Disagreeing with a Political Ally

Published on March 17, 2006 By Dr Guy In Blogging

I remember when politics did not define your friends. It was not that long ago. I was dating a very sexy and wonderful dyed in the wool liberal! She was fun!

But that seems to have changed with the polarization that has been forced upon us by those who refuse to acknowledge the constitution of the United States, and its election laws defined therein.

Now, we must cling to our political leaning buddies like the Ants in Ice-9 (and that is distasteful to write if you have read my previous piece). It is like we have to bond with those who agree with us politically, burying all other differences, to form a united alliance against the THEM (I am going to get killed for my Ant references in this one).

But I am here to tell you I am sick and tired of it. I am a conservative. But I will debate Marvin Cooley (even tho I really liked his EC Vote analysis in 10/04!) as well as MM, Doc Miler, and BakerStreet on occasion. Sure I agree with them most of the time, and I think they have a great grasp of the obvious and of life!

But I refuse to be sycophantic to their every ideal! And I will agree with Liberals at times as well when our interests connect. I have. Stevendedalus I have often, Manopeace on occasion. Shadesofgrey probably most of all. I will not accept that just because we never agree on a candidate that they have to be wrong 100% of the time.

I will vote conservative, and yes that means a democrat now and then. But I will not blindly follow some siren song over a cliff, just because we agree on most issues. I am not a follower of Jim Jones! And I will disagree when I don't like a position, regardless of who espouses it! Pat Robertson, or George W. Bush!

I don't want to see happen to the conservative movement what has happened to the liberal movement. Where you all must obey, or they Get you! Our strength is in being able to disagree and still be inclusive.

We lose that, and we are just like them.

Comments (Page 1)

bakerstreet

on Mar 17, 2006

It's getting too personal, and there's nothing really that anyone can do about it. The abortion thing is going to put it over the top, I'm afraid, because it effects a "choice" that could be made in any household. In terms of Iraq, etc., it's easy also to bump into someone whose kid is in the military, or facing military age.

Politics isn't so esoteric anymore. The changes being pushed now are gut-level, and could effect our daily lives. Even diplomacy is a big deal because we see that we could be in a building that a plane smashes into.

I have a friend right now that I was able to debate for years, but now it simply isn't possible. You are seeing the same kind of gut-level, "it's because I'm right" passion that you are accustomed to only seeing from people on the far, far right.

That's the problem. People who have believed for years in a particular topic's "rightness" suddenly are asked to tell us why their perspective is better. They can't. They simply believe they are right and we are wrong. That doesn't make for good debates, and it definately makes for a lot of hurt feelings.

Moderateman

on Mar 17, 2006

if you and I agreed ALL THE TIME, something would be seriously wrong with that. Neither you and I are robots, nor do we follow some kind of party line {ya gotta be a liberal for that kind behavior} heh heh heh

thatoneguyinslc

on Mar 17, 2006

I wish all on the right (and the left for that matter) felt the same way.

Seems to me that the polarization and "following the herd" mentality currently running amuck in this country could be aleviated by just going by your conscience, and not your political affiliation.

Good on ya Guy!

Dr Guy

on Mar 17, 2006

That's the problem. People who have believed for years in a particular topic's "rightness" suddenly are asked to tell us why their perspective is better. They can't. They simply believe they are right and we are wrong. That doesn't make for good debates, and it definately makes for a lot of hurt feelings.

I know, but I do not have to follow that pied piper. And I will not. I will rebel if for no other reason than I refuse to be pigeon holed, or stereotyped. It is getting very hard, but I will refuse to go into that good night.

Dr Guy

on Mar 17, 2006

MM, you are the last to go into that good night! But I see too many lemings today, and not enough leaders. You, in many ways, are a leader. Lead. The sheep need you. They seem to need anything to follow. But always question. You did with your Iraq blog. I dont agree, but I respect you for not being a sycophant. Remember that.

Dr Guy

on Mar 17, 2006

wish all on the right (and the left for that matter) felt the same way.

Seems to me that the polarization and "following the herd" mentality currently running amuck in this country could be aleviated by just going by your conscience, and not your political affiliation.

I should have mentioned you first! But you have been quiet of late, and it slipped my mind! You are easiest to agree with! As half the time, you are right!

Thank you.

bakerstreet

on Mar 17, 2006

You don't always have the choice, Dr. Guy. Sometimes people simply can't stomach being around people who are inclined towards what they see as their ruin.

stevendedalus

on Mar 18, 2006

Bravo, Doc for an honest account of yourself and the political scene.

stevendedalus

on Mar 18, 2006

Sometimes people simply can't stomach being around people who are inclined towards what they see as their ruin.

I know exactly what you mean in face of my current run in with Modman and Drmiler.

Manopeace

on Mar 18, 2006

I remember when politics did not define your friends.

It still dosn't as far as I'm concerned.

Proof of the pudding!

Dr Guy

on Mar 18, 2006

You don't always have the choice, Dr. Guy. Sometimes people simply can't stomach being around people who are inclined towards what they see as their ruin.

This is true. But I do get to decide who I will hang out with. Odessa and I will never see eye to eye, but we can have fun together. And not everyone is an either or.

Dr Guy

on Mar 18, 2006

Bravo, Doc for an honest account of yourself and the political scene.

Thanks Steve, that means a lot coming from you.

Dr Guy

on Mar 18, 2006

know exactly what you mean in face of my current run in with Modman and Drmiler.

But that is political only. We need to separate the political from the people.

Dr Guy

on Mar 18, 2006

Proof of the pudding!

Amen!

Trudygolightly

on Mar 19, 2006

I will not blindly follow some siren song over a cliff, just because we agree on most issues. I am not a follower of Jim Jones! And I will disagree when I don't like a position, regardless of who espouses it! Pat Robertson, or George W. Bush!

I love this part the best!

Welcome Guest! Please take the time to register with us.
There are many great features available to you once you register, including:

Richer content, access to many features that are disabled for guests like commenting on the forums.
Access to a great community, with a massive database of many, many areas of interest.
Access to contests & subscription offers like exclusive emails.
It's simple, and FREE!