Any Centrists?

[JackLuis]

Here is a centrist idea.

The real truth about the 2008 financial crisis | Brian S. Wesbury | TEDxCountyLineRoad


and:

Florida man faces prison time after accidentally shooting himself in the penis

 

[ChloeTzang]

http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tan...sals-stark-partisan-divisions-on-many-others/

It would seem that there's major bipartisan support for restricting gun sales to the mentally ill or those on the no-fly list, as well as requiring background checks during gun shows and private sales. Also only a minority of Republicans even want carrying without a license, and are even 50/50 on banning "assault weapons" and high capacity magazines, and creating a federal database.

If anything I'd say the 2nd (climate change) has the bigger discrepancy in opinion.

Maybe on those two specific points which are both eminently sensible, but look at the wide divisions on the others. And the whole second amendment crowd, among which I include myself, see no compromise on anything to do with the second amendment. There is no give on that one. Quite the opposite. That's not one I can see any possibility of compromise on. Might as well cross that of the list now. Broadly speaking, gun rights is an us and them issue.

Probably best just that we all acknowledge that one and move on rather than get into it because that would take this thread right where you don't want it. I think you were looking for issues we could agree on? Guns ain't one of those. Ever.

 

[Carnal_Flower]

Calm down, Chloe, no one's trying to take away your penis.

Like I said, mainstream centrist America is for sensible gun control laws, and yet the current Admin just signed a law widening access for the mentally ill, like Chloe. They're practically giving them out to the crazies.

As for the "wide divisions" on climate change and the Paris Accord, wrong again. Those are mainstream centrist American views, not to mention, oh, you know, reality.

Maybe on those two specific points which are both eminently sensible, but look at the wide divisions on the others. And the whole second amendment crowd, among which I include myself, see no compromise on anything to do with the second amendment. There is no give on that one. Quite the opposite. That's not one I can see any possibility of compromise on. Might as well cross that of the list now. Broadly speaking, gun rights is an us and them issue.

Probably best just that we all acknowledge that one and move on rather than get into it because that would take this thread right where you don't want it. I think you were looking for issues we could agree on? Guns ain't one of those. Ever.

 

[TheWhiteBull]

Maybe on those two specific points which are both eminently sensible, but look at the wide divisions on the others. And the whole second amendment crowd, among which I include myself, see no compromise on anything to do with the second amendment. There is no give on that one. Quite the opposite. That's not one I can see any possibility of compromise on. Might as well cross that of the list now. Broadly speaking, gun rights is an us and them issue.

Probably best just that we all acknowledge that one and move on rather than get into it because that would take this thread right where you don't want it. I think you were looking for issues we could agree on? Guns ain't one of those. Ever.

Actually it was 3 points they were close on, 3 that Republicans are about 50/50 on, which means the first 6 points (out of 10) actually have enough bipartisan public support to pass easily. As for the other 4 points, the Repubs support them and Dems dont, but one only has minority support among Repubs, meaning that it doesnt have any serious support, therefore 7 out of 10 points are close enough for general public support.

 

[CeriseBuss]

I would like this thread to be about building common ground and politely discovering what things it seems we can get a majority opinion on. Of course I realize that might be asking a bit much but hell, we can try can't we?

What things do you guys think are the most commonly shared opinions acroos the political spectrum?

If you're center-left or center-right, do you or would you ever consider referring to yourself as just "Centrist"?

I'd like to think we could all agree that Islamic radicalism and terrorism are a huge threat, but it seems the far left won't even concede that!

 

[hsnh]

I would like this thread to be about building common ground and politely discovering what things it seems we can get a majority opinion on. Of course I realize that might be asking a bit much but hell, we can try can't we?

What things do you guys think are the most commonly shared opinions acroos the political spectrum?

If you're center-left or center-right, do you or would you ever consider referring to yourself as just "Centrist"?

Why do neither L or R american political parties focus on the 0.01%?
-- The rest of the world conceive politics in an entirely different way that the L-R political spectrum, like I've seen on the GB.


