Progressive vs Conservative dialogue between Dad and Son.

[Buddyblazon]

My Father (a self-described real Republican) and I talk almost every other day about politics via the phone. The discussions used to get heated everytime. But now only occassionally do. I know he holds his views dear and is also a stubborn man.

He spent 20 years in the military. Did two tours during Vietnam. One in Vietnam, one in Thailand. After the war, he went through OCS, and retired as a Major, I believe in 1985.

I believe part of his problem is 20 years of military indoctrination...per the diagnosis from a Liberal Vietnam vet. We do agree on a few things. He's well educated (Phd). Has worked in computers since the '60's. Neither of us are crazy about the majority of our politicians...on either side of the fence. He's not happy with * spending. But he supports the Iraq war, something I do not.

But in the end, I love him and we have a good relationship. I think it's important not to "hate". I believe that is when irrational thought takes over, and constructive dialogue tens to crumble. It is a lesson I wish our politicians would remember.

He agrees that both parties want many of the same things for the American people (many...not all), we just see different ways of achieving it.


I today told him in depth about DemocraticUnderground. Why it is so effective. How the creators have created a great way for masses to brainstorm, organize the best idea's, and bring those to the forefront. How we work together to educate each other on the state of affairs, recent evets, and plan out actions.

And he said he'd like to look at DU.

Than I proposed something that I was surprised he accepted.

He agreed, to start a thread with me, and let everyone here read and interact in a discussion between the two of us. He said it would make him a little nervous, like being in hostile territory. But I offered to do the same on any site of his choice. And I'd make sure it was civil.

We'd have some ground rules set. Like ONLY civil discourse. No insulting. No bashing. Anybody can post. But they must follow those rules. I'm sure with everybodies interaction, it would still get heated. But it must remain civil.




So. What do you all think? I think we would pick the topic, as we know what we discuss more.

Obviously, if you thinks its a bad idea, say so. I know many people do not want to hear what the other side thinks. And at times I agree with them. But though it is tough for me, I turn Rush on once I week, and go until I begin to remove my shoe to throw at the radio. I don't much like him. But I think it's important to hear the other side. Know thy enemy.

So let me know. Yea or Nay.

[Chevy]

1. Sounds good

Go for it, follow the rules you set down and it should be interesting.:popcorn:

[babylonsister]

2. A big YEAH! We have punks here, but the vast majority of us

are here to share ideas, news of the day, and toss our perceptions around. Most of us know how to be civil. I for one would welcome your dad!

[NanceGreggs]

3. I absolutely LOVE this idea!

So I'm hoping you go ahead with it.

Would it be an imposition if we here at DU were allowed to suggest topics for you to raise with your dad? I am particularly interested in how current Republicans are reacting to news stories about the use of torture. (And no, I do not believe that ALL Republicans embrace this idea because they are evil people). I am truly interested in hearing your father's take on that issue, especially given his military background.

[Buddyblazon]

5. 3 yeas.

Yeah, we could take suggestions.

If I put myself in his shoes, I can imagine how nervous I would be. Like if I were the only liberal in a all conservative room...and making my views know.

Makes my stomache turn thinking about it.

[Buddyblazon]

4. Thats 2 yea...0 nays.

We'd pick a date (he's a professor and he is constantly grading).

I just want to see if it's a popular idea before going ahead with it.

[KyuzoGator]

6. I don't have any problem at all with conservatives.

Republicans aren't conservative.

Or Christian, for that matter.

[Buddyblazon]

8. My Dad's not crazy about the church...

but he lives in Colorado Springs. And he can see the nuttery for what it is...really just adolescent cliquery (is that a word?) that draws certain people so that they can feel like they're part of "special group".

But unfortunately, he can't mentally make the connection between them, and *'s exploitation of them.

[Ecumenist]

19. KyuzoGator,

Just because someone claims to be Christian, DOES NOT mean they are. I'm a Christian and I am as different from the maniacs who use the cloak of Christianity to justify everything they do. Please don't lump true and real Christians in with these nuts.

[KyuzoGator]

20. No way, I don't lump Bushbots with Christians.

Christians follow the peaceful and liberal teachings of Jesus Christ.

