Republicans Have Become Anti-Intellectual

[CycloWizard]

Originally posted by: TastesLikeChicken
I believe there are some basics that we nearly all can agree on. Those basics comprise what is necessary for society to function, within reason. However, plenty of ethics and morals that one side or the other would deem to be incontrovertible really aren't. Most of the discussion is not logical either since just about any of us will take one side or the other based on circumstance and the emotional aspects involved, so our opinions become convoluted.

Our real differences reside not in what is logic, but what is reason. Because of that we'll never completely agree since one man's reason is another man's crazy.

Even things that can be logically shown to be unethical are commonly legal in the US. Capital punishment is just one example that is very easy to demonstrate, since it fulfills none of the requirements for actual punishment (deter, rehabilitate, or for restitution).

The things that can't be agreed upon simply based on logic are things like the tax brackets. Most people generally agree that some form of progressive taxation is sensible, but even at that basic level there are dissenters. Since this is a subjective field (i.e. there is no absolute logical explanation for why someone making $10 a year shouldn't pay 5% tax just like everyone else), we have to compromise or "reason" things out, in your words.

 

[OneOfTheseDays]

I feel like I need a constant reminder from AT to not read Nemesis's posts. They are some of the most insane babble I've ever read.

It's quite clear which direction the Republican Party is going and I can tell you right now they will never win another national election if they continue along this path. If they do as Rush and Hannity say and purge the party of the rational moderates and independents there quite frankly won't be enough votes to win an election in white America. Lets face it, that is what the majority of the Republican Party is these days......white America. They have got to find a way to appeal to minorities, but IMHO that would require them shedding their image as the party of White racists. I don't see it happening.

 

[eits]

Originally posted by: OneOfTheseDays
I feel like I need a constant reminder from AT to not read Nemesis's posts. They are some of the most insane babble I've ever read.

It's quite clear which direction the Republican Party is going and I can tell you right now they will never win another national election if they continue along this path. If they do as Rush and Hannity say and purge the party of the rational moderates and independents there quite frankly won't be enough votes to win an election in white America. Lets face it, that is what the majority of the Republican Party is these days......white America. They have got to find a way to appeal to minorities, but IMHO that would require them shedding their image as the party of White racists. I don't see it happening.

i don't read anything nemesis or tastelikechicken says anymore. i read the first post they make in a thread, then i decide not to bother anymore.

i agreed with you up until you implied that the republican party purposefully tries to portray an image of being the party of white racists. i don't think that's true at all.

 

[brencat]

It saddens me to see so many of you refer to the Republican party of 'southern white racists' as if that's a common understanding of what the party always has been. Now I grew up in NJ and went to school in PA and now NJ is my home again so basically I've always been a Northeasterner and have never known racism, even growing up. I don't doubt that it still exists down south. But living where I've lived, I've never seen my party in that light and don't have any friends or know anyone who looks at the world through that lens. Up here, Republicans are generally economic-issues-first conservatives (low taxes, small govt) and social moderates.

Now today, while taking the kids for a visit to grandma's house, I actually turned on Rush for about 25 mins. This guy is the WORST. He was talking about the infighting going on between McCain's aids and others trying to paint Sarah Palin, "a firebrand conservative who excites people and is wildly popular" in a bad light so she has no legitimacy for a 2012 run. What a joke. After that monologue, I switched channels because if this guy thinks that traditional Repubs like me give a sh1t about a half-wit who was totally unqualified to be VP, we will lose 2010/12 for sure.

I hope when the dust settles, the economic conservatives get control again and de-empasize the social sh!t because it's ruining the party. Focus on spending, taxes, and reducing the size of govt -- things most reasonable people can get behind.

 

[OneOfTheseDays]

Originally posted by: brencat
It saddens me to see so many of you refer to the Republican party of 'southern white racists' as if that's a common understanding of what the party always has been. Now I grew up in NJ and went to school in PA and now NJ is my home again so basically I've always been a Northeasterner and have never known racism, even growing up. I don't doubt that it still exists down south. But living where I've lived, I've never seen my party in that light and don't have any friends or know anyone who looks at the world through that lens. Up here, Republicans are generally economic-issues-first conservatives (low taxes, small govt) and social moderates.

