What I've Learned From the RWED by HKCavalier

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What I've Learned From the RWED

POSTED BY: HKCAVALIER
UPDATED: Monday, June 12, 2006 12:11
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VIEWED: 1779
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Friday, June 24, 2005 3:13 PM

There's a lot of talk about the pointlessness of this board; that no one ever changes their minds and nothing is ever truly discussed; that people come here with their minds made up, just to call people names and hoan their /sarcasm.

Well, I know I don't. I know I've learned some things; my opinions have shifted since I started reading the RWED two years ago (before it was even called the RWED).

For instance: I used to think Jimmy Carter was by far the best President we've had in my life time. I never examined that contention of mine. Until I started reading the RWED. After reading what folks have said on this site about his presidency, I've come to realize that, actually, as a President, he was a...well, a colossal failure in a lot of ways. He's still my favorite person who was President, but that's about it. I'm glad to see the good work he's doing these days.

I'm wondering if anyone else has learned anything from "the opposition" while visiting this board. And please, "Yeah, I've learned that they're even more stoopid than I thought!" doesn't count. Wouldn't it be a hoot, if we kept this thread civil and respectful?

HKCavalier

Hey, hey, hey, don't be mean. We don't have to be mean, because, remember, no matter where you go, there you are.

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Friday, June 24, 2005 3:19 PM

SIGNYM

I believe in solving problems, not sharing them.

Actually, I've changed my views on gun control. I think they were shifting anyway but discussions on personal liberties and government intrusion more or less pushed me over to the other side.

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Monday, June 27, 2005 10:59 AM

CHRISISALL

This board made me re-evaluate my stand on conspiracy theories. People like Finn have shown me it's too easy to shoot your mouth off without SOME facts to back it up.
I've also discovered I'm not as humble as I would have thought, and am working on it.
Also that language is important, and certain wording loses meaning:
George Bush is EVIL!!(That's stupid and promotes useless negative emotion)
I strongly disagree with Bush's policies and believe they are ill-concieved, short sighted, and will seriously harm this country in the long run.(more accurate, less inflamatory)
I've also learned there's a lot I don't know. A lot. But nobody can know everything.

I'm still a Conspiracy Theorist, although I guess they might not have AS many of those Black Helecopters as I might have thought.

Comin' a little more away from the edge Chrisisall

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Monday, June 27, 2005 1:29 PM

RUE

I have a vote and I'm not afraid to use it!

I have learned so much I couldn't even begin to list it. In general, most everything I know I learned from somebody else. There are very few things I can take credit for. Counting 'em doesn't even get up to two hands worth.

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Saturday, June 3, 2006 4:13 AM

CHRISISALL

Just lookin' back to see how we've changed (and IF we've changed).
The world seems a little meaner than it was even the one year ago this thread was started.
I see for myself that I've become a little harsher, but it's nuthin' I can't correct.

Stay shiny in these tough times, my peeps.

Hindsight Chrisisall

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Saturday, June 3, 2006 5:14 AM

TAYEATRA

I've learned that American politics, whilst ostensibly different from the UK actually just results in the same arguments. It's remarkably reassuring!

*****
Taya
*****
I'm going to S3!!!
(*Insert hysterical celebration dance here*)

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Saturday, June 3, 2006 5:39 AM

SIGNYM

I believe in solving problems, not sharing them.

I've learned that I like discussing things more than I like driving people away. So I THINK I've gotten a longer prespective about this board, altho I'm sure some people would disagree!

I actually learned something from Pirate News. (gasp!) It occurred to me that since most people are not the natural sociopaths that being truly elite requires, there is a role for Mind Kontrol. Something needs to be done to break the natural connection that even the very wealthy might occasionally feel for people who basically look and sound like them. So I woundn't be surprised if there were deep rituals for some of these elite- perhaps some illegal/ immoral way of "earning your chops" to forge a bond with others in the elite.

Dreamtrove has got me thinking more along the same lines. Altho I don't think that there is a strong connection between Bush and Hillary for example... after all, there is competition even w/in an elite... in fact probably more so because they really act on greed, as opposed to most people who just want to get along... I'm no longer able to credit the way some Democrats behave on the basis of sheer stupidity. Moral corruption is more like it.

