Hello... I am kind of new here

[BrentWil]

I just wanted to take a second to introduce myself, because I think I have rubbed some people wrong. Let me start.

I am 29, and a active duty Captain in the Army. Currently the Army is sending me to graduate school. Been to Iraq twice and have slowly turned from a moderate Republican to a moderate to semi-liberal democrat. However, I don't do group think... which has got me called "right-wing" a few times in the posts I have made. Here is where I stand.

Economy: The world is globalized. Business can move with ease. In this environment, we have to regulate with the world and ensure our tax polices do not force business out. The best means of taxes is one that is based on higher income people as individuals and that can go across international lines. However, Capitalism and Globalization are here to stay. It is best to figure out the best means to use those forces to make the nation more competitive and to maximize benefits for all people.

Drugs: Legalization of Pot. Let science be the guide for the rest. Do an honest cost benefit analysis.

Gays in the Military: Support

Gay marriage: I don't think marriage should be recognized by the state. If people want to say they are married, so be it, but I see no reason that they should have special rights and tax benifits under the law.

War in Iraq: Huge mistake and we got very lucky

War in Afghanistan: Unfixable. Need to get out

Health Care: Government needs to ensure access by all people

Welfare/SS/etc: Every important safety net. Reforms may be needed but it is very much needed for the society.

Education: Want more resources and choice for the underprivileged.

I don't know what else. Ask me. I did not mean to rub so many the wrong way on this board.

Thanks,

Brent

[mikelgb]

1. Welcome

[Liberation Angel]

2. Welcome - Have you engaged at all with IVAW?

I know that may be anathema, but these are brave Iraq Veterans who have made a real difference and who are at the center of some very positive activism.

I worked with them in Denver during the 2008 Dem. convention (they led a peace march and presented a
I welcome you to this site, in any event.

You sound pretty progressive and normal for the mainstream at DU so do not let the few who are critical bug you. They are moistly just a vocal minority but we also get right wing trolls and just plain ignorant fools here too.

I recommend you check out the IVAW website and look for videos of their activism. It is simply amazingly beautiful to me.

[BrentWil]

6. No...

I am active duty, and can't do that. Plus I am much more effective advocating polices within the system anyway.

[Liberation Angel]

14. Some in IVAW are active duty, but it is always fruitful to know

what your brother and sister veterans are doing.

I presume you can at least be informed about their activities.

Their courage, to me, comes from the fact that even during the Bush administration they were willing to speak up at the risk of MORE personal sacrifice AFTER suffering the hardships and injuries of war (as well as the camaraderie and courage of the service members).

For them, their oath to protect and defend the Constitution extends to their role in educating our citizens and motivating them to do the same (much as the military tries to do that in other countries to defend and protect democracy).

In any event - welcome again.

No one has much more credibility on these issues than those who have been there and experienced the wars.

I may not always agree with the perpsective of some vets, but I always respect their opinion as having been based on experience and first hand knowledge and a willingness to serve and protect our country.

[tabatha]

3. I did not see your posts.

However, on this board it is easy to rub at least one person the wrong way, because there are diverse views. But, your decision to state your case is great, and welcome.

I wish the global economy was not here to stay. I think it should be reversed, it has too many environmental impacts.

[gateley]

4. Although some of your views differ from the majority of those on DU, you're

headed in the right direction! Some of the most liberal people on here have been charged with being Right Wing from other DUers - please don't let it get to you. When tensions are high sometimes it gets dicey and true discussions are a casualty, but hang in there. We're glad you're here! :hi:

[sinkingfeeling]

5. Hi. As a single person I agree that marriage shouldn't be recognized by the state and couples should

not receive special rights and tax benefits under the law. I'm really tired of having to pay higher income taxes and fares for travel than married people. Or did you mean you just oppose marriage for gays?

[BrentWil]

8. Nope, that is what I meant

[Romulox]

7. I have opinions too. Who cares?

:wtf:

[seabeyond]

18. hm. lol, and you use a message board .... cause? nt

[CaliforniaPeggy]

9. Hi, Brent!

Welcome to DU!

There are so many different viewpoints here that it's really easy to rub at least one person the wrong way...

I find it's good to not take things too personally, but that can be hard.

Thank you for your service to our Nation!

