Comments on: Republicans LOL http://helenl.wordpress.com/2008/06/12/republicans/ where I'm a Rank Stranger Fri, 08 Jan 2010 15:41:11 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 By: helenl http://helenl.wordpress.com/2008/06/12/republicans/#comment-52107 helenl Mon, 16 Jun 2008 15:35:05 +0000 http://helenl.wordpress.com/?p=1670#comment-52107 Mike, I, too, enjoy such dialog. I learn through discussion. And If I change my mind, well I change my mind. Intelligent human beings do that when they learn that something other than what they first believed is true. That's why I love being a student. You get to explore ideas and take from them that kernel of truth without buying the whole bundle. The same is true to a lesser degree of dialog online. Like your wife, my husband doesn't enjoy the discussion part (which is not to say that he doesn't hold strong political opinions). And at the risk of sounding more New Agey than I am, I'll point out that no one can get all he/she needs from one relationship (e.g., marriage). Vows matter immensely (I've been married to the same man 39 years later this month and am glad I am), but there are activities (such as dialog or someone to critique my poems) that do not stem from the marriage relationship. When we put all our eggs in one basket (expecting that one person to meet all our needs), we are domed to failure. Feel free to jump in at any point on this blog. Mike, I, too, enjoy such dialog. I learn through discussion. And If I change my mind, well I change my mind. Intelligent human beings do that when they learn that something other than what they first believed is true. That’s why I love being a student. You get to explore ideas and take from them that kernel of truth without buying the whole bundle. The same is true to a lesser degree of dialog online.

Like your wife, my husband doesn’t enjoy the discussion part (which is not to say that he doesn’t hold strong political opinions). And at the risk of sounding more New Agey than I am, I’ll point out that no one can get all he/she needs from one relationship (e.g., marriage). Vows matter immensely (I’ve been married to the same man 39 years later this month and am glad I am), but there are activities (such as dialog or someone to critique my poems) that do not stem from the marriage relationship. When we put all our eggs in one basket (expecting that one person to meet all our needs), we are domed to failure. Feel free to jump in at any point on this blog.

]]> By: Mike Lovell http://helenl.wordpress.com/2008/06/12/republicans/#comment-52106 Mike Lovell Mon, 16 Jun 2008 15:04:47 +0000 http://helenl.wordpress.com/?p=1670#comment-52106 Yeah, that's the problem with it all. None of it is simple. I have no problem with the basic intentions of the overall agenda. The problem lies within the details. Everyone talks big picture, and pays less attention to the details. That's why fascism, as evidenced by Mussolini, was so popular. It spoke to a great society, which was later in part emulated by FDR and the Progressive movements of the 20s and 30s, LBJ's Great Society, and [some] current liberal platforms. It often finds itself being led by a group of people, most often the government, who seems to "know" better than the rest of us...where the person is less important than the people. I just wanted to add before I sign off, I do love it when we have these conversations. It provides me with an outlet (my wife cares not as much about talking politics and whatnot), as well as additional insight! Yeah, that’s the problem with it all. None of it is simple. I have no problem with the basic intentions of the overall agenda. The problem lies within the details. Everyone talks big picture, and pays less attention to the details. That’s why fascism, as evidenced by Mussolini, was so popular. It spoke to a great society, which was later in part emulated by FDR and the Progressive movements of the 20s and 30s, LBJ’s Great Society, and [some] current liberal platforms. It often finds itself being led by a group of people, most often the government, who seems to “know” better than the rest of us…where the person is less important than the people.
I just wanted to add before I sign off, I do love it when we have these conversations. It provides me with an outlet (my wife cares not as much about talking politics and whatnot), as well as additional insight!

