Say something nice about the other side...

[SoonerKate]

Political debate tends to bring out mean-spirited rancor and vitriol from those who participate in it. Debate (especially around here) can get pretty heated, and it's hard to remember that sometimes, the other side may also have it's good points, no matter how wrong you may think they are.

So, I thought it might be nice to give all of us an opportunity to say something nice about the other side (However you define it -- a candidate, a party, whatever). Let's keep it nice, though; no backhanded compliments (e.g. "I appreciate that Candidate X looks so much like a wallaby that it's unlikely anyone would mistake him for a human and actually vote for him.), or attacking/picking apart what someone else says.

I'll go first:

The Republican party is fantastic at locking ranks, coming together, and getting things accomplished. I wish Democrats would set aside all of their differences and work together like that.

See? Not so bad. Your turn!

 

[minniepumpernickel]

I'm not saying anything nice about the other side on here. Some of the opposition on here, wants to bulldoze the other side into not posting anymore. I think that sucks!

 

[Shel]

I am a GWBush supporter all the way, but admire anyone who is willing to make their life, present & past open for public speculation & ridicule. Also, that they want to dedicate themselves for the better of a common good.

 

[Chattyaholic]

I'm glad that Kerry is a man of faith, and that he is a hunter, and that he is concerned about our health system (or lack of).

 

[UncleKyle]

I love the idealism of Democrats. They believe that everyone has a moral compass and is good on the inside. (Except for us Republicans )

 

[jrydberg]

Originally posted by minniepumpernickel
I'm not saying anything nice about the other side on here. Some of the opposition on here, wants to bulldoze the other side into not posting anymore. I think that sucks!

I want to hear more of viewpoints that oppose mine. Hard to learn anything if people simply nod their head and say, "I agree"... it likely won't change my opinions much, but at least I get a better understanding of the other sides to an issue.

Sometimes I get the feeling people on all sides don't want to give the slightest bit of credit to the opposition for fear it might legitimize that point of view. Well, IMO, Democrats, Republicans, Independents, Greens, Libertarians, etc., all have legitimate points of view. We're all Americans and care deeply about our country. We just differ in what we think are the best ways to improve our country.

IMO, we should all be thankful that there is vigorous opposition to whatever views we happen to believe in.

 

[kild]

Originally posted by jrydberg
I want to hear more of viewpoints that oppose mine. Hard to learn anything if people simply nod their head and say, "I agree"... it likely won't change my opinions much, but at least I get a better understanding of the other sides to an issue.

Sometimes I get the feeling people on all sides don't want to give the slightest bit of credit to the opposition for fear it might legitimize that point of view. Well, IMO, Democrats, Republicans, Independents, Greens, Libertarians, etc., all have legitimate points of view. We're all Americans and care deeply about our country. We just differ in what we think are the best ways to improve our country.

IMO, we should all be thankful that there is vigorous opposition to whatever views we happen to believe in.

Well put.

 

[minniepumpernickel]

Originally posted by jrydberg
I want to hear more of viewpoints that oppose mine. Hard to learn anything if people simply nod their head and say, "I agree"... it likely won't change my opinions much, but at least I get a better understanding of the other sides to an issue.

Sometimes I get the feeling people on all sides don't want to give the slightest bit of credit to the opposition for fear it might legitimize that point of view. Well, IMO, Democrats, Republicans, Independents, Greens, Libertarians, etc., all have legitimate points of view. We're all Americans and care deeply about our country. We just differ in what we think are the best ways to improve our country.

IMO, we should all be thankful that there is vigorous opposition to whatever views we happen to believe in.

Yes, of course you are right! Sometimes I just get the feeling on here that if you are extremely liberal or gay someone will try to put you down, or discredit your opinion.

I'm also just mad because a poster made a point of quoting me, just to tell me that I never make sense. LOL!

 

[Robinrs]

I admire the loyalty of both sides and how dedicated they are to what they believe, no matter what it is.

Four years ago I was a moderator on this board also and the board was WAY lopsided. I have to admit, BOTH sides are equally dominant now and highly emotional. It says a lot about how the past 4 years have gone.

Great post, SoonerKate!

 

[Microcell]

I agree that I like the idealism of the Democrats, and that they talk alot about making things better for the less fortunate.

See, two of them. I want a gold star on my forehead!

 

[Bob NC]

May I do the opposite of what you asked? LOL....I'd like to point out something I don't like about my side.

I'm a staunch republican conservative. I have stopped listening to Rush, Laura Ingraham or Hannity, (and others like them), because I swear....If a democrat discovered the cure for cancer these folks wouldn't give them credit for it.

 

[shortbun]

I have not posted for over a week due to the shrieking on
the board. I think it is good to see so many people steeled
for the good of their country! I love Texas BBQ and cowboy boots! My good neighbor is a Bush supporter and I love her!
She loves me too! We aren't going to let politics ruin our friendshhip. My oldest friend and I have the same thing going
for us; she's for B and I'm for K. Peace.
mimi

 

[grinningghost]

John Kerry plays a mean guitar.

 

[Robinrs]

shortbun:

My best friend HATES cats and I have FOUR. It takes a great deal of maturity to agree to disagree!

As for politics I live in a world that NO ONE is a Bush or War supporter so this board gives me the opposite views and I appreciate it. It opens my mind to things I never heard before and gives me a wider view of both sides.

BTW, BobNC, I used to work with Sean Hannity and he REALLY is a nice guy and would definitely give that Democrat credit for curing cancer... . His personna is, like most personalities, an act and he must stay focused with his listeners.

 

[MJames41]

I think both sides, at least most people, really believe they are doing what is best for the country, or are trying to. It is only when each side goes to it's extreme that any good they might do is undone by the harm.

 

[ead79]

I am a Republican, but I value the fact the Democrats support more strict gun control laws.

 

[Planogirl]

I usually like the Republican's approach to fiscal policies. I think that Congress still has that sensible mindset.

 

[mep319]

Bush rides a mean horse .

I get really annoyed when folks fail to see other peoples point of view. I also get upset when folks let one issue make vote for them...ie abortion issue, gun control etc. There are many issues out there...many important ones! And just because someone is pro-choice or pro-life isn't the sole reason to vote for them! I'm a middle of the road democrat...sometimes I like what the republicans say but I'm not a Bush fan. But I did change parties for a short time to vote for McCain in the primary. I liked him!

 

[rcyannacci]

I appreciate Bush putting a high priority on education, and I believe in the ideology behind "no child left behind."

Love this thread, love the challenges it offers.

 

[disneysteve]

As I get older, I drift ever so slowly toward the conservative side of things though I still consider myself firmly a Democrat just a little less so than years ago.

Part of that drift, however, is financial and I've certainly benfited from the Bush tax cuts on several different levels. From a strictly monetary point of view, having a Republican administration is far better than having a Democratic one.