Now today, while taking the kids for a visit to grandma's house, I actually turned on Rush for about 25 mins. This guy is the WORST. He was talking about the infighting going on between McCain's aids and others trying to paint Sarah Palin, "a firebrand conservative who excites people and is wildly popular" in a bad light so she has no legitimacy for a 2012 run. What a joke. After that monologue, I switched channels because if this guy thinks that traditional Repubs like me give a sh1t about a half-wit who was totally unqualified to be VP, we will lose 2010/12 for sure.

I hope when the dust settles, the economic conservatives get control again and de-empasize the social sh!t because it's ruining the party. Focus on spending, taxes, and reducing the size of govt -- things most reasonable people can get behind.

The party is over. The Republican party CANNOT jettison the Religious Right. They made the unfortunate decision of pandering to this crowd to win elections and now they are in bed with them for the forseeable future. Furthermore, without social conservatives there simply aren't enough Republican voters left to win an election.

You party did NOTHING to shed its image of being the party of white racists in this election. They openly stoked the flames by claiming Obama pals around with terrorists. The massive amounts of video footage from the rallies shows nothing but hate, ignorance, and racism of the worst kind. The Republican party is in deeper shit than you want to admit. Without appeal to minorities in this country the Republicans will never win another national election.

 

[quest55720]

Originally posted by: brencat
It saddens me to see so many of you refer to the Republican party of 'southern white racists' as if that's a common understanding of what the party always has been. Now I grew up in NJ and went to school in PA and now NJ is my home again so basically I've always been a Northeasterner and have never known racism, even growing up. I don't doubt that it still exists down south. But living where I've lived, I've never seen my party in that light and don't have any friends or know anyone who looks at the world through that lens. Up here, Republicans are generally economic-issues-first conservatives (low taxes, small govt) and social moderates.

Now today, while taking the kids for a visit to grandma's house, I actually turned on Rush for about 25 mins. This guy is the WORST. He was talking about the infighting going on between McCain's aids and others trying to paint Sarah Palin, "a firebrand conservative who excites people and is wildly popular" in a bad light so she has no legitimacy for a 2012 run. What a joke. After that monologue, I switched channels because if this guy thinks that traditional Repubs like me give a sh1t about a half-wit who was totally unqualified to be VP, we will lose 2010/12 for sure.

I hope when the dust settles, the economic conservatives get control again and de-empasize the social sh!t because it's ruining the party. Focus on spending, taxes, and reducing the size of govt -- things most reasonable people can get behind.

We had our chance with McCain and lost this loss still bums me out. Maybe in the future we will have a chance to vote for a fiscal conservative. Next time around the party will turn to RR Candide because the moderates jumped ship. I am still pissed at all the moderates who jumped ship after nominating McCain. It will be their fault when someone like Palin is the nominee in 4 years.

 

[JEDIYoda]

Originally posted by: Ocguy31

Originally posted by: eits
the republican party has pretty much decided that being intellectual makes you an "elitist," therefore somehow unqualified to run a country or run for public office.

can some of you explain why? what is wrong with having an intellectual with nuance ren for president? because he doesn't grow corn, wear overalls, and shoot off at the mouth, he's not "average" enough?

it's just ridiculous... the republican party really needs to re-evaluate itself. the jesus freaks and unintelligent bumpkins just aren't gonna do it for you guys anymore. your people are dying off.

Both parties have masses of uneducated voters.


The whole mantra of the democrats is to help the poor, the inner-city, etc. Not everyone who votes (D) is living in a nice loft in San Francisco.

It`s Ok you will get over it soon!!
Until then keep the faith!@!

 

[Ballatician]

Originally posted by: brencat
It saddens me to see so many of you refer to the Republican party of 'southern white racists' as if that's a common understanding of what the party always has been. Now I grew up in NJ and went to school in PA and now NJ is my home again so basically I've always been a Northeasterner and have never known racism, even growing up. I don't doubt that it still exists down south. But living where I've lived, I've never seen my party in that light and don't have any friends or know anyone who looks at the world through that lens. Up here, Republicans are generally economic-issues-first conservatives (low taxes, small govt) and social moderates.

