrayed the good conservative principles while throwing all his strength behind the bad ones."

Comments

[cargoweasel.livejournal.com]

Why would Heinlein have been horrified? We're basically headed towards the world of Starship Troopers.

[richardf8]

I think, however, that, were Robert Heinlein still alive, the regime of George Walker Bush would horrify him.

Yup. I too drunk deeply of Heinlein's libertarian cup. But the people who call themselves conservatives today have set nanny government in our bedrooms, our libraries, our bookstores, and our clinics, but suggest that Public Education is government-sponsored thought control.

[silussa.livejournal.com]

Actually, the Republican Party has betrayed the principals of the modern conservative movement.

The primary difference between them now seems to be what part of government they want to enlarge and strengthen.

I can't help but wonder what Ronald Reagan would think.

[pathia.livejournal.com]

Despite the various holes I dug myself in that last post I really only part companies with the democrats on one issue.

1.) I'd support some sort of universal health plan
2.) I'd support college funding for all
3.) I'd support higher taxes on the rich, even though I hope to be one of them some day.
4.) I personally support gay-marriage, I'd like to see people accept in their hearts, not have it shoved down their throats by the courts first however. I fear a massive upsurge in gay-killings and violence if the courts did this.

To me, it comes down very simply to the fact that John Kerry supports abortion rights, I do not. I believe it is murder. I believe that once something has a complete set of DNA it is a member of that species.

To me, it is the greatest human genocide that has ever taken place. To me, that is as close to an infinite evil as there is, so I have no choice.

That's one of the reasons I get so angry, I have no choice.

Mea culpa

[iridium-wolf.livejournal.com]

Hey Athelind,

I'd like to apologize for being drawn out in that previous entry as I was. I let the troll do what trolls do best, get under one's skin. For allowing it to happen in your journal, I'm truly sorry.

Take care, eat lots.

--Iridium