Who would you rather date: a moderate Republican

[smoogatz]

(assuming such a thing still exists), or a proselytizing PETA-vegan? Let's say they're both equally attractive in all other regards.

[Avalux]

1. That's easy.

I'd have to go with the proselytizing PETA-vegan. I used to be one of them. ;)

[Nicholas D Wolfwood]

2. Can moderate Republican have intellectual debates...

...without taking it personally?

If so, I would definitely take the moderate Republican. I don't really like zealots of any variety, so I would be turned off by the PETA-vegan, or anyone else proselytizing.

[redqueen]

4. What you said. n/t

[eyepaddle]

33. I used to date a moderate republican she's a Dem

now.

TESTIFY!

How the hell did I respond to this post--I'm pretty sure I hit "top" before I hit "reply" oh well.

[cssmall]

69. I got you one better, pal.

My wife was a card carrying Republican because she thought they helped to protect families, now she's a dyed in the wool liberal and we're even testifying to conservatives from all walks of life. It's so great because they look at myself and Michelle and when we say that we're libruls, they positively shit themselves. Psychological warfare of the norm variety in a college town where a lot of the lib/progressives are tattooed and pierced (not that there is anything wrong with that, it just gives republicans a chance to fucking bitch).

[Pystoff]

52. Likewise

Fundies of any kind are disgusting LOL.

[bowens43]

3. without a doubt

the proselytizing PETA-vegan

[DeposeTheBoyKing]

5. I could date a Republican if he were a mute

Or if we could agree not to discuss politics. Don't want ANYBODY proselytizing to me on any subject.

[ScreamingMeemie]

6. I would die a lonely woman.

:hi:

[Stuckinthebush]

94. Interesting

Just an observation....someone who has "I love my kitty" in their sig line would seem to have a lot more in common with a vegan/PETA member than not.

Just a thought.

[wildeyed]

7. I married a moderate repub.

But he is a democrat now. Hates Bush as much as I do. We are going on 8 years and two kids. So far so good.

[AllieB]

8. Neither. I don't like extremists, and I don't like arguing with

Republicans, whether they're moderate or neo-conservative.

[Taverner]

9. I'll take the moderate republican

They can always be converted.

Foaming at the mouth Peta types cant

[GoddessOfGuinness]

10. If those were my only choices

I'd become a Shaker.

[Richardo]

11. I'd be less likely to hear the word 'species-ist' coming from the mod-GOP

Unlike a proseltyzing PETA-vegan I once heard on the radio. :eyes:

[tjwmason]

12. I'd have to go for the Pubby

Given that most dates involve the consumption of food.

I have no problem at all with vegetarians or vegans, and have a strong admiration for them knowing the extent to which they do have to go to avoid meat products. However, I'm perfectly satisfied that consumption of meat is ethical, and a meal with somebody telling me that the meat on my plate is wrong would just be too bad, and get me majorly pissed.

My basic philosophy in life is 'what-ever floats your boat', and so I could happily date a moderate Republican (given my inclinations a more extreme one is unlikely to be making advances to me) as long as he didn't push his opinions on me - so too I could date a vegan under the same circumstances, but one who told me to stop eating that which it is perfectly natural and normal for a human to eat would be a definite no-no.

[WeRQ4U]

13. I'd probably date a right wing fundy before I married a P-PETA.

And it's mutual I'm sure. LOL

[BikeWriter]

14. Neither!

[Spider Jerusalem]

15. Assuming the Republican is otherwise intelligent, sane and rational...

then I'd have to go for that. No way I can have any kind of serious relationship with a wild-eyed, foaming-at-the-mouth fanatic who's going to berate me for my love of a blood-rare steak. We wouldn't be able to eat together, which would be kind of difficult.

[pitohui]

16. will not tolerate proselytizers

don't see why i should date either of these options frankly

[Chovexani]

17. The moderate Republican

Provided he/she is of the open minded variety.