Now today, while taking the kids for a visit to grandma's house, I actually turned on Rush for about 25 mins. This guy is the WORST. He was talking about the infighting going on between McCain's aids and others trying to paint Sarah Palin, "a firebrand conservative who excites people and is wildly popular" in a bad light so she has no legitimacy for a 2012 run. What a joke. After that monologue, I switched channels because if this guy thinks that traditional Repubs like me give a sh1t about a half-wit who was totally unqualified to be VP, we will lose 2010/12 for sure.

I hope when the dust settles, the economic conservatives get control again and de-empasize the social sh!t because it's ruining the party. Focus on spending, taxes, and reducing the size of govt -- things most reasonable people can get behind.

I'm glad you posted this so it reminds people that non-crazy republicans exist. Unfortunately too many of the so-called conservatives actually increased wasteful spending and oversaw a gross enlargement of our govt.

 

[Blain]

Originally posted by: Farang
I think if you watch William Buckley debate Noam Chomsky you'll see that it has been that way for a while.

We still miss you Bill

 

[brencat]

Originally posted by: Ballatician

Originally posted by: brencat
It saddens me to see so many of you refer to the Republican party of 'southern white racists' as if that's a common understanding of what the party always has been. Now I grew up in NJ and went to school in PA and now NJ is my home again so basically I've always been a Northeasterner and have never known racism, even growing up. I don't doubt that it still exists down south. But living where I've lived, I've never seen my party in that light and don't have any friends or know anyone who looks at the world through that lens. Up here, Republicans are generally economic-issues-first conservatives (low taxes, small govt) and social moderates.

Now today, while taking the kids for a visit to grandma's house, I actually turned on Rush for about 25 mins. This guy is the WORST. He was talking about the infighting going on between McCain's aids and others trying to paint Sarah Palin, "a firebrand conservative who excites people and is wildly popular" in a bad light so she has no legitimacy for a 2012 run. What a joke. After that monologue, I switched channels because if this guy thinks that traditional Repubs like me give a sh1t about a half-wit who was totally unqualified to be VP, we will lose 2010/12 for sure.

I hope when the dust settles, the economic conservatives get control again and de-empasize the social sh!t because it's ruining the party. Focus on spending, taxes, and reducing the size of govt -- things most reasonable people can get behind.

I'm glad you posted this so it reminds people that non-crazy republicans exist. Unfortunately too many of the so-called conservatives actually increased wasteful spending and oversaw a gross enlargement of our govt.

All true. But take heart...there are many more people like me than you realize. And some of "us" apparently stayed home this election based on some statistics starting to come out. Hopefully, this will be the awakening that our party needs. I'm telling you, because if we go the way Rush L wants us to, it will be a very long exile indeed. The 25% base doesn't win elections as another poster pointed out.

 

[seemingly random]

Originally posted by: brencat
It saddens me to see so many of you refer to the Republican party of 'southern white racists' as if that's a common understanding of what the party always has been. Now I grew up in NJ and went to school in PA and now NJ is my home again so basically I've always been a Northeasterner and have never known racism, even growing up. I don't doubt that it still exists down south. But living where I've lived, I've never seen my party in that light and don't have any friends or know anyone who looks at the world through that lens. Up here, Republicans are generally economic-issues-first conservatives (low taxes, small govt) and social moderates.

Now today, while taking the kids for a visit to grandma's house, I actually turned on Rush for about 25 mins. This guy is the WORST. He was talking about the infighting going on between McCain's aids and others trying to paint Sarah Palin, "a firebrand conservative who excites people and is wildly popular" in a bad light so she has no legitimacy for a 2012 run. What a joke. After that monologue, I switched channels because if this guy thinks that traditional Repubs like me give a sh1t about a half-wit who was totally unqualified to be VP, we will lose 2010/12 for sure.

