change of mind?

[catbbq]

I have replied to a couple of the rediculous topics currently under discussion here on the forums and it got me thinking. I don't see anyone changing their minds. It really comes down to about 4 unnamed guys, 2 liberals, 2 conservatives, that seem to have plenty of time on their hands.

First question is, has any of their postings changed your mind? Do you think they are even trying to convince anyone? If not, what purpose does it serve? Granted, I am slightly entertained by it, like watching a friend endo on the trail. Its funny to see, but still sad. Whats worse is that I participate. How sad is that?

As far as politic go, my last real change of mind was in college in the early 90's. Being from Arkansas, I saw Clinton go from governor to president. But I became very disillusioned with the Democratic party, mostly because Clinton first told the state he would not run for president in '92. That is when I got turned on to the Libertarians. My rationale? From my middle class, white perspective, the country is doing a pretty good job of ensuring my social rights. There aren't many things that I want to do that the government bars me from. But on the conservative side, I feel pain constantly. My taxes are too high. Right now, my wife is working as a contractor on a 1099, so she has no taxes withheld. We set up a savings account to "save" the tax that we will have to pay at the end of the year. That account has more money in it than any other account we have. Sure we could have more and fix that problem, but when the government takes almost half of what you make, it isn't fair.

So I vote libertarian when I can. That means I vote for using drugs and paying for your own damn way. But don't expect me to use drugs and don't expect me to pay your way.

[nhiker]

[quote author=catbbq link=board=36;threadid=7508;start=0#55077 date=1125421082]

So I vote libertarian when I can. That means I vote for using drugs and paying for your own damn way. But don't expect me to use drugs and don't expect me to pay your way.
[/quote]

Amen!

[slapheadmofo]

I've learned a little bit in the discussions, but mainly found that there are some serious blowhards here who can't even fathom that any opinion that isn't absolutely in line with their own has any merit whatsoever, and the best way to respond to any dissent is to either spin endless circles or dish out personal insults.


blah blah blah bitch and moan endlessly, never give an inch, and accomplish nothing

:

1099 taxes need to be pre-paid on a quarterly basis or there is a big fine. BIG FINE. You are responsible for estimating and sending in the proper amount, your bank will usually set up an accout with auto checking to help with this. Then if you overpay you can get a refund or if you under pay then you can pay more on April 15.

I am right with you on the political threads. Been there, done the same sad thing. Live and learn. Never go there, never get pissed. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, tho not all are worth something.

Things have gotten much better. There was a time during the heat of the election season(does that ever end anymore) when the fighting spilled over into the other threads and you could not avoid it. I appreciate the self disapline now enployed.

In the end it's like a singer or actor going on the stump for a pol. If you shared their opinion already then you are happy to have the celibrity spokesperson, but it is rare that the popularity of the voice could ever overshadow a message you found repulsive.

To sum up, I am happy the boys are enjoying their game, just keep it in your own yard.

bill
Holier then thou, prancing high on my self-rightious horse.

[TrailBate]

[quote author=slapheadmofo link=board=36;threadid=7508;start=0#55083 date=1125423710]
I've learned a little bit in the discussions, but mainly found that there are some serious blowhards here who can't even fathom that any opinion that isn't absolutely in line with their own has any merit whatsoever, and the best way to respond to any dissent is to either spin endless circles or dish out personal insults.


blah blah blah bitch and moan endlessly, never give an inch, and accomplish nothing

:

[/quote]

Haven't you ever had a sports debate? Those can sound just as heated as the political arguments. You can't take all of it too seriously.

But on the other hand, everyone is not entitled to their own facts. You can argue why we aren't withdrawing from Iraq right away. But you can't argue that Bush lied out his ass before the invasion.

[catbbq]

[quote author=justbill link=board=36;threadid=7508;start=0#55084 date=1125425021]
1099 taxes need to be pre-paid on a quarterly basis or there is a big fine. BIG FINE. You are responsible for estimating and sending in the proper amount, your bank will usually set up an accout with auto checking to help with this. Then if you overpay you can get a refund or if you under pay then you can pay more on April 15.

[/quote]

Since this is her first year at 1099, she doesn't have to do the pre-pay. Next year will be a different story.

And no, I can safely say I have never had a heated sports debate. I stick with politics and religion.

[kernel crash]

"But you can't argue that Bush lied out his ass before the invasion. "

I believe you could certainly argue that point based on intellegence from many sources. But seeing how Bush did such a poor job of making that point for himself, I won't attempt to make it for him.

[slapheadmofo]

[quote author=TrailBait link=board=36;threadid=7508;start=0#55085 date=1125426053]
[quote author=slapheadmofo link=board=36;threadid=7508;start=0#55083 date=1125423710]
I've learned a little bit in the discussions, but mainly found that there are some serious blowhards here who can't even fathom that any opinion that isn't absolutely in line with their own has any merit whatsoever, and the best way to respond to any dissent is to either spin endless circles or dish out personal insults.


blah blah blah bitch and moan endlessly, never give an inch, and accomplish nothing

:

[/quote]

Haven't you ever had a sports debate? Those can sound just as heated as the political arguments. You can't take all of it too seriously.

But on the other hand, everyone is not entitled to their own facts. You can argue why we aren't withdrawing from Iraq right away. But you can't argue that Bush lied out his ass before the invasion.
[/quote]

Actually, no, I've never had a sports debate; I don't understand the whole 'sports fan' thing in the least bit. Strikes me as childish, to tell you the truth, even more so when people get all worked up arguing about some guys they don't even know playing a kids game.

But on the other hand, I never argued one way or another on the topic you mention, but for some reason some of you can't stop bringing it into every conversation and going on like a frigging broken record.

[catbbq]

[quote author=TrailBait link=board=36;threadid=7508;start=0#55085 date=1125426053]


But on the other hand, everyone is not entitled to their own facts. You can argue why we aren't withdrawing from Iraq right away. But you can't argue that Bush lied out his ass before the invasion.
[/quote]

Surprisingly, the first 3 replies were on topic, then BOOM. Maybe by the 30th page of replies, the issue will be resolved.

[Slider]

I have changed my mind. I once thought that the overwhelming evidence that Bush is a lying, treasonous, draft-dodging war monger in bed with the oil industry would lead even his most gullible backers to admit they made a terrible mistake. I guess I was wrong. ;D

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