:hi:

[BrentWil]

12. THanks...

[librechik]

Thank you for your sacrifice and welcome

sometimes you have to endure some bad weather at the DU, but if you follow the rules

http://www.democraticunderground.com/forums/rules.html

as written and act with respect, you won't get tombstoned. The Mods run things around here, not puny posters. Have at it, many here enjoy a brisk debate. And there is a vast spectrum of beliefs here, from conservative to eeeeeek liberals, all of us underground Democrats. Enjoy.

[BrentWil]

17. Thanks...

[mike_c]

10. interesting how frequently the link between education and liberalism shows up, isn't it...?

Good luck with grad school!

As you've no doubt learned, many here are VERY liberal-- your post sets a pretty moderate tone, or so it seemed to me. There's a big contingent of moderates here too.

I disagree with you fundamentally about globalization and business-- REAL globalization was the explicit goal of the communist Soviets, i.e. the international ascendancy of workers and worker control of capital, but current globalization simply redistributes the costs of production and consumption to less expensive places-- with fewer worker and environmental protections-- while further concentrating wealth into the hands of the already wealthy. It exports jobs to increase profits, which enrich the wealthy while doing little social good. It's an utter perversion of the socialist ideal.

Welcome to DU.

[emulatorloo]

11. Hello and Welcome!

There are some people who will try to shout you down. I guess there is bad behavior at every web site, but we've got some pretty good mods who do pretty good work. Don't let it get to you. We are here to discuss things, so by all means DISCUSS!

[Dont TS Me Brah]

13. looks pretty good.

Economy: The world is globalized. Business can move with ease. In this environment, we have to regulate with the world and ensure our tax polices do not force business out. The best means of taxes is one that is based on higher income people as individuals and that can go across international lines. However, Capitalism and Globalization are here to stay. It is best to figure out the best means to use those forces to make the nation more competitive and to maximize benefits for all people.

not so sure... the very roots of Capitalism and the current Global economy are based on greed and cruel inequity... we need a "gamechanger".

Drugs: Legalization of Pot. Let science be the guide for the rest. Do an honest cost benefit analysis.

yup

Gays in the Military: Support

yup

Gay marriage: I don't think marriage should be recognized by the state. If people want to say they are married, so be it, but I see no reason that they should have special rights and tax benifits under the law.

why not recognize gay marriage? And no one wants "special rights"... just the same rights as same-sex couples. So you believe that a male/female couple deserves the tax benefits and advantages in civil law but a same sex couple does NOT?

War in Iraq: Huge mistake and we got very lucky

got lucky? How? How is losing 4400 American soldiers, unimaginable numbers of Civilians and tarnishing a national reputation for a generation lucky?

War in Afghanistan: Unfixable. Need to get out

true

Health Care: Government needs to ensure access by all people

yup

Welfare/SS/etc: Every important safety net. Reforms may be needed but it is very much needed for the society.

yup

Education: Want more resources and choice for the underprivileged.

yup




so yeah, I agree with about 80% of what you posted... but I really don't understand your Economic and Gay Marriage stands...

[BrentWil]

15. Economic and gay marriage..

Why recognize a religious ceremony? I see little benefit in the state saying, these people (any people) are married.

Economic wise, I am simply practical and understand that capitalism does have benefits. Ask the Chinese and Indians.

Iraq, could have been a lot worse.

[Dont TS Me Brah]

20. ok...

Ok, I understand... so you're for eliminating ALL marriage related benefits, for same sex AND gay couples? Hmmmm. Ok.

[BrentWil]

21. Yes

[seabeyond]

16. on business.... there is so much that is out of whack with that, it is literally taking us down

that isn't good for any of us, including corps.

i have always been pro business. my father, a life time repug and business owner or running businesses for 5 decades also sees huge issues with corps today and problems they are creating

anyone in power tend to abuse and there must be boundaries, rules, regulation. to not do is to be irresponsible. it is that simple

greed has taken hold and to reward the upper echelon at expense of nation and workers is short sited. but then greed often is

the corps aren't paying there taxes here in the u.s. and getting all the rewards.

even being pro business, i can't go with you perspective on corps. there are things we can do. hurting them to the point of them going bankrupt isn't the answer. but there is a lot we could do in between their bankruptcy and bankruptcy of the u.s.

and welcome.

take any insult with a grain of salt. they come quickly and swift, and wont stop. regardless of your positions.

