I’d say the most obvious insight I’ve received and change in my opinion on GOP/Trump supporters since joining the board, is I now believe that the bulk of you are open minded. In the aspect of gay marriage for example, while some of you are still rigid in your religious fervor against it, most are willing and open to accepting and even supporting gay rights. Some with the condition of language (still foolish in my mind, but not an obstacle to compromise either).
Before joining the board, I didn’t think this openness existed on the right. I even see openness to environmental regulations, even entitlements that I didn’t think I’d see at all. Truth is, I think there is much more room for common ground on some of these hot button issues than the media (on both sides) lead on. And if we had smart, effective, selfless representatives on both sides of the aisle, I think we’d get to places on the hill that would make our nation much stronger, more efficient and more effective very quickly. Measures that make entitlements more efficient and less permanent, for example.
I’ve also been made aware of the legitimate frustration that many on the right had and have with the left over the last 8. I’m not talking about being PC. I hear that argument and frustration, but I still think that noise is just misplaced anger really (there’s nothing wrong with being more amicable in our approaches to people different than ourselves). But it lies more in the perception of the weakness and hardships of our people versus the sometimes too hardlined desire to see overt acceptance through language. What I mean is this: for example, many on the left (myself included) despises the “fear mongering” rhetoric against men and women of the Islamic faith. I don’t feel that Muslims should be more protected from persecution than Christians or anything, I am just aware of how the terrorist threat can cause many in the nation to begin a campaign to hate all Muslims, which to me is inherently unAmerican. And although I feel many interactions on this board confirm that fear of mine, I have gained an understanding of from where it derives from. The love of America, not the hatred of things not in line with what is generally seen as American (Christian versus Islam, for example). This is most obvious in discussion about the economy. It’s not about hating the liberal approach to social ills, as much as it’s about focusing on keeping our families safe and happy and healthy first. All else is secondary. I respect from where this sentiment derives, even if I don’t agree. I also think there is room for both sentiments, but we can’t allow the message to constantly get divided into the linear picture (the shutdown is a good example of that - Dems cherish illegals over Americans versus Repubs hate all immigrants). The divisive nature of political discourse just simply misses the actual points people care the most about, and dissolves the other sides position into the most vulnerable attack point. It prevents compromise.
Trump and what I like to call “the loyalists” on this board care about economic progress. But it absolutely isn’t about getting rich, imo, it’s about family, freedom, and the pursuit of happiness more most of you (although you surely might be an exception). You cherish the liberty of your hard earned wealth, and you cherish the health and wealth of your families. Some simply see our position within a community in a national sense, and some in a global sense, imo. I think that’s the main difference. Left board members are ok with making financial sacrifices to see a global benefit, righty’s aren’t. It’s a sticking point to be sure, but it’s less about a division of communist/socialist versus capitalist, imo. One thing that’s changed in my interactions on this board was I always thought that most hardcore economic conservatives were upper middle class or rich, and surely they seek to retain the status quo. But I realize now it not about the status quo for many, it’s just simply about liberty. Not wanting to relinquish the wealth you seek to pass on to your children, or use to enjoy life. And I think most of you are giving in your own way, you just don’t want that charity to be dictated by the government. Both positions I respect, and am less skeptical of the right as being selfish as I was before.
Some changes that have occurred on my views of liberals since joinin the board? I always thought that liberals were more informed. That just simply isn’t true. Both in the fact that some on here post straight up “talking points” and it’s obvious they haven’t put much thought into the points, or researched alternative takes on the issue....but also in the fact that I see very well informed members from the right, who are not just regurgitating “talking points” but have taken the time and thought to understand issues thoroughly. It’s probably my most embarrassing admission. Critical thinking exists on both sides. Proper evaluation of information exists on both sides. I’m very happy to see that.
What remains the same?
1) Backlash against environmental change. I’ve actually seen more misinformation on this subject than I thought I would. It’s incredibly sad.
2) The dominance of religious absolutism permeates almost every stance for some on the right. Sure there are those (like you, and to his credit THE) that do not allow it to dominate your reasoning more than your idea of liberty. But others simply can’t help but make it the center piece to any and all things American.
3) The public versus private school debate. Most righty’s simply look at substantially biased evidence to support the dismantling of our school systems, without any real care of the consequence for kids of low socioeconomic status. All in the name of “choice” and “less government” - but they fail to see the successes of the system historically or the positives the system brings to all citizens (if operated properly).
4) The divisiveness. It seems a person cannot be moderate or independent anymore. Some on here will attack those that claim to be as liars if the do. There’s always a push or pull to force someone to choose teams, and no real offering of solutions that can help compromise and success. The other day on vouchers, you offered a tax deduction compromise for those families that send their children to private schools (when I said I didn’t want tax revenue going to religious schools).....simple, and, IMO, an effective compromise. But this never really gets discussed on threads....compromise. People don’t take the time to try an understand other people’s points of view, and then throw names out (I’m guilty too) in frustration. I try to discuss often with the most rigid, and find myself resorting to the same rigidity as well. I wish there was a solution for this....for its not American at all.