I have nothing against vegans or PETA folk, as I have a great many friends who identify that way, I just can't stand anyone of any persuasion trying to shove their beliefs down my throat.

[MalibuChloe]

18. that's a tuffy

if he didn't vote for Shrub and he was opposed to the stupid war, i'd pick the republican and turn him around.

[Shredr]

19. My dad is a "moderate Republican"

He can't stand Shrub but still loves McCain and hates Hillary.

We have good discussions after which I feel invigorated instead of put-off.

I'd date someone like that over anyone who "proselytizes" on either side of the aisle.

[Taverner]

23. Why does he hate Hillary?

She's a moderate Republican...

[Shredr]

26. LOL!

I don't know. He hates Hillary and he hates Jane Fonda and there's just no getting past it.

[puerco-bellies]

20. Moderate Republican: Reason...

Sweaty grudge sex!!!! Hmmm.. time to seek counseling.

[LeftyMom]

21. The vegan

of course, I'm vegan, so it's a no-brainer.

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

22. The PETA vegan

I'd much rather have a relationship with someone who stands for what they believe

[hyphenate]

24. the PETA guy

without question. I would feel kinship more.

[Chicago Democrat]

25. Republican

of course!

[Celeborn Skywalker]

27. If the Republican

was not preachy and doesn't like Bush then I'd go with her. Of course I'd have no problem going with a vegan so long as they weren't always criticizing my dietary choices. I just can't stand proselytizing.

[Dastard Stepchild]

28. If there is a single vegan on the horizon...

I have a dozen vegan friends who need a serious romantic hookup. Please send said vegan my way. S/he will be welcomed with a basket of vegan dark chocolate and the phone numbers of my supercute friends. It's hard to find an animal lover in the dating pool. Not me, of course... I snatched up my vegan the minute I laid my paws on him.

Thanks!


:hi:

[name not needed]

29. I'd go with the Republican.

[ronnykmarshall]

30. Hmmmm?

:popcorn:

[AngryAmish]

31. The problem with PETA vegans

I like to do things outdoors such as hiking, canoeing and especially bicycling. PETA vegans can only ride their bikes downhill (they are too weak to ride uphill).

I'll date neither thankyouverymuch.

[flvegan]

41. Reaaalllllly????

Too weak, eh? Broad brush there, dontchathink?

[LeftyMom]

50. I pull a 40-something lb kid in a crappy trailer behind my bike

It'd take quite a hill to bother me, should I be fortunate enough to be riding unencumbered.

For the record, a study done at Yale found that even sedentary vegetarians had better stamina (mesured by cycling to exaustion) than meat eaters. The active vegetarians did better still.

Let's break that down:
athletic meat eaters (least stamina of the three groups measured)
sedentary vegetarians
athletic vegetarians (greatest stamina)

Here's a nice summary of studies relating stamina to diet:

http://www.gentlebirth.org/nwnm.org/Vegetarians-Strength_Endurance.htm

edit:
Vegetarians recover from exhaustion faster, too. (see the link)

[friesianrider]

77. You have apparently never seen flvegan.

Methinks you might want to rethink that "vegans are too weak" nonsense if you met flvegan someday...

I think his bicep is the size of my entire body!

[Crazy Guggenheim]

32. The Moderate Republican any day. The problem with

Moderate Republicans is I don't know why they are Republicans!! A lot of them are as much to the left as many here. Yes, many of them are kicking themselves for letting the Neocons take over the Republican Party.

http://www.moderaterepublican.net/

On Edit: They call a M. R. a Progressive Conservaive.

[Left Is Write]

45. Progressive Conservative is an oxymoron.

[Crazy Guggenheim]

54. Not in the traditional sense.

[Left Is Write]

57. Which traditional sense?

I'm not being snarky, just interested. "Conservative" in my book has always meant someone resistant to change and ergo anti-progressive.