And while I'm on the topic if things I've learned from this board, I've come to realize that MOST people don't value "liberty" as much as they or everyone else assumes. I kind of had that figured out a few years ago (what can I say? I'm a slow learner! But at least I'm still learning

) by looking at China and also Afghanistan, the Sudan and other failed states. People usually prefer stability to starvation. But what I didn't really realize is how divergent the USA population is from what the Founding Fathers envisioned. While I greatly enjoy Liberty and Democracy I've also come to realize that most people in the USA would trade it away in a heartbeat for perceived security. Maybe the Founding Fathers had it wrong.

I've learned that most people argue from emotional need: to be comfortable, to justify past actions, to feel some sort of control, convince others that their PTSD is justified, etc. Even me. I used to overlay fairly rigid notions of "right and wrong" on the world. I'm coming to realize that my values aren't - and perhaps shouldn't be- everyone's values. I see things more clearly.

I realized that I'm not anywhere near as smart as I thought I was. That people reach their knowledge through many different paths- thru deep intuition like HK, or assiduous research like Rue, thru humor like Chrisisall and Citizen and even thru deep dark suspicion like PN and DT.

Another thing that I've learned is that it's possible to be an old fart and learn. I'm still learning.

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Saturday, June 3, 2006 5:04 PM

CHRISISALL

Quote:
Originally posted by SignyM:

I realized that I'm not anywhere near as smart as I thought I was.

That was the most valuable thing I think I learned here. This board has (and has had) all manner of truly intelligent life forms posting. I thought myself easily any thinking person's equal

.
And to think, at one time I percieved myself as 'humble'.
"Well, I bloody well am NOW!"

Or at least, I'm trying more now...

But I suspect I'll never really leave my inner snark behind completely....

Chrisisall, humble as the dust...AND a Chinese jet pilot.

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Sunday, June 4, 2006 5:22 AM

SIGNYM

I believe in solving problems, not sharing them.

Quote:
And to think, at one time I percieved myself as 'humble'.
"Well, I bloody well am NOW!"

Hahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!!!!!!

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Sunday, June 4, 2006 5:28 AM

CHRISISALL

Yours is an evil laugh....

Dirty Chrisisall

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Monday, June 5, 2006 3:33 AM

TRISTAN

I don't think I have contributed meaningfully to any "serious" discussion on the RWED, but I visit every day to see which way the wind is blowing. As an outside observer, I can only say that several posters have very solid, valid arguements backed up with research. Then, on the other hand, you have these guys:

They seem at times to outnumber the logical posters...but they do make the threads interesting.

Thanks to all, for I have learned things, and continue to have my eyes opened while reading these posts.

____________

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Monday, June 5, 2006 3:37 AM

CHRISISALL

Quote:
Originally posted by Tristan:

You slay me Tristan.

BwahahahahahChrisisall

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Monday, June 5, 2006 4:11 AM

TRISTAN

Thanks, chrisisall! I enjoy reading the topics, but when certain names pop up, the threads seem to go downhill...and I have to stop myself from posting that icon...

____________

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Monday, June 5, 2006 4:16 AM

CHRISISALL

Quote:
Originally posted by Tristan:
I have to stop myself from posting that icon...

DON'T!

Stop yourself, that is Chrisisall

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Monday, June 5, 2006 5:08 AM

TRISTAN

Thanks. I will keep that in mind next time someone really goes off!

____________

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Monday, June 5, 2006 5:16 AM

HERO

Quote:
Originally posted by SignyM:
I realized that I'm not anywhere near as smart as I thought I was.

I couldn't agree more.

H

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Monday, June 5, 2006 6:18 AM

CHRISISALL

Quote:
Originally posted by Hero:
Quote:
Originally posted by SignyM:
I realized that I'm not anywhere near as smart as I thought I was.

I couldn't agree more.

H

Well, in the face of a REAL Bush-worshipping genius such as yourself, we all pale, IQ-wise.

Funny, I seem to remember you sayin' most people in this country voted for him, like it was important what backing he had. What ya say now that most are seeing him for the Alliance toadie that he is, mmmm?

You'll spin it both ways, I'm sure Chrisisall

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Monday, June 5, 2006 8:29 AM

HERO

Quote:
Originally posted by chrisisall:
What ya say now that most are seeing him for the Alliance toadie that he is, mmmm?

I think if the election were held this November, he'd win again. We have 4.6% unelmployment, good economic growth. We have some real bad guys out there to scare people, and lets face it, when it comes to security, most people will pick Bush over any Democrat.

