How To Be An Anti Trump Supporter Here (1 Viewer)

[Joe Bryant]

Yesterday I posted How To Be A Trump Supporter. Basically, I said understand the room, realize you're in the small minority and bring your A game.

This is for the vast majority who are Anti Trump supporters.

And to be clear - "Anti Trump Supporter" is anyone who voted or will vote for the Trump Opponent from the guy who holds his nose and votes for them as the lesser of two bad choices all the way to attend the rally guy. That's a wide spectrum.

This forum is much more Anti Trump than the population at large. That's clear and easy to see how our approval ratings for Trump compare to the national ratings. 

It is what it is. 

With that said, understand a few things.

With the huge advantage of being in the majority, you have some responsibilities. 

In no particular order.

Don't generalize negatively. It's easy and convenient to assume every Trump voter is a MAGA rally diehard ready to fight at anything less than worship of dear leader. That's not remotely accurate. So don't do it. 

Be extra kind. This is no different than real life if you find yourself in the majority and you're with others that don't feel like / don't think like / look different than you. Give them the benefit of the doubt. Understand they're in the underdog position. 

Don't pile on. Strength in numbers is real. Understand when you criticize another, it's very likely a ton more will feel just like you. Because the reality here is the vast majority here agree with you on this Anti Trump position. So while you think it's just you saying something, realize there will likely be a downpour of similar comments. And when one is on the receiving end of those, that kind of sucks. 

Check yourself for hypocrisy. Ask yourself if you'd saying the same things if the roles were reversed and your candidate had done or said the same thing. Few things will get people as fired up as self righteous hypocrisy. 

Double check the condescension. We have some smart people here. Don't write in a way that seems like you're trying to make sure everyone else knows you're smarter than them. Lose the condescension and snark. 

Fight against having contempt for the "other" side. This was my big point in the pinned thread. It's one thing to disagree. Holding contempt for another person though is way beyond disagreement. It's dismissing the person as unworthy of understanding. That should be rare. 

Don't view the other side as the "enemy". I get it that Trump pushes an aggressive and confrontational approach. That doesn't mean you have to as well. This isn't a race to the bottom. 

I'll be honest, I sometimes wonder if the goal of some Anti Trump here isn't a total "cleansing" to rid the board of any posters who don't think the same way they do. I hope I'm wrong there. A board that has no reasonable diverse thought is not one I want. 

You're in the vast majority. Be extra cool to the minority side. 

 

[KCitons]

Again, I get what you are trying to do. But, I think you could have saved some bandwidth and just posted this:

 Be extra cool 

Identifying those as minority and telling them how to act or identifying the majority and telling them how to act is really just solidifying the differences between people. Simple answer, we are all human beings. We are all people that want the best for our country, for our family, for ourselves. We can have differences, but the way we treat each other should be exactly the same regardless of race, religion or political affiliation. Be extra cool to each other. 

/thread

 

[Joe Bryant]

Again, I get what you are trying to do. But, I think you could have saved some bandwidth and just posted this:

Identifying those as minority and telling them how to act or identifying the majority and telling them how to act is really just solidifying the differences between people. Simple answer, we are all human beings. We are all people that want the best for our country, for our family, for ourselves. We can have differences, but the way we treat each other should be exactly the same regardless of race, religion or political affiliation. Be extra cool to each other. 

/thread

Thanks. Forgive me if we don't /thread.

There are some differences here. I think it can be helpful to acknowledge the differences and the minority / majority. I think it's relevant to talk about how the groups interact. I fully understand others may not agree. 

 

[msommer]

"Anti-Trump supporter"?

I know for a fact that I am anti Trump, but I don't think I am anti his supporters in a general way

 

[Kal El]

I disagree with most of what Trump is doing, but I have no quarrel with those to support him, or his detractors for that matter. What I have an issue with is willful misrepresentation or twisting of data. That shouldn't happen. 

 

[KCitons]

Thanks. Forgive me if we don't /thread.

There are some differences here. I think it can be helpful to acknowledge the differences and the minority / majority. I think it's relevant to talk about how the groups interact. I fully understand others may not agree. 