[Crazy Guggenheim]

58. Take a look at the link ........

http://www.moderaterepublican.net/

Here's snipet:



Moderate Republicanism: A Primer



Moderate Republicanism, Progressive being a component, is an esoteric ideology to many -- a philosophy difficult to define. Extremists and militant social Conservatives have succeeded in wrongly labeling Moderates as a recent political mutation. History documents otherwise. Between 1890 and 1950 the Moderate wing dominated the party. Moderate Republicanism traces its roots to men like U.S. Senator Charles Sumner of Massachusetts in the 1850s. The impact of Moderate Republicanism, however, didn't become apparent until shortly after the Civil War. The GOP emerged as the party of free enterprise. And by the late 1890's two distinct groups evolved -- Moderate and Conservative. The Moderate wing called on government to curtail unbridled capitalism that exploited men, women, and children in the textile mills. It also wanted environmental protections and the ending of corrupt patronage in government.These early reformers recognized that some societal problems could only be addressed by the national government. Moderate Republicans often see limited government as a useful tool that when operated carefully, like a piece of heavy machinery, can improve the quality of life for all Americans. Moderates and Conservatives fall under a broad philosophical framework of Republicanism. Although Conservatives are a legitimate branch of the GOP who have made many positive contributions, this wing of the party has allowed itself to be dominated by extremists and social moralists that marginalize Lincolnian principles.Moderate Republican orthodoxy includes:

A passion for civil liberties;
A disdain for conformity and suspicion of authority;
A belief that the Constitution is a living, breathing document with timeless values that must be made relevant in a modern age;
A commitment to protect the environment and not engage in mindless exploitation of the nation's natural beauty. A spirited case must be made for reusable energy sources like solar power. Modern technology provides many options before the earth is harshly, brutally, and needlessly pillaged.
A strong belief that diversity -- gender, racial, social, sexual, ethnic, and religious -- should be celebrated because it gives the United States moral strength. Diversity -- in the long-term, encourages respect, understanding, and a greater sense of community;
A commitment to fiscal prudence and limited government;
A recognition that government does have a basic social responsibility to help those in need;
A belief that the nation does have international responsibilities;
A belief that God and religion have a very important place in America -- at the dinner table and in churches, temples, and mosques. But it should never be used by politicians to advance a narrow moral agenda;
A belief that the national government should be used in a limited manner to advance the common good;
A commitment never to put party above country; and
A responsibility to publicly criticize those who call themselves Republican when the situation merits. Moderate/Progressives have a duty to vote against the party line when it doesn't serve the greater good. Doing so doesn't make them less Republican; it demonstrates that they have the honor, political courage, and intellectual honesty to put nation above party.

Gov. Thomas E. Dewey, described as a "pay-as-you-go liberal" by one historian, summarized Moderate Republicanism:

"It is our solemn responsibility to show that government can have both a head and a heart; that it can be both progressive and solvent; and that it can serve the people without becoming their master."

[Left Is Write]

59. Ah. Communication breakdown.

I was referring to the word conservative, not the traditional sense of Republicanism. I think it's possible to be a progressive Republican, but not a progressive conservative.

[Crazy Guggenheim]

61. That's how they refer to themselves. Progressive Conservatives.

[Left Is Write]

63. I believe they do.

I just disagree with the idea that it's possible to truly be both progressive and conservative.

[Crazy Guggenheim]

64. Oh well .........

[Finder]

95. Conservative in fiscal matters mostly...

progressive and/or liberal socially. Most repubs in New England are like that. I am considered a moderate republican but do not support the republican party or policies at all.

