I enjoy discussing political matters, and recently have been reading up on some issues as well. However, rarely do I get into good discussions with others such matters. With a presidential election nearly here, and the first one I can vote in, I'm interested in hearing some other people's opinions and coming to an even better understanding of some of the feelings and thoughts of others. I don't get to discuss these matters with generally intelligent people too often, and it seems in today's political landscape real issues don't get discussed, at least not rationally or reasonably all too often.
I will start out by saying I am socially liberal, and still figuring a lot of things out in the fiscal world, but probably am a left leaning moderate there. I still like to hear a lot of opinions, but this is where I am coming from.
But I guess I should make the point of this thread clear: I want to have a spot to discuss some of the political issues of this campaign, as well as the final 3 weeks up the election.
I want to be clear too on what I think should be some of the guidlines for such a discussion: All should be able to have their opinion heard and stated, and we should treat each other with respect and kindness. The goal of our discussions should be to understand each other better, not to prove ourselves correct or change each other's minds. At least not immediately. With these sorts of issues, it is surely going to take some time and thought to lead to a change of opinion, and therefore our goal should not be to attack or demean, but to accept and try to understand each other better. I guess my main point here is that in my experiences, the reason some people have such a hatred for discussing politics is because too many feel that whenever you are talking politics you must debate, and try to force or prove your opinion correct. This mindset leads to yelling, anger, and nothing successful. So instead, let us try and make sure this thread is respectful of all opinions, and we are here to understand each other's points better.
Finally, I just want to be clear, anything really is up for fair game in my opinion, if it pertains to the upcoming elections of 2012. I'm just feeling like there should be a good and appropriate spot to do so on this forum. Bring up a topic if you have some feelings or thoughts, or want to get some clarification, and let's help each other come to a better understanding and be more informed.
To start off the discussion, I shall again mention my bias--I am liberal, and currently feel like Obama is who I shall be voting for. Additionally I associate myself with a Democrat primarily, although I have voted for some 3rd party candidates in some elections, particularly some Green party candidates.
But to start off, I was watching the Vice Presidential debate, and noticed how Paul Ryan several times mentioned that the Republicans had at times tried to work together with Democrats on bipartisianship, but were spurned or turned away. From my memory of the past 4 years, this is simply not true. So my question though is two-fold: Can anyone point out some instances of what Paul Ryan is speaking of? I could easily be forgetting some instances, and just remembering some of the statements that upset me (such as some high ranking Republicans making it clear that their goal was to make sure Obama could not do anything and make sure he got voted out--doesn't sound like working together to me.) Next off, do others think Paul Ryan is lying then, and if so, is he doing it purposefully and knowingly?
~Ranior, who will be very interested to see where this may go, or if it even takes off
I will start out by saying I am socially liberal, and still figuring a lot of things out in the fiscal world, but probably am a left leaning moderate there. I still like to hear a lot of opinions, but this is where I am coming from.
But I guess I should make the point of this thread clear: I want to have a spot to discuss some of the political issues of this campaign, as well as the final 3 weeks up the election.
I want to be clear too on what I think should be some of the guidlines for such a discussion: All should be able to have their opinion heard and stated, and we should treat each other with respect and kindness. The goal of our discussions should be to understand each other better, not to prove ourselves correct or change each other's minds. At least not immediately. With these sorts of issues, it is surely going to take some time and thought to lead to a change of opinion, and therefore our goal should not be to attack or demean, but to accept and try to understand each other better. I guess my main point here is that in my experiences, the reason some people have such a hatred for discussing politics is because too many feel that whenever you are talking politics you must debate, and try to force or prove your opinion correct. This mindset leads to yelling, anger, and nothing successful. So instead, let us try and make sure this thread is respectful of all opinions, and we are here to understand each other's points better.
Finally, I just want to be clear, anything really is up for fair game in my opinion, if it pertains to the upcoming elections of 2012. I'm just feeling like there should be a good and appropriate spot to do so on this forum. Bring up a topic if you have some feelings or thoughts, or want to get some clarification, and let's help each other come to a better understanding and be more informed.
To start off the discussion, I shall again mention my bias--I am liberal, and currently feel like Obama is who I shall be voting for. Additionally I associate myself with a Democrat primarily, although I have voted for some 3rd party candidates in some elections, particularly some Green party candidates.
But to start off, I was watching the Vice Presidential debate, and noticed how Paul Ryan several times mentioned that the Republicans had at times tried to work together with Democrats on bipartisianship, but were spurned or turned away. From my memory of the past 4 years, this is simply not true. So my question though is two-fold: Can anyone point out some instances of what Paul Ryan is speaking of? I could easily be forgetting some instances, and just remembering some of the statements that upset me (such as some high ranking Republicans making it clear that their goal was to make sure Obama could not do anything and make sure he got voted out--doesn't sound like working together to me.) Next off, do others think Paul Ryan is lying then, and if so, is he doing it purposefully and knowingly?
~Ranior, who will be very interested to see where this may go, or if it even takes off