The negative comments about Republicans ...

[RainbowOmega]

I hope this doesn't upset anybody or turn into an argument or anything of that sort - I just need to voice something.

I'm not a republican or a democrat. I try to listen and think objectively about all views - I agree with some on both sides and disagree with some on both sides. I've never decided on being one or the other. I'm quite sure that out of all the members here, though, there are some who are Republicans. I've read many negative comments about Republicans here, and even though I'm not one, some of them have even hurt me since I'm a bit undecided.

It never bothers me to read somebody disagreeing with a Republican view (or any view), but negative comments about Republicans themselves, do bother me. I just wanted to ask if we could all maybe be a lil more sensitive when it comes to this, please.

Thanks,
RainbowOmega :rainbow.

[jennifer_dawn]

i TOTALLY agree with you Rainbow, my family is republican and i've been republican and i just stay away from this forum a lot cause there is a lot of republican party bashing here. its good to have your own opinion but please respect others...thanks!!!! :winky

[ribbon]

Guilty as charged. I usually try to qualify my statements with right winged to mean that I am not generalizing about all republicans. I don't want to insult anyone in the :bowl who happen to be republicans and I'm sorry if I have. I'll try to express my political opinions more diplomatically.

[Anonymous_Member009]

i am one of the silent who is often hurt and feel pointed at in this forum. i'm republican.....and i guess i would be considered moderate right wing conservative.

i have to occasionally leave sf because sometimes it hurts. but that's my problem.

[shortstop]

Yes, this is a more liberal forum but that in part is because of who is posting. The Republican :fishy out there need to post if they don't like what they're reading...it'll make for more interesting posts, too!
I don't hate Republicans/right-wingers/conservatives; I often dislike what they platforms are. That doesn't mean that they're a bad person.
I don't like Bush. I don't like what they're standing for or what they're doing to the country but that doens't mean that I don't want to hear from more Rep :fishy out there. I've actually been kinda bummed out that there aren't more Rep replies. Make it interesting and reply to the liberal pov.

[Phoenix]

Picasso I just wanted to let you know that you should not feel sorry that you have a problem that you have to stay out of certain parts of the bowl just because your feelings get hurt. I myself dont bother much to read post about politics because I also am a republican.
I dont respond because I dont feel like debating my views with others. I dont feel like I need to defend anyone else nor myself for what I believe. Hense shortstop why I myself dont start nor respond to any post about politics with the exception of this one.

Rainbow I am glad you voiced your heart on this matter. I am sure it took a lot of guts. And ribbon I admire you also for your response.


Shelly

[MegaVictory]

[COLOR=purple]The different political views should be respected, just like religious views are respected. There is no right or wrong./COLOR]

[Vicks]

YOu know I think what it is honestly, is that people who are conservative arne't posting in this forum and aren't starting threads, go knock yourselves out. I mean that.

I grew up in a republican household, since I have move a lot further over to the democrates, and that is fine.

Also, I want to say in the realm of politics, people have to know that people discuss things to learn them, and people get pasisonante and I hope they do, I want more passion in this country.

Personally, I also want people to vote and I don't care if they are republican or democrate I want passion.

So all those fishies who are convservative, republican start posting, write threads, and those who are democrates, keep posting, no shame in careing.

Vicks

[RainbowOmega]

Thanks all for your replies. I appreciate them a lot.

A couple mentioned Republicans posting more. That was one reason I started this thread. It would be nice if we could come to this forum and only be a Republican, Democrat, or whatever; but unfortunately, we can't. We're still suffering from EDs, low self-esteem, OCD, avoidant personalities, anxiety, etc. . So if somebody is feeling like their views aren't wanted because of some comments, then they're most likely not going to post.

I myself don't post much about my views because I only like to discuss my views and listen to others' views. I don't like arguing or debating. I only like listening/watching debates when my father is doing it or when it's debates for the elections. Other than that, I only discuss my views with my family and close friends that I trust don't want to argue or debate things either - just discuss.