[stanwyck]

75. You really ARE crazy

the moderate Republicans are the worst. They'll sell out the environment, women's rights, civil rights, healthcare, education, the separation of church and state, science...all in the name of what? Tax breaks? Which really aren't....fiscal conservatism? Which doesn't exist. At least the evangelicals believe in something. What exactly do the "moderate" Republicans believe? Do they support the new energy bill? Homeland security? CAFTA? What exactly? No. These people gave us Bush. We know who the evangelicals are. But the "moderates"? They're self-serving people who are dishonest. Talk to them. They have about as much knowledge of what's happening in the world as your average third grader. DSM? Never heard of it. Virginia Plame? Who's that? I have no respect for these people. Nothing matters. Except money. They're the worst of America.

[Crazy Guggenheim]

81. You are wrong. You did not read anything they said.

[catbert836]

34. The Vegan

I'd like to be a vegan, but it just doesn't make sense to me because I believe in the natural order, that is to say we are meant by nature to eat animals lower n the food chain than we are. Eventually, I believe some creature will evolve that will regularly eat us.

[smbolisnch]

35. Self Delete

Not even worth it.

[Robeson]

47. Yep. What you said.

[LouisianaLiberal]

36. The vegan, no question

The moderate republican women I've dated are, for the most part, not well-informed, and care little for the issues that I think are important. They've just never thought about them before. Overall though, they are decent but not very interesting.

The one proselytizing Peta-vegan I dated was interesting, passionate, funny and not at all harsh or demanding. She was a great cook and, although she didn't ask me, I changed my diet. She carried pet food wherever she went so that she could entice strays into her car. She carried Peta-type literature with her and only handed it out to someone who was interested. There were some who did think she was too pushy, though.

The fifteen dogs, many cats, and other assorted animals was too much for me though, and our age difference was really just too great (No rap music for me, I'm afraid.) Still, a passionate, informed woman beats a moderate, bland, somewhat phony woman every time.

[Beaverhausen]

37. The vegan

[4_Legs_Good]

38. I'd swoon for vegan PETA chick!

Oh my yes!!

david

[CTLawGuy]

39. moderate republican

I can't stand PETA

[flvegan]

40. Some of the answers to this question are funny!

Considering the definition of proselytizing (I'll help you out here):

To induce someone to convert to one's own religious faith.
or
To induce someone to join one's own political party or to espouse one's doctrine

Considering the OVERWHELMING amount of proselytizing by dems, libs, etc here on DU, I can't help but see the direct comparision of a moderate Republican and a PETA-vegan (whatever in the hell that is, but for the sake of arguing, I'll assume that's a vegan that's into animal rights).

I find it almost drop-dead hilarious that "proselytizing" is so looked down upon by so many folks that spend so much time doing the very same thing...for their own political party. I guess that when a vegan speaks his/her mind on their beliefs, that's bad. That's what I'm drawing from some of the responses, anyway.

Eh, to each his/her own. If you don't like outspoken veg folks, then that's cool. But, if you're going to dump on proselytizing altogether, then you're in the wrong damn place.

For the record, I'll always take the PETA-vegan, regardless. I like folks that haven't sucked on the kool-aid teat of big beef.

[smbolisnch]

42. .

:loveya:

And in response to the OP, I would rather date a republican anyday over someone who judges people based on their dietary choices of all things. :eyes:

[Chovexani]

92. There's a difference between speaking your mind about your beliefs

And being totally fucking obnoxious, judgmental, and unable to leave people the fuck alone.

Unfortunately, every one of the PETA vegans I've known has been that way. I don't see anything inherently wrong with veganism/vegetarianism. I respect people who live that way, but it simply isn't for me. I only ask for the same respect in return. Vegans/vegetarians who understand that, and don't do things like throw childish tantrums whenever their shadow crosses a burger, I can and do get along just fine with. But I have no patience for fundies of any political or lifestyle persuasion, whether they are on the left or right. There is nothing wrong with feeling passionately about issues and educating people about them, just don't be a complete fucking asshat about it.

Insert cliche about insects and condiments here.