I don't think it takes much to acknowledge the differences between majority and minority. What I think you're doing is coddling to the specifics of each group. Which in turn will lead to expectations that you will do the same for other topics. How should pro gun posters treat anti gun posters? How should open boarder posters treat tougher immigration posters?

Why is it important to define how each group should post? You summed that up a long time ago. Be excellent to each other. 

 

[timschochet]

Good advice, which I certainly have broken from time to time. Can’t speak for others, but I will continue to try to be better. Thank you. 

 

[Koya]

I appreciate the concerted effort to make this a better and more thoughtful community.  It’s one of those things that truly sets this board and it’s moderators above and beyond.

That said, posing this as “anti-Trump supporter” seems counter to the aim. For one, it’s a negative descriptor, focusing on what we are against rather than what we are for... in a world where we seem to often willing to side with those who are against something rather than self selecting in groups that are for positive outcomes this seems counterproductive.

Most importantly, it feeds into our growing cult of personality as a nation where it’s not even party and party ideology that comes above all (that’s dangerous enough), but rather one person. If we are for a person (or against) rather than what that person does in actions, words, deeds, and policy, then there is not wiggle room to change.  It’s rooting for the Jersey (or in this case, against the Jersey) and not the ideals, behaviors, policies, and outcomes. 
 

FWIW, while I was never a Trump fan, I was never anti-Trump. What I am is pro-an America that I feel Trump and his approach and policies are harming, if not worse. 

 

[[scooter]]

"Anti-Trump supporter"?

I know for a fact that I am anti Trump, but I don't think I am anti his supporters in a general way

Same here. The thread title makes it sound like we oppose Trump's supporters more than we oppose Trump.

 

[KCitons]

Same here. The thread title makes it sound like we oppose Trump's supporters more than we oppose Trump.

This is the case for some posters. They can't do anything about Trump, but they can take their frustrations out on other posters. 

And it isn't just a Trump thing, it happens in other threads as well where one side feels helpless.

 

[jon_mx]

I appreciate the concerted effort to make this a better and more thoughtful community.  It’s one of those things that truly sets this board and it’s moderators above and beyond.

That said, posing this as “anti-Trump supporter” seems counter to the aim. For one, it’s a negative descriptor, focusing on what we are against rather than what we are for... in a world where we seem to often willing to side with those who are against something rather than self selecting in groups that are for positive outcomes this seems counterproductive.

Most importantly, it feeds into our growing cult of personality as a nation where it’s not even party and party ideology that comes above all (that’s dangerous enough), but rather one person. If we are for a person (or against) rather than what that person does in actions, words, deeds, and policy, then there is not wiggle room to change.  It’s rooting for the Jersey (or in this case, against the Jersey) and not the ideals, behaviors, policies, and outcomes. 
 

FWIW, while I was never a Trump fan, I was never anti-Trump. What I am is pro-an America that I feel Trump and his approach and policies are harming, if not worse. 

It is probably not the best name to describe them, but just looking at the number of posts, far more time is spent on ripping on Trump than anything else.  I think people who want to get rid of Trump would be far better focusing on positive things they are for than the anti-Trump stuff.  People in the middle would be far more prone to listen.  

 

[joffer]

if you can’t be an athlete, be an athletic supporter.

 

[dgreen]

Again, I get what you are trying to do. But, I think you could have saved some bandwidth and just posted this:

 Be extra cool 

He saved bandwidth and posted that simple message for many, many years. Most of the time, it worked. More recently, though, it hasn't been working. Therefore, we have now seen a string of threads with more detailed information about how to be extra cool or excellent to one another. There have been threads where Joe basically does give the "Be extra cool" message to everyone and that thread quickly fills up with a handful of posters being uncool in a thread about being cool; some justifying their uncool actions by telling us all how bad the other side is. At one point, Joe even started a thread challenging two specific, individual posters to change their ways.

I get what you're saying, but a general directive to everyone just hasn't worked as well as hoped. He's trying something new.

 

[Joe Bryant]

"Anti-Trump supporter"?

I know for a fact that I am anti Trump, but I don't think I am anti his supporters in a general way

Understood. But that's why I wanted to be very clear. 