[BrentWil]

22. Certainly there are things you can do

But you will be hurting them to the point of moving, not them going bankrupt

[seabeyond]

30. then you have to give encouragement to stay. cause not paying taxes still is not good enough

they can still make more using cheapest of labor. also get cheap product and quality control is in the crapper.

doesnt it truly piss you off haliburtan went over seas to avoid paying taxes, yet reap the rewards of the u.s. economy? pisses me off.

[BrentWil]

48. Reality often does...

I can not change the world, only work for the best possible results in the world I am presented. I am to summarize, I am pragmatic and would argue for the elimination of corporate tax and increased tax on people. This is something many European countries, such as Sweden, understand.

[seabeyond]

56. i am pragmatic too. i also know the direction we are going is not working.

we have plenty of evidence, over plenty of time to see the more we do and allow corps, the more unevenly the money is divided and greed trumps.

[daggahead]

24. How about we start with ...

1. bring back rational tariff policies
2. taxing the hell out of companies when they outsource. If they decide to leave the US, see point 1.

[seabeyond]

31. exactly. that is where i start. at the least, make it mor fair instead of just free trade. nt

[Tippy]

19. Welcome to DU.....

"Been to Iraq twice and have slowly turned from a moderate Republican to a moderate to semi-liberal democrat"

I would have like it better if you had said you had turned from a moderate Republican to a Full fleged Liberal....but I'll welcome you anyway...:hi:

[daggahead]

23. Welcome!

You may find some areas of "groupthink," as you call it, like on ending the wars, stopping unbridled corporate power, etc.

All in all, though, we're a diverse bunch.

Thanks, too, for your service!

[negativenihil]

25. how odd.

this post is formatted almost exactly like this one: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x8466618

[Soylent Brice]

32. yup.

this should be an OP.

just post links to both of these with a popcorn gif.
lol

[Tsiyu]

57. Yeah

Noticed the eery similarities


Somebody needs to get a REAL life and get outta mama's basement.....

[leftstreet]

38. Just to drive the mods totally insane, we should all post OPs like this

:-)

Like a giant DU 12 step program or something

[Echo In Light]

43. My, that is odd

[nc4bo]

46. Having difficulty disengaging my tingling Spidey sense thingy. Hmm. nt

[Eyerish]

67. Ok I'm not the only one who noticed that....

curiouser and curiouser...

[Greyhound]

69. Some days I think we deserve what we get. I think there's a form for them to fill in.

No matter how many times these guys pull this, about half the suckers here fall all over themselves to welcome the next fraud...
:eyes:

[NEOhiodemocrat]

26. Welcome

I always look forward to reading others views. Yours don't sound like they would rub people the wrong way, I mean, we do not have to walk in lock step to post here. I definitely agree with your education, Welfare/SS, Health care, drugs, gays in the military, and get out of the war stands. I still have a problem with global economy, probably because of the problems it has promoted here and overseas. But you have a point, "It is best to figure out the best means to use those forces to make the nation more competitive and to maximize benefits for all people." I will try to look at it from that angle for a change. Just can't see right off hand how we can get benefits for all people, seems corporation are in the win win situation here. Be watching for your posts. And I hope you are promoting that no marriages be recognized by the states, not just gay marriages? That sounds like a more fair standard for all the people in the country, rather than just not recognizing gay marriages. I see no reason to deny gay marriages.

[walldude]

27. Did you change your screen name?

Because there was a guy on here last night with the name USArmyParatrooper who posted this exact same list. And now I can't find his post...

Nevermind.. Found it:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x8466618

Are you guys friends or something?

[CountAllVotes]

29. right here:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=8466618&mesg_id=8466618

Welcome to the DU btw.

[tekisui]

28. How has the war in Iraq been lucky?

It has been a disaster. Going on 8 years of disaster so far. A million dead Iraqs, 4 million displaced. 5,000 dead US. A trillion US dollars.

And, it isn't over. Still no govenrment formed, secratrian violence seems to be returning.

How is this in any way lucky?

[CountAllVotes]

35. the war in Iraq is far from "lucky"

I call it GENOCIDE myself.

:dem:

[ChiciB1]

33. Welcome Brent!! I Consider Myself A Bernie Sanders/Paul Wellstone Democrat...

So I think that describes me VERY WELL! However, I'm glad to see your views about THE WARS because I'm sure you know many of us are very, very upset with!

