4 ms·

I can't claim to know how today compares to our past, but what strikes me about today is how close I feel we are in terms of values and ideas, yet how divided w

I can't claim to know how today compares to our past, but what strikes me about today is how close I feel we are in terms of values and ideas, yet how divided we are politically. Without saying my political beliefs, I've had conversations about immigration, taxes, race, and religion with people both on and against my side of the aisle, with people of diverse backgrounds. It's crazy to me how much we agree on and how minor our differences are, and how even those differences are seen through the lens of different means to a similar, just end. Right up until the point that you start discussing political party or even specific politicians. Then, it gets personal. Then, the very moral fiber of your being is up for questioning, commonality in goals or values be damned.

drwiggly 6y ago
Yeah we can all probably agree on goals and outcomes. My guess here is each person has an audience in mind and an applicability. The dog whistle of saying the "American family" is being destroyed. To a conservative it means something about a god fearing hetero family. To a liberal it means anyone wanting to be in a consensual monogamous relationship. Healthcare should be good and affordable. "For people like me." or "To everyone, even an illegal."
- theonething 6y ago
  I think changing "For people like me" to "For legal residents of the country" would be a more accurate representation.
harimau777 6y ago
Could some of that be the difference between the principles that people advocate and how they act when the rubber meets the road? That is, it seems to me that most Republicans do not advocate anti-immigrant, racist, etc. opinions. However, when it comes to election day they are willing to vote in people who put those policies in place.
- jfengel 6y ago
  Indeed. I will judge you based on your effect on me. If the people you vote for are openly racist, homophobic, sexist, and paranoid, then as far as I am concerned you are racist, homophobic, sexist, and paranoid, and I will treat you accordingly.
  - shard972 6y ago
    Must be a great person to talk to at parties.

drwiggly 6y ago

Yeah we can all probably agree on goals and outcomes. My guess here is each person has an audience in mind and an applicability. The dog whistle of saying the "American family" is being destroyed. To a conservative it means something about a god fearing hetero family. To a liberal it means anyone wanting to be in a consensual monogamous relationship. Healthcare should be good and affordable. "For people like me." or "To everyone, even an illegal."

theonething 6y ago
I think changing "For people like me" to "For legal residents of the country" would be a more accurate representation.

harimau777 6y ago

Could some of that be the difference between the principles that people advocate and how they act when the rubber meets the road? That is, it seems to me that most Republicans do not advocate anti-immigrant, racist, etc. opinions. However, when it comes to election day they are willing to vote in people who put those policies in place.

jfengel 6y ago
Indeed. I will judge you based on your effect on me. If the people you vote for are openly racist, homophobic, sexist, and paranoid, then as far as I am concerned you are racist, homophobic, sexist, and paranoid, and I will treat you accordingly.
- shard972 6y ago
  Must be a great person to talk to at parties.