And to be clear - "Anti Trump Supporter" is anyone who voted or will vote for the Trump Opponent from the guy who holds his nose and votes for them as the lesser of two bad choices all the way to attend the rally guy. That's a wide spectrum.

 

[Juxtatarot]

It is probably not the best name to describe them, but just looking at the number of posts, far more time is spent on ripping on Trump than anything else.  

This isn't true.  I just looked through the most recent page of the impeachment thread, for instance, and not a single post "ripped" Trump.  Unless Anti-Trumpers discussing impeachment news is "ripping Trump" in your opinion?

 

[Sinn Fein]

Don't pile on. Strength in numbers is real. Understand when you criticize another, it's very likely a ton more will feel just like you. Because the reality here is the vast majority here agree with you on this Anti Trump position. So while you think it's just you saying something, realize there will likely be a downpour of similar comments. And when one is on the receiving end of those, that kind of sucks. 

This can't be stated enough.

I am guilty of this, simply because I post a lot, but I am trying very hard to be more aware of the volume of posts making the same point - and the impact that has on the receiving end.  I try to consider how it feels when everyone is "screaming" at you that you have the wrong opinion.  I do think that then leads to some very defensive sounding responses, and just feeds into the negative cycle.

 

[jon_mx]

This isn't true.  I just looked through the most recent page of the impeachment thread, for instance, and not a single post "ripped" Trump.  Unless Anti-Trumpers discussing impeachment news is "ripping Trump" in your opinion?

You are talking semantics, not truth.  Any discussion which focuses on Trump impeachment is immediately turned off by the undecided people who are needed to be reached to win the election.  

 

[msommer]

You are talking semantics, not truth.  Any discussion which focuses on Trump impeachment is immediately turned off by the undecided people who are needed to be reached to win the election.  

Is that a fact?

 

[shader]

Yesterday I posted How To Be A Trump Supporter. Basically, I said understand the room, realize you're in the small minority and bring your A game.

This is for the vast majority who are Anti Trump supporters.

And to be clear - "Anti Trump Supporter" is anyone who voted or will vote for the Trump Opponent from the guy who holds his nose and votes for them as the lesser of two bad choices all the way to attend the rally guy. That's a wide spectrum.

This forum is much more Anti Trump than the population at large. That's clear and easy to see how our approval ratings for Trump compare to the national ratings. 

It is what it is. 

With that said, understand a few things.

With the huge advantage of being in the majority, you have some responsibilities. 

In no particular order.

Don't generalize negatively. It's easy and convenient to assume every Trump voter is a MAGA rally diehard ready to fight at anything less than worship of dear leader. That's not remotely accurate. So don't do it. 

Be extra kind. This is no different than real life if you find yourself in the majority and you're with others that don't feel like / don't think like / look different than you. Give them the benefit of the doubt. Understand they're in the underdog position. 

Don't pile on. Strength in numbers is real. Understand when you criticize another, it's very likely a ton more will feel just like you. Because the reality here is the vast majority here agree with you on this Anti Trump position. So while you think it's just you saying something, realize there will likely be a downpour of similar comments. And when one is on the receiving end of those, that kind of sucks. 

Check yourself for hypocrisy. Ask yourself if you'd saying the same things if the roles were reversed and your candidate had done or said the same thing. Few things will get people as fired up as self righteous hypocrisy. 

Double check the condescension. We have some smart people here. Don't write in a way that seems like you're trying to make sure everyone else knows you're smarter than them. Lose the condescension and snark. 

Fight against having contempt for the "other" side. This was my big point in the pinned thread. It's one thing to disagree. Holding contempt for another person though is way beyond disagreement. It's dismissing the person as unworthy of understanding. That should be rare. 

Don't view the other side as the "enemy". I get it that Trump pushes an aggressive and confrontational approach. That doesn't mean you have to as well. This isn't a race to the bottom. 

I'll be honest, I sometimes wonder if the goal of some Anti Trump here isn't a total "cleansing" to rid the board of any posters who don't think the same way they do. I hope I'm wrong there. A board that has no reasonable diverse thought is not one I want. 

You're in the vast majority. Be extra cool to the minority side. 

