I was not sure what to expect when I started posting on OS, but I knew I'd be getting some flak. One of my main reasons for visiting is to get to know the "enemy" and I have learned some things I want to comment on.
I had assumed that as a conservative extremist I would obviously be at the opposite end of the spectrum from the liberal extremist. As far as political views go my obvious assumption was correct. However, the PERSONALITIES of a left wing and right wing extremist are identical. We differ only in that our sources of information we rely on are different. The nice thing about extremists is that we tend to be people of strong beliefs and values so we always know where we stand in relation to one another.
Another observation I initially found puzzling was how readily many are on OS to share some really personal information about themselves. As I read the replies it became clear that this forum is much more than just a place where writers and other members on the left can congregate. For many here it is a place to develop friendships (I met my wife on line, so I get this aspect of the forum) and obtain moral and spiritual (if not religious) support. In the same way I might go to my pastor or some of the deacons in our church for support, some members of OS turn to each other for the same type of support. Again, this may be obvious to those who use the forum for this purpose, but for an observer it is significant. I have to think that that was not an original intent of OS, but since it has developed in that way it would be a shame to discontinue OS as it is such an important source of comfort and support for many of the members.
Conservatives are often criticised for our supposed closed mindedness, but this goes back to the extremist personality. While it is not impossible to sway an extremist, the fact that extremists are people of conviction means we generally stick to our views. Extremists of either persuasion can serve to harden the views of some of the wishy washy moderate fence sitters who could use the additional guidance. (This could be good or bad, but at least it gets them off the fence.)
From a strictly observational standpoint, I would say OS is a very useful entity. I have enjoyed chatting with some really fine folks here. Sorry we trolls are stirring up the pot, but someone has to do it.
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Concrete ideas are usually all mixed up and permanently set. Please keep stirring.
You just had to mention pizza didn't you IM.
Cartouche, you will require additional study, but I need to moderate my cussing.............and pizza eating, any suggestions for a quick fix besides to stop cussing and lay of the pizza?
I also liked your observation where you note " this forum is much more than just a place where writers and other members on the left can congregate. For many here it is a place to develop friendships and obtain moral and spiritual (if not religious) support."
I know the latter has been true for me. This has been an oasis of sorts. But your thought reminds me of when Carl Jung (in his 1963 book, Man & His Symbols) observed that while many sincere believers in ages past confessed and sought counsel from clerics, nowadays, modern individuals instead seek such counsel from contemporary psychologists.
I have found this to be a very telling insight into our species. We (the right and left wings / ancient and modern humans) share the same, basic human needs--we just seek fulfillment from different sources. That's my take.
Thanks for keeping us honest!
Great post! Rated!
Keep on posting.
There may be some leftist extremists here. Idon't know, I don't come here for the politics. I'd venture nearly 30-40% of the OS denizens do not.
OS is a publishing platform, not a political site. In that light, it is not strange at all that people share personal aspects of their lives. Writers write about what they know.
I also see that you want to stick around, and your more inflammatory comments have faded.
I really appreciate that you want a group hug from us.
Just kidding!
You're smart, you're passionate, and you want to be here.
BTW I realized you had a heart, despite your efforts to hide it, awhile ago.
Thanks to all for the kind comments.
I have found you to be a kind man. So we disagree sometimes; doesn't mean we can't connect on some level.
Thanks.
Do you read Panarin? I see the secession piece there. Just remember that dismembering the United States is what he wants, not what is in the interests of all Americans.
i would say the very definition of extremist, is the ability to ignore the repercussions of your beliefs in practice. this is what i find most pernicious now, with regards to the obama administration. right wing extremists want to skip investigating and prosecuting the torturers because "they kept us safe". and left wing extremists also want to skip investigating and prosecuting the torturers because "there's more important stuff to do". they're both unwittingly speaking in favor of authoritarianism, where the state simply ignores the individual right to due process when it is convenient.
this reliance on goals rather than processes is not healthy for a democracy. as a wishy washy fence sitter, that's something i wish more extremists would consider. our history demonstrates that we don't enact change quickly without a lot of bloodshed. deliberation is underrated.
or maybe i'm a leftwing extremist. my parents would be so proud!
I don't know that you are as much of a fence sitter as you think, strangely. Your parents would be proud. I must say that I always find your comments and arguments credible.
Dividing up the United States? Yeah, I'd say that's extreme.
I've got to scooch for a spell, but I shall return.
is that true? or is it just your impression?
http://mediatransparency.org/story.php?storyID=184
as an example, until 1990, california's welfare rates were below the national average.
http://www.ppic.org/content/pubs/op/OP_402XXOP.pdf
and california's legislature was controlled by republicans when welfare reform was passed.
http://www.caltax.org/MEMBER/digest/jun97/jun97-6.htm
this doesn't really back up what you are asserting, but maybe i've misunderstood.
Link: http://www.latimes.com/news/columnists/la-me-cap2-2009feb02,0,418500.column
Link: http://www.csmonitor.com/2008/0815/p03s08-usgn.html
Link: http://www.kff.org/statepolicy/loader.cfm?url=/commonspot/security/getfile.cfm&PageID=44603
Link: http://morganwrites.wordpress.com/2008/07/03/californias-illegal-aliens-cost-taxpayers-nearly-9-billion-a-year/
Sure it's Glenn Beck, but facts is facts.
There is light at the end of the tunnel and many thinkers that are not as coursely defined. I like that you step out a take a chance here and you are as welcome as anyone of either persuasion and all those otherwise persuaded. It's a very big world view, both here and outside the OS. They, whoever "they" are, don't say, "Wisdom comes with age," for nothing.