Take care, and thank you all again for your replies,
RainbowOmega :rainbow.

[Vicks]

So ultimate question here?

Why do more democrates post on this board?

I mean, Rainbow, we all have histories dealing with "low-self esteem, OCD and what not" so why is it that pretty much only democrats post over here?

The only thing I can come up with is that from my OWN PERSONAL EXPERIENCES people who tend to lean more towards liberal ideas, don't care so much what people think about their politics. I mean, everyone I know who is accepting to "Mental Health" issues, is a "Democrat" and mind you I was raised Republican.

Republicans start posting, bring up issues, bash Kerry, go for it, healthy debate and discussion is what makes America, America.

So again: so why is it that pretty much only democrats post over here?

Vicks

[RainbowOmega]

Vicks, I didn't write this thread about why more Democrats post than Republicans, and it's not what I'd like it to turn into. It does sound like a good discussion for another thread, though.

This thread was just to ask all to be a little sensitive when speaking views, as to not make insulting comments.


RainbowOmega :rainbow.

[Vicks]

When talking politics which this forum is for, being "sensitive" would defeat the purpose. If people weren't passionante about what they felt, and if people didn't write how they feel and what their views on things are, then it wouldn't be a true "Current Events Forum"

I have never been a PC type of a person, and I don't mind stepping on toes sometimes when stateing my view points.

I don't want people to start bieng "sensitive and feel like they need to censure themselves over here

For me, Politics, Current events, is the one area where:

I can feel free to state how I feel" It is where I feel the most confident at times. It is the one area where if I were to swear I would. This forum makes me feel good, because I know other people out there who care and care enough to go off on something and express their anger

Perhaps, something people could work on, is asking themselves "why do they feel hurt by others opinions?" Especially opinions that aren't directed at themselves but at idiologies.

Please I hope noone starts to censure themeselves.
Vicks

[RainbowOmega]

Vicks, please read my original post that others have been replying to:

I hope this doesn't upset anybody or turn into an argument or anything of that sort - I just need to voice something.

I'm not a republican or a democrat. I try to listen and think objectively about all views - I agree with some on both sides and disagree with some on both sides. I've never decided on being one or the other. I'm quite sure that out of all the members here, though, there are some who are Republicans. I've read many negative comments about Republicans here, and even though I'm not one, some of them have even hurt me since I'm a bit undecided.

It never bothers me to read somebody disagreeing with a Republican view (or any view), but negative comments about Republicans themselves, do bother me. I just wanted to ask if we could all maybe be a lil more sensitive when it comes to this, please.

No where in there does it say to censor yourself or anything of the sort. There's a big difference between stating your opinions and insulting somebody. When I said sensitive I meant it in the way of not calling names and things like that.


RainbowOmega :rainbow.

[Marigold]

:hugonRainbow:hugoff,

It's very hard to know what will offend one :fishy and not another.

I think that the basic guidelines Amy gives are good ones - to do our best to remain *respectful* even as we disagree.

The thing is, Vicks brings up very good points too. Passion lends strength to words - and sometimes people really do *extremely dislike* (ie: hate!) certain politicians.

Just because of this - this feeling of anger/distaste for some politicians - does not mean and is not meant to be *personally directed against any particular :fishy.*

I know I often get very sensitve/defensive about people disagreeing w/my ideas and opinions here. But I think that's part of the process.

I am much more into debating actually. And I think debating can be done respectfully.
But again - what one :fishy will be *personally* upset by - another might not be.

If something upsets you - you can be honest and admit this. I think that's always a good (if not easy) approach for any of us to take.
That way it's more clear and people can continue to use as a guideline the *respectful* approach - and not have to attempt to censure themselves or tiptoe on eggshells.