[Mutley]

43. Um. Is remain single an option?

[alarcojon]

44. What about you, smoogs?

I'll have to go with the moderate Republican - of the Bush hating, Iraq war hating, Fox News hating variety. With a proselytizing vegan, I'd always be on the defensive about my dining choices.

[smoogatz]

49. Who are you and what have you done with alarcoeg?

Just kidding. It would depend, I think. I've never actually dated a moderate Republican, and until reading the replies to this thread I wasn't convinced they were still around. "Moderate Republican" seems like a bit of an oxymoron these days. I have had lengthy failed relationships with yoga/animal-rights/vegetarians, though--lovely, intelligent women who made extremely rude comments whenever they got within sniffing distance of a rare steak or a bucket of chicken. In my dotage, I find I prefer the non-judgmental type--I don't care to be preached to about eating red meat, drinking martinis, smoking mestuba, driving SUVs, flossing my molars, or any other damn thing. I'm lucky in my ultimate choice of mate--she gets me, and she cooks a hell of a brisket.

Nice little storm we're having. Golf Friday?

[alarcojon]

51. Glad to hear about your luck with Mrs. Smoogs

So when are we coming over for some brisket?

Friday sounds good. PM me.

Lastly, dude, use the spell-check! It's mastuba

[distantearlywarning]

46. The moderate Republican.

As long as he had some kind of brain and was committed to using it, even if he didn't come to the same conclusions I did. I couldn't date one of these knee-jerk fundie types who's idea of logic means covering their ears and singing "LALALALA" really loudly when someone says something that contradicts what they already think. But then again, I guess one of them wouldn't be moderate.

Now, on the other hand, I did actually date a proselytizing PETA-vegan type once. He was the worst boyfriend I ever had. Totally obnoxious, fanatical, frothing at the mouth. Saw nothing wrong with criticizing every food choice I made but had hysterical fits if anyone dared question his viewpoints. And he ate the most appalling crap - it seemed mostly to consist of ground up twigs and leaves mixed with soy milk in a porridge form. He was always complaining about having such low body fat that he couldn't stay warm (imagine that! :eyes: ). We ate out a lot because I just couldn't stomach his normal, everyday food choices.

I realized that I had to dump him after I found myself literally contemplating murder over dinner one night (he was harrassing me about my diet for the 80,000 time).

Even talking about this guy now makes me irritable. Dating him turned me off vegetarianism permanently. Seriously. Even now when people I meet tell me they are vegans I kind of cringe inside, waiting for the inevitable lecture delivered in a morally superior tone.

I think the moral of this story is: if you are a fanatic of any sort, you might want to carefully think about how you are coming across. You may actually turn people away from your cause if you try to make them feel shitty about themselves, or act like a crazy person.

[LisaL]

48. Moderate republican.

I get along well with moderate republicans, as long as they can't stand Bush.

[MrScorpio]

53. No radicals - I don't need that shit

I'll be more effective bringing the repub to my way of thinking

[enigmatic]

55. Neither

I've dated both, and both were nightmares to be around at times.

[Catchawave]

56. Really dumb question.....

..please don't take this personally :freak:

[smoogatz]

66. Self delete.

Because I'm more grown up than that.

[friesianrider]

60. Either is better than a pro-meat lunatic...

...who is insane due to his/her own internal guilt over eating such misery and suffering, that they need to insult vegans/vegetarians - usually only to make themselves feel better and attempt to justify their diet which undoubtedly hurts their health, hurts their environment and, not least of all, hurts innocent creatures.

[smoogatz]

67. If your initials are JRC and you live in Atlanta

I'm no longer in any doubt that I did the right thing by dumping you. Sorry about the thing with the performance artist, though--that was bad.

[friesianrider]

68. And even though my initials were JRC...

I can see why they didn't chase after you ;)

[Piperay]

62. Of course the PETA person

since I am in agreement there would be no problem. I wouldn't go for a repuke of any kind, they're idiots!