Great post.  The bolded hypocrisy point is massive.  The hypocrisy many display is staggering.  To be fair, both sides have always done it, and any hardcore supporter of one party must engage in hypocrisy or else their positions fall apart.

Trump does enough unique things that people can rail against without the over-the-top hypocritical positions many take, such as OMG HES USING HIS OFFICE TO ENRICH HIMSELF.

 

[jon_mx]

Is that a fact?

You think the Democrats can beat Trump with a focus on impeachment?  Good luck with that.   

 

[msommer]

You think the Democrats can beat Trump with a focus on impeachment?  Good luck with that.   

Would you care to answer the question or ?

 

[jon_mx]

Would you care to answer the question or ?

I would say it is a fact.  Trump won last election which was highly focused on Trump's character.  All these hearings and investigations have not moved the needle one bit.  The people paying attention have already made up their minds.  Nothing is being gained by this.  If the focus was on positive messages on things like the environment, education, health care, jobs, budget, infrastructure, immigration reforms, the Democrats would be way ahead in this race instead of in a dead heat.  Is there a way to absolutely prove it, no just lots of data which supports it.  But I did not present it as a fact, i presented it as my opinion.      

 

[Joe Bryant]

I would say it is a fact.  Trump won last election which was highly focused on Trump's character.  All these hearings and investigations have not moved the needle one bit.  The people paying attention have already made up their minds.  Nothing is being gained by this.  If the focus was on positive messages on things like the environment, education, health care, jobs, budget, infrastructure, immigration reforms, the Democrats would be way ahead in this race instead of in a dead heat.  Is there a way to absolutely prove it, no just lots of data which supports it.  But I did not present it as a fact, i presented it as my opinion.      

Here's a thought too.

These types of things are often more stated opinion than fact.

So instead of "Any discussion which focuses on Trump impeachment is immediately turned off by the undecided people who are needed to be reached to win the election.", I think it's much more productive to say, "I believe any discussion which focuses on Trump impeachment is immediately turned off by the undecided people who are needed to be reached to win the election."

That way it opens it up to a discussion of why one believes that to be the case. Or does not believe that to the case. 

Instead of. 

"You're wrong".

'No. YOU are wrong".

Rinse and Repeat.

 

[Koya]

Great post.  The bolded hypocrisy point is massive.  The hypocrisy many display is staggering.  To be fair, both sides have always done it, and any hardcore supporter of one party must engage in hypocrisy or else their positions fall apart.

Trump does enough unique things that people can rail against without the over-the-top hypocritical positions many take, such as OMG HES USING HIS OFFICE TO ENRICH HIMSELF.

The reality however, is Trump objectively provides far more reason and concern on this front. We need to be honest and objective that we are in uncharted territory here with Trump. Yes, there are many instances of self serving politicians, but:

1. it feeds into the growing whataboutism we see in today’s political climate. Even if past transgressions rose to what some fear is occurring today (be it funneling business to Trump properties; blatantly having the Presidents children who often also have a role in the White House getting parents approved while other businesses get scrutinized in China or looking to sell Condos using the Presidents name and influence abroad - or using Us Taxpayer money to bribe foreign leaders to help with political gain), that doesn’t make it acceptable.  We’ve lost ourselves as a nation if we simply say “well, Clinton was shady so let’s let the current President abuse his power”

2. Trump ran as an unabashed businessman, flaunting his success in business as a main reason to support him. But most objective measures show that he is not indeed a successful businessman (he has been a tremendously successful brand and entertainment personality): any number of failed business endeavors, proven frauds, illegal business practices, continually squeezing the little guy ie not paying contractors and then forcing them to face a costly lawsuit or take the loss. Taken collectively, there is simply more reason to believe that Trump would be self dealing and enriching via office... these issues certainly didn’t exist in this manner with Obama nor Bush.  They do, here. 
 

So I think it’s unfair to call out legitimate concerns and well founded allegations as hypocritical. We need to be honest that our nation elected someone that is a habitual liar amongst other firsts in terms of his on the record behavior.  And from there we can determine how those of us who are concerned about and point out Trumps policies or transgressions or demeanor/behavior can do so in a manner that is more respectful of those who do support him.  
 

 

[Slapdash]

Appreciate the attempt to clarify some things here @Joe Bryant.  Will try to improve.

