How can we guard against getting too extreme?

[Ladyhawk]

I'm worried about only hearing one point of view, but right now I'm so disgusted by the right wing, I really don't want to hear it.

I just read a post from a newcomer who describes both FR and DU as the fringe, but FR controls its fringe better. I have to admit that believing the earthquake and tsunami were manmade was very loopy. Also, in my opinion, those who were a little too optimistic about our chances of proving fraud and installing Kerry as president...well, that's a little too optimistic for me. Although I think LIHOP / MIHOP were possible, some of the 9-11 theories are a little much for me.

I don't want to lose my grip on reality. Is there enough debate to keep us honest with each other? In the 2004 Election Results forum, I only posted a few times about my perceptions. I think the "optimism" got out of control.

What do you think?

[msgadget]

1. I think debate is good

but some people are so married to their candidate, party or worldview they are no longer receptive to alternatives. I don't think DU is fringe at all - far from it! I've seen everything from conservatives to atheists here. Certain sections and certain topics bring out a level of intensity than can be uncomfortable but, overall, I disagree with the newbie's assessment.

[elsiesummers]

3. It is possible to be both Atheist and Conservative.n/t

<eom>

[msgadget]

6. Ah, thank you

Politically conservatives can be atheists but lately I always and mistakenly think of evangelical Christians when I speak of Conservatives. Shame on me.

[elsiesummers]

2. Maintain friendships with Pubs you respect

Seriously, many of my best friends are Republicans and while I don't agree with their political views, (1) they are intelligent but unenlightened people who only glance at the surface of issues or (2) they are intelligent, rich and self interested.

One thing I've learned - the apparent fact that Republicans give more charitable donations directly relates to greed and desire for tax write offs.

Two - you can respect and be friends with someone without respecting their politics - so this will both keep you open minded as to common ground and able to occasionally bend a Republican to think the way you think (and vice versa). Pragmatism is always the basis for common ground. As long as you seek practical solutions you can find a way to appeal to all people and avoid the extremes.

[Skittles]

5. I do not respect any republcans

they align themselves with a party that is anti-worker, anti-poor, anti-women, homophobic, you name it. If they are STILL calling themselves republicans I have lost ALL respect for them. PERIOD.

[Skittles]

4. I think on any large board you're gonna see wackos

and to in ANY way compare DU to that piece of SHIT website Freak Republic is g.d. insulting beyond BELIEF

[lpbk2713]

7. I confess I don't have a lot of room for compromise with repubs.

Mostly by virtue of their consistent involvement with dirty politics. Ever since the blatant throwing of the Florida selection results by Katherine Harris and her co-conspiritors I have been watching their antics closely and it is not a lack of objectivity on my part that leads me to this conclusion. All across the board from local elections to the 2004 Presidential election their philosophy is "all's fair" and "win at any cost". I can see that in conversation with repubs I have met. They can justify and rationalize anything that works to their favor. They have no real sense of values and obviously have no concern for the future of this country.

[redqueen]

8. I don't think there's any way to, really.

And anyone who thinks FR restrains its fringe is an idiot.

Hello? Clinton bodycount? Accusing him of wagging the dog when he went after Osama?

The RAPTURE?!

[amazona]

9. I think we have good safeguards

Did you know that the conspiracy mongers about the tsunami were also posting on mixed boards, trying to stir up paranoia that the U.S. caused the tsunami with a nuclear bomb? I was shocked to encounter this lie even on a board populated by scientists and computer "nerds" --fortunately it was quickly shot down by the educated people there. I question the motives of those who spread this vile rumor. I do not believe they were liberals or Democrats or that they had the good of the U.S. at their heart.

DU handled it just fine. The whackjobs posted their paranoia, and people of good science background responded for the most part with good links and clear explanations of why the tsunami could not have been caused by a U.S. nuclear explosion.

Reality is self-correcting. Optimism before an election is good, because it mobilizes people to get out and do the work and vote. If the optimism is misplaced, then the results come in time, and we know now just how difficult the road ahead is. Some people require optimism to get up in the morning. Other people require pessimism because they can't bear to have their hearts broken by hope yet one more time. We have both types here, and we need both types to keep people mobilized.

I tend toward a dark view of human nature. I agree with Dan Quayle that half of all Americans are less intelligent than average. But I try to keep my pessimistic posts to a minimum. My pessimism may help protect my heart and keep me energized. But it might discourage another person and leave her thinking, Why even try?

So, you know, it's like anything else -- Seek Balance!

I think we do have enough debate to keep us honest. No one can foretell the future with any accuracy. No one. But as far as controlling rumors, we have many posters who will counter ridiculous and hysterical claims with good sound evidence.

The conservation movement is a breeding ground of communists
and other subversives. We intend to clean them out,
even if it means rounding up every birdwatcher in the country.
--John Mitchell, US Attorney General 1969-72

[tjwash]

10. A friend of mine is a pub...

...and is against anything that takes money away from corporations, and gives it back to employees. He hates workman comp laws, yet just went on Workman's comp. He is against disability, yet now he complains incessantly after he went on disability, how little it pays.

Has he changed his attitude? HELL NO. I guess you really can't teach old dogs new tricks...