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Look, in theory you're fine. In practice, the nationalists are dismantling the scientific research required to study climate change (which is happening, because

Look, in theory you're fine. In practice, the nationalists are dismantling the scientific research required to study climate change (which is happening, because, you know, carbon heating the atmosphere is basic physics). They are claiming that tax cuts and austerity improve the economy, which is not only counter to economics but has been proven wrong over 50 years. And don't get me started on pollution, healthcare, and sexuality. All of these may be studied but are being actively defunded, because they are perceived as leftist for some reason. Without getting moralistic, I can tell you that my children's future is getting worse every day because of this science denialism. As Yogi Berra once said "In theory there is no difference between theory and practice. In practice there is."

Vektorceraptor 1y ago
And the problem with this whole discussion is that I'm not necessarily trying to defend conservatives, but rather to confront progressives with a reality that might, hopefully, prompt some self-reflection. But any criticism of progressives is immediately projected onto conservatives, making genuine self-awareness impossible. And as long as progressives show no forbearance toward conservatives, conservatives will make them pay for it politically. I can't understand why this is ignored, especially in academia. It's completely beyond me how the free West has turned into this ideological hell — in just 30 years. https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/11098838-oligarchies-throughout-past-history-have-always-thought-more-of-their https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/11098838-oligarchies-throug...
- jaybrendansmith 1y ago
  I appreciate the perspective, but it's hard to both sides this one. Progressives come from a place where good faith arguments are expected (and - no question - foolish). The current MAGA right comes from a place where they would siphon the gas from your car and use it to burn down your house.
  - lostmsu 1y ago
    Remarkably, you did what gp complained about immediately after "I appreciate the perspective".
    - jaybrendansmith 1y ago
      That's like saying that if someone punches you in the face you should ask them nicely to please stop? Sorry but where I grew up you punch them back until they stop.

Vektorceraptor 1y ago

And the problem with this whole discussion is that I'm not necessarily trying to defend conservatives, but rather to confront progressives with a reality that might, hopefully, prompt some self-reflection. But any criticism of progressives is immediately projected onto conservatives, making genuine self-awareness impossible. And as long as progressives show no forbearance toward conservatives, conservatives will make them pay for it politically. I can't understand why this is ignored, especially in academia. It's completely beyond me how the free West has turned into this ideological hell — in just 30 years. https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/11098838-oligarchies-throughout-past-history-have-always-thought-more-of-their https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/11098838-oligarchies-throug...

jaybrendansmith 1y ago
I appreciate the perspective, but it's hard to both sides this one. Progressives come from a place where good faith arguments are expected (and - no question - foolish). The current MAGA right comes from a place where they would siphon the gas from your car and use it to burn down your house.
- lostmsu 1y ago
  Remarkably, you did what gp complained about immediately after "I appreciate the perspective".
  - jaybrendansmith 1y ago
    That's like saying that if someone punches you in the face you should ask them nicely to please stop? Sorry but where I grew up you punch them back until they stop.