 

[Joe Bryant]

Appreciate the attempt to clarify some things here @Joe Bryant.  Will try to improve.

Thanks GB

 

[sho nuff]

This can't be stated enough.

I am guilty of this, simply because I post a lot, but I am trying very hard to be more aware of the volume of posts making the same point - and the impact that has on the receiving end.  I try to consider how it feels when everyone is "screaming" at you that you have the wrong opinion.  I do think that then leads to some very defensive sounding responses, and just feeds into the negative cycle.

Same here...earlier in another thread a poster made a post about Schiff...I replied...but then realized I was an hour behind.  I quickly scrolled up on my phone, saw multiple people had addressed it, so I went back and deleted my post.  It was never an attempt to pile on, but it seems it comes off that way.  Some things being said in the way they were, are going to create several people replying...just have to read further a bit before replying sometimes as many people may have already covered it.

Also @Joe Bryant  Im sure you get many PMs on here...but sent one to you requesting a recommendation on some Knoxville BBQ if you could.   A family tradition over Thanksgiving but it usually happens at the Germantown Commisary since we are normally at my sister in laws.

 

[Joe Bryant]

Same here...earlier in another thread a poster made a post about Schiff...I replied...but then realized I was an hour behind.  I quickly scrolled up on my phone, saw multiple people had addressed it, so I went back and deleted my post.  It was never an attempt to pile on, but it seems it comes off that way.  Some things being said in the way they were, are going to create several people replying...just have to read further a bit before replying sometimes as many people may have already covered it.

Also @Joe Bryant  Im sure you get many PMs on here...but sent one to you requesting a recommendation on some Knoxville BBQ if you could.   A family tradition over Thanksgiving but it usually happens at the Germantown Commisary since we are normally at my sister in laws.

Sorry GB.

For BBQ, I honestly can't recommend anywhere in Knoxville. We're a BBQ desert here. There are quite a few places but not one I'd feel good about sending you to. And yes, that's partly me being BBQ snob and partly my frustration with how poor we do it here. Honestly, it sounds crazy, but I'd recommend local chain Buddy's as where I'd buy BBQ if I had to. 

I'd get something from LIttons in Fountain City. They are great. 

 

[sho nuff]

Sorry GB.

For BBQ, I honestly can't recommend anywhere in Knoxville. We're a BBQ desert here. There are quite a few places but not one I'd feel good about sending you to. And yes, that's partly me being BBQ snob and partly my frustration with how poor we do it here. Honestly, it sounds crazy, but I'd recommend local chain Buddy's as where I'd buy BBQ if I had to. 

I'd get something from LIttons in Fountain City. They are great. 

Yeah we may do that...we do go to Littons and Louis  (since they have been in the Fountain City area) and Im getting my bbq fix today.  Just thought Id ask...thanks.

 

[Zow]

Joe, what have you seen that makes you think some want this board "cleansed"?

 

[Joe Bryant]

Joe, what have you seen that makes you think some want this board "cleansed"?

Just a general feeling I get from some folks who seem like they don't want anything here remotely supportive of Trump. 

 

[Zow]

Just a general feeling I get from some folks who seem like they don't want anything here remotely supportive of Trump. 

Thanks for the super prompt response. I was just wondering if there was some specific post or something (because I hadn't seen one that I interpreted that way and, if I had, I would not have approved). Sounds like there wasn't. 

 

[Henry Ford]

Great post.  The bolded hypocrisy point is massive.  The hypocrisy many display is staggering.  To be fair, both sides have always done it, and any hardcore supporter of one party must engage in hypocrisy or else their positions fall apart.

Trump does enough unique things that people can rail against without the over-the-top hypocritical positions many take, such as OMG HES USING HIS OFFICE TO ENRICH HIMSELF.

A Congressional investigation was opened into Jimmy Carter for allegedly failing to divest himself of his family peanut farm. 

I’m not sure we have the same view of what politicians all do. 

 

[shader]

A Congressional investigation was opened into Jimmy Carter for allegedly failing to divest himself of his family peanut farm. 

I’m not sure we have the same view of what politicians all do. 