But then I know some of my Repuke friends who are also very upset! As for not agreeing or getting attacked, well it's part of this place!

I leave for weeks at a time and come back. Just came back recently because I live in Florida and trust that I will get better news information here than from MSM! Having said that, I do have my problems with Obama because even though I voted for the man... He's NOT the man I thought I voted for!

Can things change and can I change my mind, of course. And I would rather he succeed than not, but for now, he's not making me feel very comfortable!

Again, welcome... jump into the fray!

:hug:

[On the Road]

34. Welcome, BrentWil

I am a former moderate Republican too, and agree with most of the positions you posted. Despite having been on DU since early 2001, making 18k posts, and contributing money regularly, I also get called a right-winger sometimes. Some issues I have almost decided not to post on due to the level of emotion.

Accusing people of being Freepers is technically against the rules and may be cause for hitting the alert button, but there are many subtle ways of communicating the same thing. Everyone gets criticized. It comes with the territory, especially on large and diverse boards like this with controversial subject matter.

There is a lot of good stuff here, and a lot of diversity of opinion. Often the most vocal posters are those who are Greens or Socailists, even though it's supposed to be a Democratic board. Hopefully the good outweighs the bad for you.

:toast: :patriot:

[kctim]

36. Welcome Captain

As a fellow moderate type, allow me to say that you have to take the screams of 'right-wing' with a grain of salt, so don't worry about rubbing people the wrong way. Just follow the rules of the board, be true to yourself and don't take anything personal. As you have already experienced, many do not like it when you dare not follow in lock-step, but just stick to the facts and things will be fine.

[BrentWil]

47. Agreed.. I like debate..

But some really don't like other opinions.

[Mithreal]

49. Let's be honest. Moderate type often means conservative,

Nothing wrong with that, just wish those "moderate type"s would take back their own party but that would be hard.

[BrentWil]

50. ummmm....

Look at my views... do you really think the GOP is the place for me?

[Romulox]

66. Completely honest answer from someone a bit older:

A generation ago, yes. You sound like a George Herbert Walker Bush style Republican to me.

(If you ask, I will edit my response. I don't mean to be offensive, just accurate and honest. Let me know.)

[kctim]

55. Well

IF we are going to be completely honest, we should also state that 70+% of Democrats identify themselves as the "moderate type's," so I find it very hard to believe that we would have to defeat the conservatives in order to take back our own party as you say.

[Mithreal]

59. unsurprised

[kctim]

65. Same here

typical and expected.

[lovemydog]

37. welcome

Welcome. Thank you for your service. I've been reading here a few years and enjoy it. Take care.

[Laughing Mirror]

39. Gay people are not asking for special rights, just the same rights as straights

I guess that includes you.

[Subdivisions]

40. Who cares what you thinik?

I do! :hi: Welcome to DU, Captain Brent.

[BrentWil]

72. Thanks

[Bryn]

41. Welcome to DU

:hi: I look forward to more of your posts. I am happy you're moving from R to D. Here we all have different opinions, but that's what makes DU so interesting. :) Sometimes when I don't agree then later on I see their points clearly then I change my mind. It's ok to think for yourself.

Hope you have a pleasant journey.

[unhappycamper]

42. Welcome to DU. Brent.

First of all let me say "Welcome home, Brother!" :hi:

I'll second all the advice above; (my) rule #1 is don't take things too personally. Rule #2 is read and pay attention to the rules.


unhappycamper

67 ~ 68 Chu Lai
198th Light Infantry Brigade


69 ~ 70 Chu Chi
25th Infantry Division


2005 ~ current
Veterans For Peace

[JanusAscending]

44. Hi Brent!

Welcome to DU! Good luck!!

[Zix]

45. Hi

This board is host to a number of highly abrasive people. Don't worry about them, they don't represent the board as an entity but themselves only, though they may think otherwise...

[cally]

51. welcome!

What I've learned is that any opinion I post about will have several people who vehemently disagree with me. That doesn't mean that the majority of DUers disagree. You can hit alert if you are called a rightwinger. Calling another DUer names is against the rules.

thanks for your service.

[Time for change]

52. Welcome to DU

:toast:

[Swede]

53. Welcome,

I think.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=8466618&mesg_id=8471072

[dchill]

54. Welcome to DU, BrentWil ...

:hi:

[BrklynLiberal]

58. Welcome to DU....

never rubbed me at all..

check this out...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=8466618&mesg_id=8466618

[MrMickeysMom]

60. :>) Sounds pretty sound of mind to me...

