slatten49 Loc: Lake Whitney, Texas

Basically, a repost from 2017...

I have been a contributor to OPP for going on nine years now, and continually question what power this forum has over me.

It is true that I have made numerous OPP friends over time...even having met over twenty of them personally in my travels across the nation. Even more friends have been established through PMs and e-mails in open and friendly exchanges, along with publicly expressed exchanges on the forum. As I have stated in previous posts, those friends range from possibly the most zealous of conservative ideologues to varying levels of progressive or liberal individuals. Keep in mind, I am not necessarily putting those labels on them so much as they have been pigeon-holed, IMO, by the majority of OPP posters. And yet, as once again as stated in previous posts, all appear(ed) to be red-blooded and true blue, patriotic Americans. The only differences were in their ideological or political perspectives. I was raised in an America taught to believe that something conceded to all citizens of this great nation is freedom of thought, speech and expression. I maintain that belief.

John Adams and Thomas Jefferson were two of our most beloved and respected Forefathers. Yet, in lifetimes and careers that crisscrossed one another's, they often had the most vile and bitter of political disputes. Still, neither of them could remotely be considered any less than two of the most influential Founders of both our country and its Founding Documents. Their latter years (with political disputes behind them) were spent in steady personal dialogue and communication which exposed their respect for one another and their love of country. Why is it that, today, those of us who differ in our approaches to honoring our country can't find a way similar to those two great men in reaching an accord with honor and respect for opposing opinions?

There are many Veterans on OPP and I respectfully honor all of them for their service and sacrifice. Yet, I have had and read many exchanges between Veterans, some of whom shed blood for our country disparaging/disrespecting other Veterans simply because of opposing political or ideological stances on matters subject to discussion on the forum. One side or the other often lambasts the other for, according to them, lack of proper respect or love of country. I ask: At what point has one paid enough for an honest expression of their patriotism and love of country? I doubt that any service member, in a past firefight or foxhole, questioned the compatriots alongside them their political party or ideology. Why would any question the patriotism of a Veteran in a political discussion when each has served and often fought for the right to express an opinion? And, better yet, why would anyone question a Veteran as to their patriotism, especially when they have earned it with their allegiance and service to country while, as stated, oft-time...with their blood?

Getting back to my original premise: I find myself continually questioning why I stay on this forum. I guess it is because I am in constant search of the common thread that may, once again, bind us all: The eventual hope and belief that the best within our Forefathers will emerge once again and we will begin to re-affirm ourselves as the greatest nation to have ever graced this good earth. I don't think that this will come about by steadfast devotion to any political party or ideology, but by the belief in ourselves as a nation of Americans, one and all.

JFlorio Loc: Seminole Florida

We will not bridge the divide. It’s much bigger than progressives vs. conservative, Democrats vs. Republicans or v******ted vs unv******ted. It’s good vs evil and according to the Book I read it’s gonna get worse.

son of witless

I can't answer for you. I can tell you why I come to this great time waster. I find it to be fun. A lot of fun. Back in the early 2000s there were a lot of these type of forums. This is one of the few around anymore.

It is boring to only talk to those who agree with you. There are a lot of echo chambers where anyone who disagrees with the host is soon thrown off. Conflict as long as there are enforced rules is quite helpful. Your friends will not point out the weak points in your thinking and arguments. Your enemies are always happy to do that for you.

It is also a good way to work off steam. I find it much better to work off my anger against a bunch of anonymous strangers than to engage in political debates with friends and relatives at family gatherings or on social media. I get along great with my uber ultra liberal younger relations because we avoid politics like the plague when we come together. And it's because of OPP.

Blade_Runner Loc: DARK SIDE OF THE MOON

You got it, J.

There is no way on God's green earth two political philosophies, two ideologies, that are diametrically opposed to one another are going to find common ground or some sort of compromise that would unite the American people.

The abyss between the two is unbridgeable. The idea that such a thing is possible is ludicrous.

This is a war between good and evil.

slatten49 Loc: Lake Whitney, Texas

Thanks, J, for your comment. I have no doubt you are among many who share that thought.

saltwind 78 Loc: Murrells Inlet, South Carolina

Slatten, I too question why I continue to post on OPP. I am utterly convinced beyond any question that the Republican Party has taken a dark and undemocratic path because of the presidency of Trump. From every book I have read on the subject, through my knowledge and experience of and with personality disturbances, know this to be true. I have no ill will against Republicans and conservatives. My personal ideology tells me that every person is entitled to their own beliefs. I taught my students that they can learn something from everybody. This was before the presidency of Trump, and I admit I was wrong. I never thought I would see a person so lacking in basic humanity become President of the United States, and so many people believing him.
As I read the comments of people that back Trump, I realize that his niece, Mary Trump was correct when she called him the most dangerous man in the United States.
I think the reasons for that belief are that the right wing has been carrying on a campaign of hatred against progressives and/or Democrats since the days of President Clinton's administration. They call the Democratic Party c*******t which is a blatant lie.
I am utterly amazed at how so many Americans can give any credibility to Trump.
I know from experience that I have no chance of changing peoples mind about Trump and his cronies, but I feel compelled to speak the t***h.
I blame the entire Republican Party for not standing up to Trump. They all know what he is, but lack the courage to call a spade, a spade!

slatten49 Loc: Lake Whitney, Texas

Terrific response, S-O-W. Much t***h and common sense in what you wrote. Thanks

Blade_Runner Loc: DARK SIDE OF THE MOON

Hell of a suck up there, slat. "T***h and common sense"? Are you kidding?

slatten49 Loc: Lake Whitney, Texas

Salty, I share your sense of disappointment and frustration. Several of my friends (some of them O**h K****rs) conflict with me on matters. Still, we enjoy times together on our private firing range, while enjoying BBQ and beer. But, as Son of witness stated above, we avoid political discourse that would bring chaos to our get-togethers. I value friendships more than trying to aggressively alter another's opinion.

JFlorio Loc: Seminole Florida

You’re such a loser.

slatten49 Loc: Lake Whitney, Texas

No suck-up, Blade. There is, indeed, much t***h and common sense in what Son wrote.

slatten49 Loc: Lake Whitney, Texas

I like to think of both Saltwind78 and yourself among my friends. Neither, IMHO, is a loser.

Not all together apropos, but still a good song...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fs7RCTOZS1E

JFlorio Loc: Seminole Florida

I consider you a friend. I believe saltwind is what’s wrong with this country.

Strycker Loc: The middle of somewhere else.

The only time there is unity is when we face a common enemy. Think of it like a family. There is consistent sibling rivalry until there is an attack on other members of the family. All of a sudden loyalty ensues where none had been apparent before. Our greatest unity is during times of great strife. Until then, for the most part, it is just siblings squabbling.

slatten49 Loc: Lake Whitney, Texas

True 'nuf. After the attacks of 9/11/2001, we all pulled together as a nation.