]]> By: helenl http://helenl.wordpress.com/2008/06/12/republicans/#comment-52103 helenl Sun, 15 Jun 2008 21:56:52 +0000 http://helenl.wordpress.com/?p=1670#comment-52103 Mike, when I say a redistribution of wealth, I mean soemthing more balanced that what it is not exactly equal portions. And certainly we want to encourage those who are able to work. There is satisfaction and self-image to think about, as well as life's necessities. There is claiming one's place in the group (community, society). No one I know wants to encourage laziness and covertousness. It's just that it's clear, at least to me, that some people work very hard and get nowhere. Whereas, others inherit a good start and make lots more. And there is the problem of value. On one hand, conservatives speak of family values and want mothers to (stay home and away from work while they) care for young children. And yet when they do they lose out on promotions. Sure it's by choice. And it's a good choice. But why should families with two workers have a bigger, better house than the ones who did what seems right. No one knows how to solve this problem. Who would make up the difference? This is not an easy situation. I'm not for government control of our lives. But I'm not seeing people get out of these situations either. Mike, when I say a redistribution of wealth, I mean soemthing more balanced that what it is not exactly equal portions. And certainly we want to encourage those who are able to work. There is satisfaction and self-image to think about, as well as life’s necessities. There is claiming one’s place in the group (community, society). No one I know wants to encourage laziness and covertousness. It’s just that it’s clear, at least to me, that some people work very hard and get nowhere. Whereas, others inherit a good start and make lots more.

And there is the problem of value. On one hand, conservatives speak of family values and want mothers to (stay home and away from work while they) care for young children. And yet when they do they lose out on promotions. Sure it’s by choice. And it’s a good choice. But why should families with two workers have a bigger, better house than the ones who did what seems right. No one knows how to solve this problem. Who would make up the difference?

This is not an easy situation. I’m not for government control of our lives. But I’m not seeing people get out of these situations either.

]]> By: Mike Lovell http://helenl.wordpress.com/2008/06/12/republicans/#comment-52100 Mike Lovell Sun, 15 Jun 2008 13:50:59 +0000 http://helenl.wordpress.com/?p=1670#comment-52100 I personally am in favor of a graduated assistance program. Rather than either qualifying for every penny available, or not getting anything- that it would be according to your income, and while your income may raise, your benefits would decrease, but not just dropping off altogether. And to Lynn, yes, I can name quit e few people who wor their butts off for next to nothing. But I applaud their making an effort. It's the ones who refuse to work at all, or refuse to take job "A" because they feel its beneath them, that I often take issue with. The true Christian intention behind public assistance I am for, and as posted in a different blog (I think by Jay, I'm not sure) that the government took over when the churches failed to care for the poor masses. I think that there just needs to be honest reform to the system that looks at life, local cost of living etc. not just some simple number crunching that tells us nothing. June 13, 2008 at 6:32 pm earthpal said: Generally speaking, Conservatives are usually well off and are most definitely more selfish and less compassionate than liberals. I guess questions I would have is "WHY are conservatives usually well off?" And "Does money determine your political persuasion?" I would also note, that having been informed that your English, I'm not up to par on any differences between G.B. and the U.S., but I would say that just because somebody is a republican, that does not make them conservative, and vice versa. I personally am in favor of a graduated assistance program. Rather than either qualifying for every penny available, or not getting anything- that it would be according to your income, and while your income may raise, your benefits would decrease, but not just dropping off altogether.
And to Lynn, yes, I can name quit e few people who wor their butts off for next to nothing. But I applaud their making an effort. It’s the ones who refuse to work at all, or refuse to take job “A” because they feel its beneath them, that I often take issue with.
The true Christian intention behind public assistance I am for, and as posted in a different blog (I think by Jay, I’m not sure) that the government took over when the churches failed to care for the poor masses. I think that there just needs to be honest reform to the system that looks at life, local cost of living etc. not just some simple number crunching that tells us nothing.

June 13, 2008 at 6:32 pm

earthpal said:

Generally speaking, Conservatives are usually well off and are most definitely more selfish and less compassionate than liberals.

I guess questions I would have is “WHY are conservatives usually well off?” And “Does money determine your political persuasion?”
I would also note, that having been informed that your English, I’m not up to par on any differences between G.B. and the U.S., but I would say that just because somebody is a republican, that does not make them conservative, and vice versa.

]]> By: helenl http://helenl.wordpress.com/2008/06/12/republicans/#comment-52094 helenl Sat, 14 Jun 2008 23:06:51 +0000 http://helenl.wordpress.com/?p=1670#comment-52094 Hi Jana, Glad you are feeling better. I thought this was for entertainment also, but it turned out to be the starting point for discussion, which is fine. I'm sure there is much abuse of government programs. I just think we have to be careful not to cut off those who are truly in need due to the dishonesty of others. Hi Jana, Glad you are feeling better.

I thought this was for entertainment also, but it turned out to be the starting point for discussion, which is fine. I’m sure there is much abuse of government programs. I just think we have to be careful not to cut off those who are truly in need due to the dishonesty of others.