What are you doing HERE? (only kidding)

Really, welcome to DU. :hi:

I'm thinking debate is a good thing. I'm sure I manage to make someone mad from time to time, or I get mad. So much for herding Democrats... We're not automatons like so many Republicans are now. In fact, we're all over the place, so there you go... debate is good.

edit: spell

[stevedeshazer]

61. Captain, I agree with you.

As far as I'm concerned, you are my friend. Thanks for your service and good luck.

[JeffersonChick]

62. Welcome aboard, Brentwil!

Curious to know why the change of heart (or rather, party affiliation)?

[tango-tee]

63. Welcome to DU, BrentWil!

There is such a wide range of opinions on *everything* here that you will find fierce support for a particular opinion you state... as well as its opposite.

I belong to what's called the "left fringe", and proudly so.

Despite all of the often fierce, tooth-and-claw arguments on DU, whenever one of "ours" is in pain or faces a personal tragedy there are so many kind people on this board, ready to listen and help.

Again, welcome to our wild, crazy, argumentative and wonderful world! You've come to the right place.

[Withywindle]

64. On marriage.

Marriage IS recognized by the state. Has been for hundreds of years. That won't change; what needs to be done is open it up further to others. I mean, 200 years ago, the right to VOTE was recognized--but only to white male landowners. I definitely think the expansion of that fundamental right is an improvement in the institution, and I feel that way about marriage also.

On marriage, I'll give you a personal example: My parents are stone cold atheists. They were married in a courthouse by a judge; no church or clergy or religion of any kind involved, back in 1968. (They're still together.) They really have no interest in rituals of any kind, and they got married for the many good state/federal government reasons to do so.

In the eyes of the law, they're just as MARRIED as any couple who spent $40,000 on their ceremony and got on their knees in a church with the woman wearing white and promising to obey. When I was a child, there was never any issue about either of them making decisions for me. Because they're MARRIED. If one of them gets sick, there is never any issue about one of them visiting or making medical decisions for the other. Because they're MARRIED. There is never any question about their joint assets or joint property, and no, my obnoxious aunt or obnoxious uncle or obnoxious grandmother can't butt in and claim any kind of rights. Because they're MARRIED. And when death comes, the fact that they are MARRIED will trump anyone's claims to take property or be a buttinski in end-of-life decisions.

God has nothing to do with it. Religion plays no role in my parents' marriage, thoughts, or life at all. They made that commitment in a STATE facility because it's an advantageous LEGAL arrangement that's available for couples who want to commit to teach other.

Why do you think male/male or female/female lifetime legal commitments are less deserving of the package of SECULAR STATE/FEDERAL rights that the state of "marriage" grants to m/f couples? I can see a lot of good reasons for those legal rights to exist regardless of religion or lack thereof, but no damn good reason at all for denying them to some committed couples on the basis of genitalia alone.

Research the aptly-named Supreme Court case Loving v. Virginia, 1967. Within many of our lifetimes, marriage laws in many states were dictated by people who had a superstitious revulsion against interracial marriage that was every bit as intense as those who rail against gay-lesbian marriage equality now. Read those arguments against it, and understand how similar (and wrong) they are. And read Mildred Loving's eloquent personal-experience testimony near the end of her life.

Are you married? do you value and understand the rights and responsibilities of your own marriage? If not, are/were your parents married, same questions apply. Your grandparents, your great-grandparents? What inheritance/child-custody/medical/immigration/property-ownership rights were assumed and handed down in your family because of STATE marriage? Think about it. Research your ancestry back several generations. And once you've REALLY thought about it, what justification is there for pulling up the ladder on others?

[BrentWil]

71. Why can't that change?

I mean again. If two people want to stay together, so be it. If they want to say they are married, so be it. I just don't understand why they should get different treatment then me. I don't want any secular state/federal rights for anyone.

[pinboy3niner]

68. Welcome Home, and welcome to DU!

It's great that the Army is sending you to grad school--good luck there!

Looking forward to seeing you on the threads, Captain.

pinboy3niner
CPT, AUS, Ret.

[Ardent15]

70. No, you were called right-wing...

..because you parroted right-wing talking points.

Anyway, welcome.

[BrentWil]

73. Thanks to all