That was then. Now being the president (or being a powerful member of congress) means you become rich.  It’s part of life now.

 

[Henry Ford]

That was then. Now being the president (or being a powerful member of congress) means you become rich.  It’s part of life now.

That’s not necessarily the same thing as using the office to enrich yourself.  Though I agree certainly more of that happens than should.  
 

 

[badmojo1006]

I get what you are saying,  just not the best title

 

[MAC_32]

I disagree with most of what Trump is doing, but I have no quarrel with those to support him, or his detractors for that matter. What I have an issue with is willful misrepresentation or twisting of data. That shouldn't happen. 

This is the crux of the problem with most exchanges with republicans. It's not that they support him, per se. It's the consistent defiance to any information that does not benefit their guy. 

 

[Kal El]

This is the crux of the problem with most exchanges with republicans. It's not that they support him, per se. It's the consistent defiance to any information that does not benefit their guy. 

I have seen it to a lesser extent on the opposing side of the aisle, but I do find the willingness to ignore any and all information that doesn't jive with one's worldview to be troubling.

 

[MAC_32]

I have seen it to a lesser extent on the opposing side of the aisle, but I do find the willingness to ignore any and all information that doesn't jive with one's worldview to be troubling.

Of course. Like anything else, but what aboutism isn't unique to one side or the other. It's not pervasive on the left side though. The willful disregard for any information unfavorable for republicans has spread across the party. It's been there for years. It just seems worse now because the leader of the party has that much damaging information continuously dragging behind him .

 

[Mario Kart]

I’ll take issue with the title here. The other thread title is “Trump Supporter,” however, this one is “Anti-Trump Supporter.” That is a clear negative representation of the views expressed when discussing Trumps actions and/or behavior towards our country and what we, supposedly, stand for. I am not Anti-Trump but I am Pro-America. Pro-Republic. Pro-Rule of Law. To tell someone they are”Anti-Trump” goes against the heart of the meaning of this thread. 

 

[Joe Bryant]

I’ll take issue with the title here. The other thread title is “Trump Supporter,” however, this one is “Anti-Trump Supporter.” That is a clear negative representation of the views expressed when discussing Trumps actions and/or behavior towards our country and what we, supposedly, stand for. I am not Anti-Trump but I am Pro-America. Pro-Republic. Pro-Rule of Law. To tell someone they are”Anti-Trump” goes against the heart of the meaning of this thread. 

And to be clear - "Anti Trump Supporter" is anyone who voted or will vote for the Trump Opponent from the guy who holds his nose and votes for them as the lesser of two bad choices all the way to attend the rally guy. That's a wide spectrum.

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

Fwiw publishers and editors face these issues - how to describe Trump - "liar"? "lying"?, or Trump did xyz now you make up your mind. - And how to describe his supporters. We can't be mind readers if we're being objective. However things need describing.

Reuters:

• Four in 10 Republicans agreed that a president who uses his powers for financial gain should face an impeachment inquiry,
  
• while three in 10 said it would be justified for a president who obstructs justice or harms U.S. interests abroad.
  
• Only two in 10 said an inquiry would be justified for a president who uses his powers for unfair political advantage over an opponent, as Trump is accused of doing.
  

These are not Republican or conservative principles, right, we agree on that? How do we describe this phenomenon?

 

[Koya]

Fwiw publishers and editors face these issues - how to describe Trump - "liar"? "lying"?, or Trump did xyz now you make up your mind. - And how to describe his supporters. We can't be mind readers if we're being objective. However things need describing.

Reuters:

• Four in 10 Republicans agreed that a president who uses his powers for financial gain should face an impeachment inquiry,
  
• while three in 10 said it would be justified for a president who obstructs justice or harms U.S. interests abroad.
  
• Only two in 10 said an inquiry would be justified for a president who uses his powers for unfair political advantage over an opponent, as Trump is accused of doing.
  

These are not Republican or conservative principles, right, we agree on that? How do we describe this phenomenon?

I think we describe it as it appears: Republicans will twist and contort long held (or at least long stated) beliefs, values, principles, and ideologies to provide almost unquestioned support for their Party, which has become inseparable from Trump.