Are there problems? Yes. Are people nervous and concerned? Yes. Thats reflected in the poll numbers. Anti-Bush sentiment is not reflected in everyday life. Bush is welcomed everywhere he goes by thousands of cheering supporters and a few obnoxious protesters. Bush is right for America and people have voted his way twice now.

Besides, no matter what momentum or issues the Democrats manage to get going, it always backfires on them. Republican strategy since 2001 has centered on allowing Democrats to shoot themselves in the foot. Domestic spying is soo bad...wait, Canada's internet surveilance nabbed 17 would-be bombers (who happen to have called a couple folks in Atlanta, good thing we can track those calls). The Democratic plan for illegal immigration solves the problem..."you don't need papers to vote." The Republican culture of corruption...Deomcrats assaulting policemen, taking bribes, and avoiding DUI arrests. The enviroment is in bad shape...I'm waiting for the sequel, where the Monkeys learn to talk and elect ALGORE their king. The tide is turning for this election, just like it has every other year.

"Speaker Pelosi" is enough to fire up the Republican base. The Democrats wont turn out cause they'll be to busy working to keep their low paying jobs from being stolen by illegal aliens.

H

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Monday, June 5, 2006 8:46 AM

HKCAVALIER

Don't hijack my thread, Mr. Sandwitch. I take it from your posts here that you've leaned nothing of value from visiting this board.

HKCavalier

Hey, hey, hey, don't be mean. We don't have to be mean, because, remember, no matter where you go, there you are.

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Monday, June 5, 2006 9:05 AM

SASSALICIOUS

I always thought the term "most" implied a significant majority. I wouldn't consider a 51% "most", especially when you factor in that portion of those people are fiscally conservative and socially liberal, like my uncle.

But on to what I've learned. Like HKCavalier said, a lot of people haven't budged on their opinions. I know I'm one of those people. I'm passionate about a few things and will defend those ideals with every last breath of mine. No one will ever convince me otherwise. I have learned a lot though, just from different threads topics and articles that spawned those threads. I think I learn the most when non-U.S. centered threads go up, such as the Nepal one.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I am on The List. We are The Forsaken and we aim to burn!
"We don't fear the reaper"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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Monday, June 5, 2006 9:35 AM

RUE

I have a vote and I'm not afraid to use it!

I've been in awe of so many posters. I don't want to make a list for fear of leaving someone off who should be on it. And I truly can't make a list of all that I've learned.

My basic ideas haven't changed, though. I believe that the reason to do 'good' is that it makes a better world.

And the more humane the world, the better we all live.

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Monday, June 5, 2006 9:38 AM

HERO

Quote:
Originally posted by HKCavalier:
Don't hijack my thread, Mr. Sandwitch. I take it from your posts here that you've leaned nothing of value from visiting this board.

I didn't hijack anything. Signy posted a thought, I responded with a smartass comment meant to both poke him with a virtual stick and agree that most of us are not nearly as smart as we think we are, which is a good thought and at least one path to wisdom. This lead naturally to a discussion when Chissall asked me a direct question about my sentiments regarding the President's poll numbers. I responded.

You may not like it but sometimes you throw out a topic, people start talking, and the conversation flows off in a direction of its own.

I should note that your comment regarding Jimmy Carter articulates how I feel about a good man who happened to be a bad president. I had never worded it quite that way and I learned something about my self just by reading your post.

Another thing I learned is that Pirates are not all fun and games, Jack Sparrow...AARGH and all that.

And I have learned how intolerant and hateful the Bush-haters are. Its helped me in the real world deal with wacko Defendants. While the average Bush-hating liberal and criminal defendant have little in common, they do share a common outlook towards their role in a world they cannot understand. If only I could jail the liberals...ahhh...that would nice...(wistfully stare into space).

H

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Monday, June 5, 2006 9:43 AM

TRISTAN

Oooh, oooh, HKCavalier, I have an icon for you to use in the future for hijackers!

Actually, this could be used in several threads by a number of people!

Not judging anyone, just had the chance to use this icon, so there you go!

____________

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Monday, June 5, 2006 10:03 AM

CITIZEN

Quote:
Originally posted by Hero:
And I have learned how intolerant and hateful the Bush-haters are. Its helped me in the real world deal with wacko Defendants. While the average Bush-hating liberal and criminal defendant have little in common, they do share a common outlook towards their role in a world they cannot understand. If only I could jail the liberals...ahhh...that would nice...(wistfully stare into space).