They claim they do, but only superficially. When it comes to the bottom line, both parties are jusy as invested in maintaining the status quo, and protecting the Elite.
-- For me, their stance on Obamacare (do we take the money out of the pocket of the Middle Class or not) is the best example for that.

 

[hsnh]

Excellent interview given years ago by a Russian KGB defector, on how to indoctrinate a nation. (be it Russian, American or any other):

How To Brainwash A Nation
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=zeMZGGQ0ERk

Yuri Bezmenov: Psychological Warfare Subversion
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=5gnpCqsXE8g

 

[lovecraft68]

I guess 'Centrist' is the new moderate.

I started following a centrist twitter feed and have been to their website. There is a growing movement of people realizing both parties are equally despicable and destroying this country.

We need to get back to laws being passed or not passed on the merit of good or bad for the people/country not by is it red or blue that proposes it.

People think the dems are heroes opposing the obscene Trumpcare bill. fact is? If the bill was the best thing that ever happened to this country they would oppose it and if it was them that came up with the current abomination they would happily support it.

They all need to be cut loose and go back to the day of ordinary citizens and local business owners being elected.

 

[JackLuis]

With Citizens United we have very little chance of reforming our politics. Ignoring the law, particularly War Crimes, doesn't help either.

 

[sr71plt]

I'd like to think we could all agree that Islamic radicalism and terrorism are a huge threat, but it seems the far left won't even concede that!

Yes, having worked on terrorism for two decades, I see Islamic radicalism and terrorism as huge threats. I see, though, radical fundamentalist "Christian" dogma and home-grown reactionary terrorism right here in the United States as equally huge threats--and they are closer to home and more insidious as they aren't honest about who/what they are. So, are you open minded enough to be able to see--and be concerned with--both of those threats?

 

[sr71plt]

People think the dems are heroes opposing the obscene Trumpcare bill. fact is? If the bill was the best thing that ever happened to this country they would oppose it and if it was them that came up with the current abomination they would happily support it.

A true centrist would think you were talking about the Republicans over the last eight years and would be more balanced in discussing the issue.

 

[LincolnDuncan]

I'd like to think we could all agree that Islamic radicalism and terrorism are a huge threat, but it seems the far left won't even concede that!

I don't know anyone who doesn't understand that there is an element of Islam that has declared jihad on the west. We would just rather deal with the problem in a mature sensible manner without the xenophobia. Because in the end, that just exasperates the problem.

 

[TheWhiteBull]

Yes, having worked on terrorism for two decades, I see Islamic radicalism and terrorism as huge threats. I see, though, radical fundamentalist "Christian" dogma and home-grown reactionary terrorism right here in the United States as equally huge threats--and they are closer to home and more insidious as they aren't honest about who/what they are. So, are you open minded enough to be able to see--and be concerned with--both of those threats?

Christian overreach in America is certainly a more relevant issue, hell my state has literally attempted to remove separation of church and state from its constitution. However, as a center-left atheist opposed to the religious right I do not feel their attempts at legislating Christianity are as large of a danger to me and others like me as Islamic fundamentalism is to the world. I say fundentalism and not terrorism because I feel almost no more hatred for Isis than for Saudi Arabia.

 

[TheWhiteBull]

I don't know anyone who doesn't understand that there is an element of Islam that has declared jihad on the west. We would just rather deal with the problem in a mature sensible manner without the xenophobia. Because in the end, that just exasperates the problem.

While I feel her comment was a little more trollish than my wish for this thread Im interested in which proposals/statements you find xenophobic.

 

[sr71plt]

While I feel her comment was a little more trollish than my wish for this thread Im interested in which proposals/statements you find xenophobic.

I'd like her to respond to my post. Most of the terrorism that has been carried out in the States has been by home-grown white extreme rightists. I do think, though, that's because, despite what the Donald thinks/says/tweets, we've been working a hell of a long time to keep other forms of terrorism out or simmered down in the States. So I don't discount the threat of terrorism from outside the United States, including by radical Islam.