I hope when the dust settles, the economic conservatives get control again and de-empasize the social sh!t because it's ruining the party. Focus on spending, taxes, and reducing the size of govt -- things most reasonable people can get behind.

You've either lived an incredibly sheltered life or are being dishonest. I have lived in the deep south for six years now after moving here from ohio. They are still fighting the civil war here and many wish for a return to 'the good old days' (like trent lott). The n-word is used daily here. There are many racists here. Some talk like they are since most whites do but really aren't. Most express republican sympathies.

Look at the red across the south on a map of how people voted recently. I think this might be a wake-up call for just what the republican party is composed of.

I am heartened to read of a republican who doesn't defend palin. And, it's not palin herself that's the problem. She's just the message or medium. It's the fact that the republican party was willing to foist someone so unqualified and unfit on the american public that is callous and repugnant.

 

[AyashiKaibutsu]

Originally posted by: quest55720


We had our chance with McCain and lost this loss still bums me out. Maybe in the future we will have a chance to vote for a fiscal conservative. Next time around the party will turn to RR Candide because the moderates jumped ship. I am still pissed at all the moderates who jumped ship after nominating McCain. It will be their fault when someone like Palin is the nominee in 4 years.

I think it's McCain who jumped ship by making Palin his VP pick. McCain was someone I could vote for till it became apparent just how far right Palin was.

 

[TastesLikeChicken]

Originally posted by: eits
i don't read anything nemesis or tastelikechicken says anymore. i read the first post they make in a thread, then i decide not to bother anymore.

i agreed with you up until you implied that the republican party purposefully tries to portray an image of being the party of white racists. i don't think that's true at all.

I still read your posts because the partisan hack and faux-intellectual wannabe types like you in here are always good for a chuckle.

 

[TastesLikeChicken]

Originally posted by: CycloWizard

Originally posted by: TastesLikeChicken
I believe there are some basics that we nearly all can agree on. Those basics comprise what is necessary for society to function, within reason. However, plenty of ethics and morals that one side or the other would deem to be incontrovertible really aren't. Most of the discussion is not logical either since just about any of us will take one side or the other based on circumstance and the emotional aspects involved, so our opinions become convoluted.

Our real differences reside not in what is logic, but what is reason. Because of that we'll never completely agree since one man's reason is another man's crazy.

Even things that can be logically shown to be unethical are commonly legal in the US. Capital punishment is just one example that is very easy to demonstrate, since it fulfills none of the requirements for actual punishment (deter, rehabilitate, or for restitution).

The things that can't be agreed upon simply based on logic are things like the tax brackets. Most people generally agree that some form of progressive taxation is sensible, but even at that basic level there are dissenters. Since this is a subjective field (i.e. there is no absolute logical explanation for why someone making $10 a year shouldn't pay 5% tax just like everyone else), we have to compromise or "reason" things out, in your words.

I agree with you on this. But like I said - One man's reason is another man's crazy." That's what so often makes compromise so difficult, along with the fact that some people refuse to budge from their position of "reason," which inherently makes compromise impossible.

 

[BigDH01]

Originally posted by: quest55720

We had our chance with McCain and lost this loss still bums me out. Maybe in the future we will have a chance to vote for a fiscal conservative. Next time around the party will turn to RR Candide because the moderates jumped ship. I am still pissed at all the moderates who jumped ship after nominating McCain. It will be their fault when someone like Palin is the nominee in 4 years.

The moderates chose McCain not McCain/Palin as their nominee. It was McCain and the Republican party that abandoned them. In contrast, I think electing McCain/Palin now would've nearly ensured that the next ticket would have had Palin at its head.

I saw that the RNC is going to investigate the purchases made by Palin and her staff. While this may same menial and spiteful, I think the real intent is to ultimately destroy Palin's credibility so she won't have a chance in 2012. The RNC is not stupid, I think they know they need to go fiscally conservative and socially progressive. Palin is the past, not the future.

 

[quest55720]

Originally posted by: BigDH01

Originally posted by: quest55720

We had our chance with McCain and lost this loss still bums me out. Maybe in the future we will have a chance to vote for a fiscal conservative. Next time around the party will turn to RR Candide because the moderates jumped ship. I am still pissed at all the moderates who jumped ship after nominating McCain. It will be their fault when someone like Palin is the nominee in 4 years.

The moderates chose McCain not McCain/Palin as their nominee. It was McCain and the Republican party that abandoned them. In contrast, I think electing McCain/Palin now would've nearly ensured that the next ticket would have had Palin at its head.

I saw that the RNC is going to investigate the purchases made by Palin and her staff. While this may same menial and spiteful, I think the real intent is to ultimately destroy Palin's credibility so she won't have a chance in 2012. The RNC is not stupid, I think they know they need to go fiscally conservative and socially progressive. Palin is the past, not the future.

McCain was getting his ass handed to him in the polls before the Palin pick. There just was not enough moderate support. The moderates jumped ship well before the Palin pick. The moderates helped choose McCain then jumped ship the minute Obama won the democratic nomination. If the moderates would of stuck by McCain he would of not been losing by so much and needed to turn to the RR by picking Palin.

The GoP is not going socially progressive any time soon because of the McCain loss and the moderates jumping ship. They will turn the RR next time in hopes of winning.

 

[SagaLore]

Originally posted by: eits

Originally posted by: SagaLore

Originally posted by: eits
can some of you explain why?

Nope can't explain something I don't think exists. I think you're a little confused.

are you serious? you don't think that the republican party tries pandering more towards rural, simple americans and vilify intellectual people who don't live in "real america," as palin put it?

Not any more than the dems do. Republicans think they are the wise ones, and democrats just follow like sheep. The dems feel the same way about Republicans.

 

[Cerpin Taxt]

Originally posted by: CycloWizard

Even things that can be logically shown to be unethical are commonly legal in the US.

"Logically unethical" ... so, so much fail. You just validated the OP with another datum.

 

[Ballatician]

Originally posted by: brencat

Originally posted by: Ballatician

Originally posted by: brencat
It saddens me to see so many of you refer to the Republican party of 'southern white racists' as if that's a common understanding of what the party always has been. Now I grew up in NJ and went to school in PA and now NJ is my home again so basically I've always been a Northeasterner and have never known racism, even growing up. I don't doubt that it still exists down south. But living where I've lived, I've never seen my party in that light and don't have any friends or know anyone who looks at the world through that lens. Up here, Republicans are generally economic-issues-first conservatives (low taxes, small govt) and social moderates.

Now today, while taking the kids for a visit to grandma's house, I actually turned on Rush for about 25 mins. This guy is the WORST. He was talking about the infighting going on between McCain's aids and others trying to paint Sarah Palin, "a firebrand conservative who excites people and is wildly popular" in a bad light so she has no legitimacy for a 2012 run. What a joke. After that monologue, I switched channels because if this guy thinks that traditional Repubs like me give a sh1t about a half-wit who was totally unqualified to be VP, we will lose 2010/12 for sure.

I hope when the dust settles, the economic conservatives get control again and de-empasize the social sh!t because it's ruining the party. Focus on spending, taxes, and reducing the size of govt -- things most reasonable people can get behind.

I'm glad you posted this so it reminds people that non-crazy republicans exist. Unfortunately too many of the so-called conservatives actually increased wasteful spending and oversaw a gross enlargement of our govt.

All true. But take heart...there are many more people like me than you realize. And some of "us" apparently stayed home this election based on some statistics starting to come out. Hopefully, this will be the awakening that our party needs. I'm telling you, because if we go the way Rush L wants us to, it will be a very long exile indeed. The 25% base doesn't win elections as another poster pointed out.

I think the base actually does win elections for R's. 25% is huge and without that social conservative base, no way Bush wins in either election.

 

[CycloWizard]

Originally posted by: Cerpin Taxt
Even things that can be logically shown to be unethical are commonly legal in the US.
"Logically unethical" ... so, so much fail. You just validated the OP with another datum.

I see the failboat is ahead of schedule... Way to go, captain.