... according to one man in Texas.
I understand the feeling of despondency. I've felt disenfranchised in my political beliefs a lot recently. Actually, this extends beyond my time in neo-conservative Texas, and really goes back to my time in Utah.
Utah is the reddest of red states. And among the counties in Utah that are red, none is redder than Utah County. Something along the lines of 94% of the population are registered and dyed in wool Republicans. That's insane. How can you have a robust debate over issues where so many of the population are in agreement?
The short answer is, you can't.
Discussions I engaged in out West generally took two stripes: the shouting matches and the head shakers. Sometimes both, and usually one evolved into the other over time. Because most of my social circle disagreed a lot with me about many things, these discussions were fairly predictable. You'd think I'd be able to stay away from them... Alas, like a moth to the flame...
Shouting matches. Most people tried to be civil enough. I only call them shouting matches because of the implications involved - both are trying to get across points without really listening or responding to the other's points. Both are completely disregarding of the other's point of view inherently and prima facie, without any real exchange or pause for reflection. Each tried in vain to convince the other that they were wrong, or at least to assert that they are RIGHT. Outcome: headache, vocal strain, and strained relations.
Head shakers. These people also reject another's point of view, but in a very patronizing way. These people think that if you ONLY KNEW AS MUCH AS THEY DO you'd agree with them. They shake their heads in disappointment and dismay, thinking that it's such a shame that you don't see the truth for what it is. Clearly, these people have access to the full light and knowledge available, and they are supreme in their intelligence and their confidence. Similar to the shouters, they are unable to conceive of something that could be any different from what it is - it can only be one way because that's the way it is, duh! Gotta love circular logic. Outcome: these people may never interact with you except to look down their noses at you, or maybe give you a disapproving "TUT" when you comment.
I thought it might be better here in Texas. It's not. Alas.
So at very least, by this time on Wednesday, we'll be able to stop the shouting. I imagine that the head shaking will continue, however.
Every four years in America we have at least the potential for a peaceful regime change. This is unprecedented in the history of the world. It is, in part, what makes America great. We have been doing this for more than 200 years, and each time it happens it's miraculous. So get out and vote. Be a part of history.
Besides, it's just plain fun! :)
I understand the feeling of despondency. I've felt disenfranchised in my political beliefs a lot recently. Actually, this extends beyond my time in neo-conservative Texas, and really goes back to my time in Utah.
Utah is the reddest of red states. And among the counties in Utah that are red, none is redder than Utah County. Something along the lines of 94% of the population are registered and dyed in wool Republicans. That's insane. How can you have a robust debate over issues where so many of the population are in agreement?
The short answer is, you can't.
Discussions I engaged in out West generally took two stripes: the shouting matches and the head shakers. Sometimes both, and usually one evolved into the other over time. Because most of my social circle disagreed a lot with me about many things, these discussions were fairly predictable. You'd think I'd be able to stay away from them... Alas, like a moth to the flame...
Shouting matches. Most people tried to be civil enough. I only call them shouting matches because of the implications involved - both are trying to get across points without really listening or responding to the other's points. Both are completely disregarding of the other's point of view inherently and prima facie, without any real exchange or pause for reflection. Each tried in vain to convince the other that they were wrong, or at least to assert that they are RIGHT. Outcome: headache, vocal strain, and strained relations.
Head shakers. These people also reject another's point of view, but in a very patronizing way. These people think that if you ONLY KNEW AS MUCH AS THEY DO you'd agree with them. They shake their heads in disappointment and dismay, thinking that it's such a shame that you don't see the truth for what it is. Clearly, these people have access to the full light and knowledge available, and they are supreme in their intelligence and their confidence. Similar to the shouters, they are unable to conceive of something that could be any different from what it is - it can only be one way because that's the way it is, duh! Gotta love circular logic. Outcome: these people may never interact with you except to look down their noses at you, or maybe give you a disapproving "TUT" when you comment.
I thought it might be better here in Texas. It's not. Alas.
So at very least, by this time on Wednesday, we'll be able to stop the shouting. I imagine that the head shaking will continue, however.
Every four years in America we have at least the potential for a peaceful regime change. This is unprecedented in the history of the world. It is, in part, what makes America great. We have been doing this for more than 200 years, and each time it happens it's miraculous. So get out and vote. Be a part of history.
Besides, it's just plain fun! :)
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