I have learned that the people who cast the first stones are nearly exclusively the ones with the least right to do so.

More insane ramblings by the people who brought you beeeer milkshakes!
"I had a rose named after me and I was very flattered. But I was not pleased to read the description in the catalog: 'No good in a bed, but fine against a wall'." -- Eleanor Roosevelt.

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Monday, June 5, 2006 10:09 AM

FREMDFIRMA

I'd like to think I taught some history here, or at least encouraged a few folk to do some of their own learning about it, for that history is a large part of any political equation, at least from a "How did we get HERE, from THERE?" perspective.

Definately learned from P-jen that yer delivery often matters more than yer content, no offense there kiddo

As far as folk not changin opinions, well hell, that just means yer not using a big enough ROCK!

Honestly tho, folk worry too much about trying to change each others minds, and not enough about respecting what others think (even if you don't agree) and demanding that respect in return.

It does me no injury for my neighbor to say there are twenty Gods or no God. It neither picks my pocket nor breaks my leg
Thomas Jefferson

-Frem

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Monday, June 5, 2006 10:26 AM

HKCAVALIER

Quote:
Originally posted by Hero:
Quote:
Originally posted by HKCavalier:
Don't hijack my thread, Mr. Sandwitch. I take it from your posts here that you've leaned nothing of value from visiting this board.

I didn't hijack anything. Signy posted a thought, I responded with a smartass comment meant to both poke him with a virtual stick and agree that most of us are not nearly as smart as we think we are, which is a good thought and at least one path to wisdom. This lead naturally to a discussion when Chissall asked me a direct question about my sentiments regarding the President's poll numbers. I responded.

You may not like it but sometimes you throw out a topic, people start talking, and the conversation flows off in a direction of its own.

I should note that your comment regarding Jimmy Carter articulates how I feel about a good man who happened to be a bad president. I had never worded it quite that way and I learned something about my self just by reading your post.

Another thing I learned is that Pirates are not all fun and games, Jack Sparrow...AARGH and all that.

And I have learned how intolerant and hateful the Bush-haters are. Its helped me in the real world deal with wacko Defendants. While the average Bush-hating liberal and criminal defendant have little in common, they do share a common outlook towards their role in a world they cannot understand. If only I could jail the liberals...ahhh...that would nice...(wistfully stare into space).

H

Thanks, Hero. I agree you hadn't fully hijacked the thread...yet. I saw in your inflamatory reply to Mr. Isall a tiresome battle royale in the making. Thank you for your on-topic comments--the first, I'd like to add, from one of our more right leaning visitors. Glad to hear that you still have an open mind. I really am.

HKCavalier

Hey, hey, hey, don't be mean. We don't have to be mean, because, remember, no matter where you go, there you are.

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Monday, June 5, 2006 10:46 AM

CHRISISALL

I just now learned that I need to peel EVEN MORE of the swagger off myself; like Bruce lee, I'm ever-ready for a fight, and that's definitly not always a good thing.
(Sorry Hero, I didn't mean to be mean)

Chrisisall

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Monday, June 5, 2006 12:18 PM

EMMARIGBY

I have learnt that if you jump in with a lighthearted comment to ease the tension when a thread is getting very serious it is not always welcomed!

Then again I've always had a problem with innapropriate humour.

________________________________

Hisssssss!

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Monday, June 12, 2006 11:54 AM

CHRISISALL

Quote:
Originally posted by EmmaRigby:
I have learnt that if you jump in with a lighthearted comment to ease the tension when a thread is getting very serious it is not always welcomed!

Then again I've always had a problem with innapropriate humour.

I've learned that inappropriate humour is almost ALWAYS welcome in here (by me, at least...)

Obtuse Chrisisall

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Monday, June 12, 2006 12:11 PM

CHRISTHECYNIC

I don't come here to change minds, and though I'm always willing to change my mind I don't do it lightly, and while I've done it often enough I don't think I've done it here.

I come here so I can hear what other people have to say and speak my piece myself.

I'm far more interested in understanding what someone thinks, and better still why they think that, than converting them to my way of thinking. A debate does that as well as anything and better than most things, but it's for the exchanging of ideas, not the changing of views that I come.

I know that's off topic (sorry), but I felt like saying it.

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