Given the low level of critical thinking and communication skill presented to this forum on a daily basis by the GOP MAGA and Q crowd, it's a relief to have a debate with somebody who has an informed opinion so that we can talk about a subject using the same set of facts. Disagreements about something that is grounded in objective facts and what is really known instead of speculation are opportunities to share and learn from each other. You are clear, direct and informed about the facts as well, if you disagree with something I say, I'll listen. I might reply in disagreement but again, if we disagree but stick to what can be known and share speculative ideas while admitting they are speculative, I'd love to have the opportunity. It would beat the dumbass propaganda repeated by the red crowd.
I hope to some day have a debate with an informed, honest and well grounded Republican but thus far, I haven't met one.
I grew up in a staunchly Republican household and absorbed my parents’ values. I voted for Reagan and Bush senior. However, I was not really aware of the way the “family values” Trojan horse of the dominionists was being mainstreamed. (I was also recovering from a stint as an enthused evangelical, which gives me a fine-grained view of both sides of that particular coin.)
With the coming and going of the first Gulf war and no correction of the Gipper’s stupid economics, I found myself realizing that the Party had left me (as a committed centrist) to its left. Since Clinton’s first campaign I’ve voted for Democrats for President, and my voting R for Congress and local sorta went away.
Now the Democrats have claimed the center and even some of the center-right, while the GOP has cleaned its house of moderates and actual conservatives. And don’t get me started on the Federalist Society!
Unless the Republicans once again want a republic, I’m done voting red. In fact my politics are now center-left. Automation encroaching means a job for everyone is an endangered concept, and a living wage has gone the way of the dinosaurs. (I now believe in some core social-democrat values, like free education and healthcare.) And of course my views on guns have undergone a sea change.
So I also am grateful for intelligent and respectful opposition. It’s a good thing to be around people who challenge my assumptions, induce me to look things up, and help me evolve my social awareness. Thank you.