]]> By: Jana http://helenl.wordpress.com/2008/06/12/republicans/#comment-52093 Jana Sat, 14 Jun 2008 22:27:49 +0000 http://helenl.wordpress.com/?p=1670#comment-52093 Helen - I'm trying to catch up reading the posts I have missed the past few days. I still feel very fatigued, but am better. I liked the posts about love and this picture is just too funny!!! I wouldn't think this picture was for the purpose of argument but more for entertainment. In defense of Jay, there are many in our area who live on the public system and drive huge SUV's, luxury cars, custom rims, finest of clothes, etc. I, too, could name much more than three that I know personally. Even so, I don't think it is because the government programs aren't working but rather there are many who abuse the system. The programs work for those who are in need. In our area, there is so much dishonesty and people receive benefits that should not be receiving them. Maybe this is an area that needs improvement within the program structures. I don't know. Helen – I’m trying to catch up reading the posts I have missed the past few days. I still feel very fatigued, but am better. I liked the posts about love and this picture is just too funny!!! I wouldn’t think this picture was for the purpose of argument but more for entertainment.

In defense of Jay, there are many in our area who live on the public system and drive huge SUV’s, luxury cars, custom rims, finest of clothes, etc. I, too, could name much more than three that I know personally. Even so, I don’t think it is because the government programs aren’t working but rather there are many who abuse the system. The programs work for those who are in need. In our area, there is so much dishonesty and people receive benefits that should not be receiving them. Maybe this is an area that needs improvement within the program structures. I don’t know.

]]> By: helenl http://helenl.wordpress.com/2008/06/12/republicans/#comment-52090 helenl Sat, 14 Jun 2008 15:04:52 +0000 http://helenl.wordpress.com/?p=1670#comment-52090 Tomas, It is true we cannot tell what lies beneath the surface by looking at the outside. That is the exact reason why we cannot fairly judge. Thanks for dropping by. EarthPal, There is a parable about the poor widow, yes. Jay and Mike, It might be useful for you to know that EarthPal lives in England. Tomas, It is true we cannot tell what lies beneath the surface by looking at the outside. That is the exact reason why we cannot fairly judge. Thanks for dropping by.

EarthPal, There is a parable about the poor widow, yes.

Jay and Mike, It might be useful for you to know that EarthPal lives in England.

]]> By: Mike Lovell http://helenl.wordpress.com/2008/06/12/republicans/#comment-52087 Mike Lovell Sat, 14 Jun 2008 13:35:44 +0000 http://helenl.wordpress.com/?p=1670#comment-52087 earthpal, you mean the policies which almost purposely drive prices up on consumers, such as say petroleum based products like gasoline, heating oil, etc and food products? Or the policies that inhibit our ability to provide clean energy sources? Or would it be the policies that help to ensure long maintained and growing welfare roles? earthpal,
you mean the policies which almost purposely drive prices up on consumers, such as say petroleum based products like gasoline, heating oil, etc and food products? Or the policies that inhibit our ability to provide clean energy sources? Or would it be the policies that help to ensure long maintained and growing welfare roles?

]]> By: earthpal http://helenl.wordpress.com/2008/06/12/republicans/#comment-52086 earthpal Sat, 14 Jun 2008 10:58:19 +0000 http://helenl.wordpress.com/?p=1670#comment-52086 Jayburns, their policies speak for themselves. Jayburns, their policies speak for themselves.

]]> By: Jay Burns http://helenl.wordpress.com/2008/06/12/republicans/#comment-52081 Jay Burns Fri, 13 Jun 2008 22:52:19 +0000 http://helenl.wordpress.com/?p=1670#comment-52081 I had heard also that Conservatives outgive Liberals, generaly speaking. However, I refrained from posting that as a response to this post because I didn't have time to site proof of such. Here is a link to a book that explains just that. However, there is one other thing. It only applies to "religious" conservatives. Take it for what you will. http://philanthropy.com/free/articles/v19/i04/04001101.htm I had heard also that Conservatives outgive Liberals, generaly speaking. However, I refrained from posting that as a response to this post because I didn’t have time to site proof of such. Here is a link to a book that explains just that. However, there is one other thing. It only applies to “religious” conservatives. Take it for what you will.

http://philanthropy.com/free/articles/v19/i04/04001101.htm

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