It's a means of rallying around a cause (The GOP and holding/expanding power at just about all costs, including undermining and undercutting our very democracy and free elections, be it Gerrymandering, voter suppression, asking foreign powers and even sovereign nations for advantage through suspect, unethical, and likely illegal means), with that cause tied at the hip to one individual. As such, it appears that a vast majority of GOP supporters will put protection on their Party and leader above seemingly all else.

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

their Party, which has become inseparable from Trump.

I think this is what I mean, right here. This is a phenomenon, it's been happening. If you want an historical comp, for me it's Huey Long. I don't want to go outside the US because it's offensive as to some obvious examples. But what if I said Peron? What if I said Franco, and I say that considering I have family in and from Spain? What if I said Marcos? What if I said Suharto?

It's just that we are living in a very specific time and frankly words matter right now. 

In these conversations there is this balancing act where basically very serious, uncomfortable realities are being discussed.

 

[Joe Bryant]

It's just that we are living in a very specific time and frankly words matter right now. 

In these conversations there is this balancing act where basically very serious, uncomfortable realities are being discussed.

What are you trying to balance? 

Say what you think and why you think it while still being civil and not having contempt for the other side. 

If you're unable to do that, we're asking people not to post. 

 

[Doug B]

Again, I get what you are trying to do. But, I think you could have saved some bandwidth and just posted this:

Be extra cool

One reason a vague direction like this doesn't really work is because people will naturally try painting the corners and still feel like they're "being extra cool".

An example: talking about "idiots on the left" or "deplorables on the right", but rationalizing against any offense taken by saying "I wasn't talking about anyone in present company - just talking generally".

 

[KCitons]

One reason a vague direction like this doesn't really work is because people will naturally try painting the corners and still feel like they're "being extra cool".

An example: talking about "idiots on the left" or "deplorables on the right", but rationalizing against any offense taken by saying "I wasn't talking about anyone in present company - just talking generally".

That's fine. That really wasn't the issue or the reason I question the OP.  "Be extra cool" was a secondary discussion about bringing your A game. I made it clear that everyone should bring their A game. Especially when it concerns siting factual evidence. If it falls in the arena of personal opinion, then make sure that it's being portrayed as just that and not something proven as true or false. We should all strive to bring our A game every day. When we don't what happens? Should we expect to be called out on it? Should we expect to be banned?

All of this still doesn't explain the comment about looking different. I've slept on it and reread what people have posted here. I want to understand the point being made, but I can't find the common ground. 

 

[John Blutarsky]

That's fine. That really wasn't the issue or the reason I question the OP.  "Be extra cool" was a secondary discussion about bringing your A game. I made it clear that everyone should bring their A game. Especially when it concerns siting factual evidence. If it falls in the arena of personal opinion, then make sure that it's being portrayed as just that and not something proven as true or false. We should all strive to bring our A game every day. When we don't what happens? Should we expect to be called out on it? Should we expect to be banned?

All of this still doesn't explain the comment about looking different. I've slept on it and reread what people have posted here. I want to understand the point being made, but I can't find the common ground. 

We all look different. Different races, male, female, skin color, height, weight, age etc. Bring your A game and be good to each other. The world would be a better place if that happened more.

My favorite lyric is from The Beatles....”the love you take is equal to the love you make”. 

 

[KCitons]

We all look different. Different races, male, female, skin color, height, weight, age etc. Bring your A game and be good to each other. The world would be a better place if that happened more.

My favorite lyric is from The Beatles....”the you take is equal to the love you make”. 

I'll ask again, what happens when you don't bring your A game? Does how you look have any bearing on how you should be treated? I don't believe it does. Therefore, bringing your A game is about your actions or opinions. Fail to bring your A game while discussing Trumps foreign policy will lead to you being called out by those that oppose. Happens all the time here and we don't know what the other poster looks like. 

 

[John Blutarsky]

I'll ask again, what happens when you don't bring your A game? Does how you look have any bearing on how you should be treated? I don't believe it does. Therefore, bringing your A game is about your actions or opinions. Fail to bring your A game while discussing Trumps foreign policy will lead to you being called out by those that oppose. Happens all the time here and we don't know what the other poster looks like. 

You keep missing the point Joe was making. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.