After all - if I feel (and say) that Bush is a lying, deceitful, cowardly fool - this doesn't mean I think you (or anyone else who may like/back Bush) is also that! Not in the least!! (I may think you are "mistaken" in your beliefs - but, no doubt, you feel the same way about my views).

I can only think that w/election time coming even closer - things will heat up even more.

So - I definately feel I can respect a Bush supporter - but not the man himself - and also call him as I see him - w/o implying that another :fishy is this way.
-Marigold:sun

[RainbowOmega]

Marigold, I think you may be misunderstanding what I was saying. I don't get offended by others' views. If somebody said they hated Bush or that he was doing a horrible job, then that's their opinion and I may even agree with it. What I don't like is comments such as:

I am SHOCKED....a hypocrytical Republican? NO WAY.

There have been many others too. That was the point of me starting this thread. To try to stick to views and not calling names or things like that. Because those things aren't respectful.

RainbowOmega :rainbow.

[ribbon]

Ok, now I'm getting confused. I am definitely going to be more careful how I choose my words when writing about politicians and/or beliefs I do not espouse. That said, I'm not going to spend a time going over every word I type because it might or might not offend someone (who may or not be ultra sensitive about everything). I will try my best to stick to criticizing the statement and/or ideology and not the person.... buy darn it, bush makes it so easy sometimes :muhaha.

[RainbowOmega]

I'm confused as well. I didn't ask anybody to censore themselves. I haven't asked anybody to go over and over their words. I haven't asked anybody to step on eggshells or not speak their opinions.

Maybe I just don't know how to communicate what I mean well enough. Or perhaps some aren't open to hearing what I mean.

Forget it.

[ribbon]

:hugon:rainbow:hugoff Don't stop using your voice to make a point even if everyone doesn't understand or agree with your points!
I thought you very clearly and respectfully suggested that those with differing views not be quite so insulting.
I took that to mean, for myself, rather than calling someone or the republicans something like fucking idiots (which I've been known to do), to make my point without criticizing the people. That doesn't mean I won't still make jokes from time to time :muhaha, but I'll steer those jokes to my feelings about the issues rather than the people.
The quote you copied might have been something I said. I don't happen to think that's too insulting to read and it wouldn't bother me if someone joked about my views in a similar way because I happen to love political humor. I joke around all the time and that probably doesn't always translate well in print (or maybe you wouldn't think it was funny in real life either :winky :muhaha).
To me censoring, which you NEVER suggested, would be giving up my joking manner, as when I said this:
I will try my best to stick to criticizing the statement and/or ideology and not the person.... buy darn it, bush makes it so easy sometimes :muhaha.
Does that make sense? I don't expect you to like everything I say, but I don't want you to feel hurt about it? I can do my best to be what I consider respectful, but I can't help it if once in a while that offends you? Ok :love

[RainbowOmega]

Ribbon, thanks very much for your reply. I was a lil afraid when I saw there was another reply to this but am very relieved now.

The statement I quoted wasn't by you. And I did laugh at the one you quoted that was by you (about Bush) :).

Thank you for everything you wrote. All of it really helped to read.

Thank you :love,
RainbowOmega :rainbow.

[shortstop]

I'm sorry that you found that comment that I made offensive. I don't think it was at all offensive. (If you could explain how it was, I would appreciate it.) It does show however, that people can be offended by different things. Marigold and Ribbon are right, we're not going to please everyone all the time with what we say and someone is bound to get upset. That comes with the territory of this forum.

[RainbowOmega]

Shortstop, that was just the first one I came to. I wanted to avoid quoting anybody and did avoid putting anybody's names because I didn't want anybody to feel talked about or anything like that. I'm sorry if me putting that quote up there made you feel that way. I only put a quote because the point of my post seemed to be getting lost at that point.

I feel like calling Republicans hypocrits is offensive. Obviously some may disagree. What I'd rather is that we (those who want to, I mean) discuss what views are hypocritical than calling a whole group of people hypocrits.

RainbowOmega :rainbow.