[Ecumenist]

21. Exactamente!!

These crooks are heretical hypocrites, the likes of which haven't been seen since the Antebellum South, when the slaves were taught that to obey the every whim of the slaveholders was the only way they could please God. Right down to being bed warmers for the particularly perverted ones. It would behoove them to look at what happened to the slaveholders.

[GoneOffShore]

7. Here's a yea

I don't know how much I could contribute ( I tend to get emotional and scattered when it comes to solid discussion) but I'm in favor.

[Buddyblazon]

12. Talking with him has made me less emotional about it...

heck, I get angrier with many posters here than I do with him.

Not to say it doesn't escalate.

But the truth is that he raised me to think for myself. He really gets a kick out of our discussions. He warns his other conservative friends that I am not a person to get into an argument about politics. I think he holds it like the Father watching his son on the football field.

"That's my boy!"

[Crunchy Frog]

9. I can tell you that he WILL be tombstoned

if he registers here and posts as a conservative Republican. The only way that he won't is if you get some sort of special permission from the admins, which I doubt they would give.

What you might be able to do is sort of the same thing, but posting to each other offline, and then you could take the entire exchange and post it. Perhaps you could let Dad respond to responses in the thread by posting for him, as in "Dad says...".

He simply will not be allowed to register and post as a conservative Republican though.

I'm glad that you have a good relationship with your dad, and that you are able to transcend your political differences.

[Buddyblazon]

15. I understand that it would need permission for the whole thing...

and I realized that from the start.

But his case is different. And I'd hope the mods would realize that. He would NOT be here to disrupt. Frankly, he's not crazy about coming here. He's not the kind of guy that would come back to stir trouble.

He would only be here via my invite. And hopefully by the permission of the Mods.


It's not a situation we've ever had on here. That is why I think it would be interesting and why we could make it sort of a special event.

I'd actually have to ask the Mods to delete posts from people that came in hostile to him. Just out of a courtesy. They can flame me all they want.

It would be a one time thing. We're not going to all of a sudden let every winger start posting diatribe on here.

I think we make that one thread...a safety zone.

[Broken_Hero]

10. Yes, yes, and yes!

It's very good idea, nominated...:P

[karlrschneider]

11. I think it's a good idea but be sure you make sure he understands

that there will be a few idiots, just as in any large community (hell, we're as large and diverse as many medium-sized towns!) and having a somewhat thick skin will be very useful. ;-)

[TransitJohn]

13. Definite yea.

Great idea.

[AnneD]

14. Taking back America...

one mind at a time. Just have him look at one of our vetran threads. He will feel right at home.

[Buddyblazon]

16. If any Mods are reading...

I'd love to know if you think this is possible. A simple "No" would not upset me. I understand how our community works, and will follow any decisions made by the Admins and Mods.

[roguevalley]

17. oh yes. your dad sounds like an honorable man. I would hope he

understands that there is room at the table for him here.

[Buddyblazon]

18. I got him to listen to Ed Schultz the other day...

couldn't believe it when he did. Said he liked him. It's been a hard road getting him just to admit he's not crazy about politicians in his own party.

[riderinthestorm]

22. Welcome Buddyblazon's Dad!

A bit pre-emptively of course!

:hi:

[calimary]

23. I'd say a big, rousing "YEA!"

Bring your dad! Let us know - I am eager to hear what he has to say, what his thoughts and misgivings and questions are. I CANNOT tell you, even as a member of the choir already, how much this place has taught and enlightened me. I can't tell you how much better-informed I am about MANY more issues and political players and other assorted people of interest since I started checking in here at DU. This place is not only an oasis for frustrated progressives, it is a bank vault filled with gold ingots of knowledge, insights, and perspectives. Frankly, I view it as a think tank. We've got every element participating here that any self-respecting conventional think tank can boast. It's a virtual think tank. Great minds, great analysis, great writing, AND as one reviewer described it, issues debated at a post-graduate level. GREAT brain trust we have here. It will be MOST valuable to add the two of you, as a team, and as individuals. Bring him on over!

:hi: