Republicans, congratulations.

a reply to: enlightenedservant

There is not a single error in anything you just said. To answer your question about how many crimes affecting me were committed by Muslims: none. Nada. Not a single one.

I would assume that the same is true for the vast number of Americans.

I would also presume to say that, if it were not for the media attention focused on terrorist activities, blowing them out of proportion, most non-Muslims would be more accepting of the religion. I'll also go so far to say that, if the present administration had openly fought back against the committed atrocities, the people wouldn't be nearly as afraid of Muslim influence.

In short, you have gotten a raw deal from the media and the present government. I am one of those who supported Trump, who you fear. You know me; we have talked before. I hope (and think) you don't fear me. So I ask you to set aside those fears and move forward with us, not just as a Muslim, but as a fellow citizen. If the things you earlier mentioned look like they could come to fruition, I promise you now you will have my voice to add to yours.

Do not change your values or your beliefs. No one is asking that. We want you with us just as you are.

TheRedneck

a reply to: Steak

...and that has to do with my neighbor down the block how?

Do you read minds now? ...and in case it's escaped your notice, hero of the age, many American Muslims have, and do, speak out against the violence. You just choose not to notice, which doesn't surprise me in the slightest, because you're too caught up in your own hate to do so.

Check out the posts of the gentleman who posted right above your post. He speaks out constantly. ...and there's more where he came from.

a reply to: TheRedneck

I appreciate the kind words. Though from what I've seen in some other threads and on social media, you might be in the minority w/the reconciliation efforts. Neither "side" seems to be too accommodating right now, though I suspect it'll calm down over time. So right now I'm focusing more on how the potential new policies will affect my loved ones and communities.

And nah, I don't fear you or anyone for that matter. I only fear God & my own shortcomings. I do however get shocked, disappointed, frustrated with, and sometimes horrified by the paths that people intentionally take. But that's because I'm always working towards my overall goal of a peaceful utopian hippie society where everyone can work together and compete over positive accomplishments.

So for example, I don't have a problem with political parties fighting each other or with society being divided. But I'd rather the divisions and confrontations be over positive things. Such as a political party that wants to increase the human lifespan, while its competitor wants to focus on ending all hunger and disease first. Or if the Dems and Repubs were battling over whether to create more jobs first or increase wages for existing jobs first. Because either of these types of "conflicts" would be beneficial to everyone.

But the talk of new tariffs, deportation forces, religion-based databases, possible nation-wide stop and frisk programs, etc is a massive step in the wrong direction to me. It's basically the ultimate scapegoating program, since the removal of inner city gangs (and citizens who are stereotyped to look like "gangmembers"), Muslims, and undocumented workers still wouldn't stop the vast majority of crimes or societies other ills.

a reply to: enlightenedservant

I appreciate the kind words.

I was hoping you would take them in the intended context.

Though from what I've seen in some other threads and on social media, you might be in the minority w/the reconciliation efforts. Neither "side" seems to be too accommodating right now, though I suspect it'll calm down over time.

I hope so too, but to be honest I am starting to wonder if that will happen. Strangely enough, I am seeing some scary parallels right now between current events and Biblical prophesy. I am considering making a thread on it... just not sure if it would make any difference. God is not mocked.

But perhaps it would serve as a warning for those few who need a warning and can grasp it.

I don't fear you or anyone for that matter

Good!

I can remember a time, not so long ago, that what you espouse was the reality. Political debates were over the best way to achieve a common goal. But somewhere down the line, that changed. The vitriol I have witnessed the last few days has convinced me that we may be past the point of no return. We've been shooting bottle rockets at each other, but this time we graduated to Roman candles... and we failed to notice the field is now soaked in gasoline.

Maybe I just woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning... but as I type this I wonder if there will be a USA to deport people from in the next few months. It makes no sense to me to burn the house down because the stove quit working, but maybe that's the new normal.

Here's hoping I just woke up on the wrong side of the bed.

TheRedneck

a reply to: TheRedneck

I think you're referring to the difference between discussions and arguments. Discussions involve people working together against a problem, while arguments involve people opposing each other because of a problem.

There's so much daily hate being spewed by political commentators and shock jocks that it's made peaceful discourse fade into the background. And when respected and rational politicians are ignored in place of controversial ones, it makes peaceful discourse nearly impossible.

This election cycle wouldn't have been anywhere near as heated if it was O'Malley vs Rubio (note: just a basic example of basic and "boring" politicians). But voters from both major parties chose candidates who are highly controversial and completely hated by the opposite side, which made things even worse.

I honestly don't know what's going to happen. The next few weeks will determine a lot.

May 26, 2017

Here on Memorial Day Weekend, it's heartwarming to see that Republicans are starting to get over their shell-shock, and understand that they now hold a MAJORITY in the HOUSE...the SENATE... and THE WHITE HOUSE.

After 4 months of not having Obama bich-slapping them into obedience, they're finally beginning to IGNORE the Demands and Threats from Democrats and the Liberal MSM. Tax-Reform, ObamaCare Repeal, Economic Invigoration.... all the things they were elected to do, will now be carried out. Promises fulfilled, one-by-one.

a reply to: carewemust

Is it the Republican politicians who are finally understanding this or the Republican voters? Because from my perspective, it seemed like it was the voters who were gnashing the most when Republican politicians didn't instantly push through on every pledge. I even recall mentioning in another thread how it took a full year of negotiations for the ACA/Obamacare to get signed into law. This stuff takes time, especially when you don't want your policies to get blocked in court.

Though make no mistake, I still want Repubs to fail now & then lose Congress in 2018. Just pointing out that it's a long & hard process to get most laws passed & implemented.

a reply to: enlightenedservant

I think you're referring to the difference between discussions and arguments.

That is an extremely good definition of the two. I completely agree. Discussions can help solve problrms; arguments tend to create more problems.

I honestly don't know what's going to happen. The next few weeks will determine a lot.

That much is pretty certain, although I feel things could drag on even longer.

TheRedneck