[I Have A Dream]

65. Neither. I'm a vegetarian, but I don't push my views on anyone.

I also strongly support animal rights, but certain methods that are used by PETA seem to do more harm than good, in my opinion. (I'm not criticizing anyone who disagrees with me. I'm just stating my feelings. I have the utmost respect for ANYONE who works to protect the dignity of animals, and I MUCH prefer PETA's approach to the opposite situation where there is no respect for or empathy towards animals.)

However, If I HAD to choose, I'd choose the proselytizing PETA-vegan. I'd have a hard time being with anyone who identifies themself as a Republican. Being a progressive is just too much a part of who I am to be able to see past the way the person identifies himself. I don't want it to be my mission in life to try to change the person I love.

[Redstone]

70. I can't answer your question, because it's been so long

since I've "dated" that the entire concept has disappeared in the mists of memory, but I do want to tell you that I think "smoogatz" is a great screen name.

Redstone

[smoogatz]

82. Thanks!

It's actually one of our several nicknames for the cat. Completely made-up word, which sounds to me a bit like what you say when you sneeze.

[Wetzelbill]

71. probably the vegan nt

[OrwellwasRight]

72. Vegan guy.

As long as he let me eat as much cheese as I wanted when he wasn't around.

[salin]

73. does this "moderate republican" vote for current regime

republicans? Appologize/rationalize rush and faux? Unless this person rarely votes for republicans anymore (unless they live in one of those rare areas where republicans running for office are actually moderate), then the term is rather a bit ... nonexistent. The current GOP has become so radical that one voting for them - even if they perceive themselves to be more moderate - no longer can claim that tag with any bit of reality. Thus nulling the original question in most cases.

[smoogatz]

87. How about a McCain/Giuliani Republican who voted for Bush in '00,

stayed home in '04, and would really rather go out to a movie than dwell on the current political mess?

[AtomicKitten]

74. I could never date a Republican

so I'd see if the vegan was up for dinner at In-N-Out.

[AtomicKitten]

80. OK, now I've done it.

Gotta have a double-double sans Republican AND vegan.
Is that "dating" myself?

[smoogatz]

84. I used to think In-N-Out had the best burgers anywhere

and whenever I go to L.A., I make it a point to go at least once. But when I moved to Wisconsin I discovered Culver's--Home of the Butterburger. They also do a frozen custard that'll knock your socks off. And the shakes are just ice cream and milk--no guar gum or any of that crap.

[AtomicKitten]

89. mmmmmmmmm

guar gum

[RevCheesehead]

76. Hmm... to post or not to post, that is the question..

I'm 2 for 3 in my Lounge posts being in locked threads tonight. Let's test the theory and see what happens.

Oh, and my answer is "sometimes it's best to date yourself," if you know what I mean. ;)

[smoogatz]

83. At least it's sex with someone you love.

As Woody Allen said.

[PittPoliSci]

78. Peta Girl

God knows they're the cutest, even if I don't agree with them 100%

[AuntieM1957]

79. Could I just stay home instead?

and perhaps grill a nice steak?

or make spaghetti sauce without red wine?

[LynneSin]

85. I've converted moderate republicans

I have no problems with dating a vegan, but if they're pushing the PETA agenda down my throat - I'd rather just be single!

[KitchenWitch]

86. The moderate republican

I do not need other peoples views, whether they be religious or dietary, shoved down my throat.

[smoogatz]

88. Badgers?

We don't need no stinkin' badgers!

[sundog]

90. the vegan

i was for a while, so it's no big mystery to me

[tarkus]

91. Without hesitation, the vegan.

I would probably live longer if I went vegan anyway.

[Stuckinthebush]

93. The vegan!

Then we could enjoy vegan dinners together.

You know, we have a lot of vegans and vegetarians in the Democratic Party. I'm sure the vegan would be a Dem.

[smoogatz]

96. Or a Green, maybe. Or a Marxist.

But you're right--I've never met a conservative vegan.