[shortstop]

Okay. It is hypocrytical to tell someone to fuck off when you are unduly censoring the media. If someone is in favor of censoring, then that person should have to abide by all of the rules that they are trying to instill. (hence, he is being hypocrytical)

[Catherose]

This is a great post- thanks for starting it!

Shortstop, I'm sure :rainbow understood why you thought Cheney was hypocritical... it's the fact that you assigned the trait to the entire party that she probably found unfair.

I'm a democrat who was raised by republican parents... so even though I typically side with democrats I can't STAND political intolerance. I think all intolerance is ignorant, actually. I also get a little annoyed with people calling politicians names. I hate Bush as much as the next liberal, but I find the name-calling childish. There are ample ways to criticize a person without flat-out insulting them. Since it's not a personal insult to me or anything I'd never demand that people stop doing it... I guess it's just one thing I noticed about the forum that I wish were different. I'd rather talk, discuss, figure things out and learn from each other than turn posts into another round of Bush-bashing.

Maybe one reason why more democrats post here is age... I mean, it can't be the only reason, but I think a lot of young people have more liberal viewpoints... and younger people are more likely to have eating disorders. I know those are just generalizations though. Any other ideas?

[ribbon]

Catherose said: Maybe one reason why more democrats post here is age... I mean, it can't be the only reason, but I think a lot of young people have more liberal viewpoints... and younger people are more likely to have eating disorders. I know those are just generalizations though. Any other ideas?

:winky You forget my dear, those in my generation are babyboomers. Although I was too young to be there, we are the generation of woodstock, sit ins, :peace make love not war and most of all the beatles :winky.

(just teasing by the way, I understand and agree with the point of your post).

[mytots]

Well, i wasn't going to say anything so i am glad you did it for me RainbowOmega. i noticed the same thing and have taken offense many times, mainly b/c i have never or rarely seen the same disrespect given to the opposing party, esp as the main topic of a thread.

There are basically only three main reasons i vote Republican and none of them have anything to do with $. So, I have nothing against Democrats in the $$ area and several others. Both parties have good points and bad. It just depends on what is important to YOU and where your values and morals and spending views lie.

Neither is RIGHT or WRONG, they just are. There is a reason it is called secret ballot...hee hee

[mytots]

The important thing is that if you are old enough to vote, get registered, and VOTE. There is nothing more empowering than having your say. Knowing that YOU helped a candidate or party win.

I get so aggravated when i listen to ppl whine about the state of our nation and the leaders and this and that on and on blah blah and when i ask if they voted they say "no i dont vote" or "no didnt get around to it". I always retort "then you have no right to complain-and many ppl have given up their lives so that you can have that right."
VOTE. it give you a feeling of control that no eating disorder ever can

[Vicks]

My-tots - ditto - I don't care who votes for who sometimes, I jsut want people to care.

Oh, if you notice at the bottom of my signature, it says "change the world please vote" it goes to link so people can register to vote.

vicks

[Sylphlover]

I just wanted to ask if we could all maybe be a lil more sensitive when it comes to this, please.


RainbowOmega

I hear what you are asking for in a polite way. Unfortunately people, not just fishes, are not usually sensitive when speaking their minds about issues esp. politics and religion. What helps me is to take what I like from people and leave the rest.

Another thing I have noted is people are sensitive to different things. Therefore, if I was to say something someone said offended me it may not have even occurred to that person. What I usually do with this is.... pick my battles carefully. I don't have much time and if it is something that is of importance to me I will confront the person and then state how I feel. I will also not ever censor myself when it comes to speaking my opinions and thoughts. I won't be abusive either though. If someone is abusive towards me I confront and walk away. On the boards I block the person or just roll my eyes and pray for them.

Just little ways I have learned to deal with people on and off the Net.

I have a voice I use it. I don't abuse and I don't have to take abuse either.

As Forrest Gump would say, "thats all I've got to say about that" Smiles.