Where's The Love

[prisonchaplain]

The key to a fruitful discussion between folks of different persuasions, be they religious, political, or specific issues, is the concept of "loyal opposition." In politics, it can be summarized: Party members disagree, sometimes heatedly, with those on the other side of the aisle. However, they also assume their opponents are loyal Americans. Those LDS apologists (or even members with a thought or two) who engage me in dialogue here generally assume that I am at least reading their thoughts with interest and openness. Likewise, I presume that those who read my thoughts do so primarily to engage, not attack.

I've had very little contention here. Heated back & forth on occasion. One or two misunderstandings. But none of the personal flaming that I've skimmed on several strings the last few days.

So, I gotta ask...

Where's the ?

[Seraphim Moonshadow]

IT's in the pills, PC!

[sgallan]

However, they also assume their opponents are loyal Americans.

I am not so sure this is true in the political environment of the past 10 years or so.....

[Traveler]

The key to a fruitful discussion between folks of different persuasions, be they religious, political, or specific issues, is the concept of "loyal opposition." In politics, it can be summarized: Party members disagree, sometimes heatedly, with those on the other side of the aisle. However, they also assume their opponents are loyal Americans. Those LDS apologists (or even members with a thought or two) who engage me in dialogue here generally assume that I am at least reading their thoughts with interest and openness. Likewise, I presume that those who read my thoughts do so primarily to engage, not attack.

I've had very little contention here. Heated back & forth on occasion. One or two misunderstandings. But none of the personal flaming that I've skimmed on several strings the last few days.

So, I gotta ask...

Where's the ?

It has been a while since I have been involved in politics. I no longer work in support of the defnese department. Although I remain loyal to "The Law" that governes this country, I do not have the same loyality to persons in places of power. LDS believe in being subjects to their government and this is a thing I struggle with greatly. It is just that I am not sure any more that this country is under the protection of G-d. 9/11 was not because the USA has enemies for the first time. I believe that as a country we no longer want G-d to protect us from our enemies. Like Mormon - right now I am not sure I support all my country is doing. The asprin factury that was bombed a while back - I think we knew better.

The Traveler

[prisonchaplain]

However, they also assume their opponents are loyal Americans.

I am not so sure this is true in the political environment of the past 10 years or so.....

I know what you refer to. Republicans accuse Democrats of not supporting the troops, Democrats retort that Bush intentionally lied and misled the American people (and Congress) about Iraq's WMDs. Michael Savage calls liberals "red diaper doper babies" and "the enemy within." Ann Coulter calls them traitors. Liberals respond in kind, calling their ideological opponents "big fat idiots" and accuse them of: wishing to starve poor people, kill them by depriving them of healthcare, raping mother earth. Rev. Pat Robertson urges the assassination of a foreign leader, and a local school district superintendent says he doesn't know the difference between the Christian Coalition and Al Qaida.

BUT, for all that, I still see that most Americans believe that most Americans, regardless of politics, do love this country, and have the welfare of its people in their hearts. So, for all the hype and nastiness, and cut-throat politics out there, hope still abounds.

Perhaps, here too?

It has been a while since I have been involved in politics. I no longer work in support of the defnese department. Although I remain loyal to "The Law" that governes this country, I do not have the same loyality to persons in places of power. LDS believe in being subjects to their government and this is a thing I struggle with greatly. It is just that I am not sure any more that this country is under the protection of G-d. 9/11 was not because the USA has enemies for the first time. I believe that as a country we no longer want G-d to protect us from our enemies. Like Mormon - right now I am not sure I support all my country is doing. The asprin factury that was bombed a while back - I think we knew better. The Traveler

It's one thing to question the judgment of a particular politician or administration, it's another not to be loyal to the country. Additionally, it's one thing to be disappointed, even broken-hearted over the moral depravity and slide of the nation, and another to abandon all hope, and call out for God's righteous judgment.

My argument has always been that if we are called to pray for our leaders, then our prayers should be even stronger for leaders we don't fully or even mostly trust!

[Aristotle]

Those LDS apologists (or even members with a thought or two) who engage me in dialogue here generally assume that I am at least reading their thoughts with interest and openness. Likewise, I presume that those who read my thoughts do so primarily to engage, not attack.

I've had very little contention here. Heated back & forth on occasion. One or two misunderstandings. But none of the personal flaming that I've skimmed on several strings the last few days.

So, I gotta ask...

Where's the ?

Just wondering who the members are with a thought or two...LOL

Where is the love? I have seen very little in this forum, sorry to say.

[prisonchaplain]

Just wondering who the members are with a thought or two...LOL

Where is the love? I have seen very little in this forum, sorry to say.

Those "with are thought or two" would be the ones that occasionally offer a single response to some aspect of a post, as opposed to those who exchange back and forth posts point by point.

[lisajo]

I make it a clear point to never talk about religion and politics with anyone one, but this being a religouse site i talk about relgion to a point, but i still dont talk about politics LOL

[sgallan]

BUT, for all that, I still see that most Americans believe that most Americans, regardless of politics, do love this country, and have the welfare of its people in their hearts. So, for all the hype and nastiness, and cut-throat politics out there, hope still abounds.

I agree.

[Aristotle]

Those "with are thought or two" would be the ones that occasionally offer a single response to some aspect of a post, as opposed to those who exchange back and forth posts point by point.

You mean like me/us? LOL

[Guest Syble]

<div class='quotemain'>

Those "with are thought or two" would be the ones that occasionally offer a single response to some aspect of a post, as opposed to those who exchange back and forth posts point by point.

You mean like me/us? LOL

Some posts need every point taken and addressed. I do both. LOL... but when in a hurry prefer the quickies. LOL

[prisonchaplain]

<div class='quotemain'>

<div class='quotemain'>

Those "with are thought or two" would be the ones that occasionally offer a single response to some aspect of a post, as opposed to those who exchange back and forth posts point by point.

You mean like me/us? LOL

Some posts need every point taken and addressed. I do both. LOL... but when in a hurry prefer the quickies. LOL

Both approaches a valid, depending on how much time one has. I've found myself drifting towards selective responses. Every once in awhile though, a topic of great interest arises, and the back and forth sets in.

[Guest Syble]

<div class='quotemain'>

<div class='quotemain'>

<div class='quotemain'>

Those "with are thought or two" would be the ones that occasionally offer a single response to some aspect of a post, as opposed to those who exchange back and forth posts point by point.

You mean like me/us? LOL

Some posts need every point taken and addressed. I do both. LOL... but when in a hurry prefer the quickies. LOL

Both approaches a valid, depending on how much time one has. I've found myself drifting towards selective responses. Every once in awhile though, a topic of great interest arises, and the back and forth sets in.

I can map it for you if you like?

Ari makes a statement; then someone finds a reason to tear it apart. Then Ari defends, and then someone picks her defense apart and calls it us vs you.

then it just goes down hill...

Or Syble says something to defend Ari and Syble is flamed and asked if she only believes in us vs you.

LOL It is a common pattern and it takes more than Ari and Syble get these things going. We don't start them, we only react.

YES WE SHOULD NOT STOOP TO THEIR LEVEL. I am now pledgin (on my good days) to not stoop to their level. I will do good for evil intent. I will openly accept all the love you all have to offer. Thank you in advance.

[Aristotle]

Well you sure spelled that one out, Syble! And amen. :)