I'd like to see her post that she's capable of centrist views on this issue as well. A centrist would have an open mind--and, probably, a mix of views on issues, not one far-anything dogma they are plugging away at.

 

[TheWhiteBull]

I'd like her to respond to my post. Most of the terrorism that has been carried out in the States has been by home-grown white extreme rightists. I do think, though, that's because, despite what the Donald thinks/says/tweets, we've been working a hell of a long time to keep other forms of terrorism out or simmered down in the States. So I don't discount the threat of terrorism from outside the United States, including by radical Islam.

I'd like to see her post that she's capable of centrist views on this issue as well. A centrist would have an open mind--and, probably, a mix of views on issues, not one far-anything dogma they are plugging away at.

Im not trying to say that youre trying to discount it, but note I made a point of saying Islamic fundamentalism and not just terrorism. For instance, if you live in Isis controlled territory you will be killed for being an atheist or gay. Meanwhile sure, you may not be killed but only given 100 lashes in Saudi Arabia, or have the police raid your club in Malaysia but that is still a far cry from what we have, which is people calling you names and having to engage in a stream of legal/political battles. The big problem for me is not so much Islamic terrorism, but the fact that currently, the world's second largest religion holds so much influence worldwide. Whil the largest (Christianity) might aspire to the same, they dont currently have it, and with people like us opposing it probably wont.

 

[sr71plt]

But if/when the radical fundamentalist Christians take over the States, the same will apply here. So, as I posted, I believe the threat is from two sides, and I believe I'm a centrist on that issue to recognize it and to admit it. I'm waiting for the Trumpettes to say the same.

And as far as living under the threat of a militant majority, I've lived a good part of my life under those circumstances in service to the U.S. government abroad. Even in Cyprus, it was tough being anything but Greek Orthodox--to the extent of family ostracism, beatings, and bombings.

How about you? have you lived in some sort of minority position in a radicalized majority environment? Are you looking forward to that in the Trump world?

 

[LincolnDuncan]

While I feel her comment was a little more trollish than my wish for this thread Im interested in which proposals/statements you find xenophobic.

Apologies. I should explain that this site is one of a few that I surf. I'm not always into every comment on the thread. My comment was general.

 

[LincolnDuncan]

Since this thread is about looking for compromise, I would be very happy to have an honest discussion with anyone about police in the USA.

Don't hate me because I'm ugly.

 

[sr71plt]

The KKK and national supremists are holding a rally in the center of my town on July 8th and have another one set for August. Before Donald Trump's Neo-Nazi-leaning political campaign, this would not be happening. So, yes, although I see a threat from Radical Islamists from abroad, I am quite aware of what we've been doing to handle that for over two decades, and although more stringent immigration scrutiny would be welcome (if Congress agreed to pay for more, which it has/isn't, and if the administration was rationally approaching the issue, which it isn't--it's taking into account where Donald Trump has personal financial interests), it's a threat we've long been working with and it isn't happening all that much in the center of my town. The radical right movements that Donald Trump sanctions and has encouraged are happening in the center of my town, so I see them as much a threat as radical Islam--more so, actually from reading some of the garbage that is being posted to this Web site and seeing Donald Trump's approval rating anywhere above 3 percent.

 

[TheWhiteBull]

But if/when the radical fundamentalist Christians take over the States, the same will apply here. So, as I posted, I believe the threat is from two sides, and I believe I'm a centrist on that issue to recognize it and to admit it. I'm waiting for the Trumpettes to say the same.

And as far as living under the threat of a militant majority, I've lived a good part of my life under those circumstances in service to the U.S. government abroad. Even in Cyprus, it was tough being anything but Greek Orthodox--to the extent of family ostracism, beatings, and bombings.

How about you? have you lived in some sort of minority position in a radicalized majority environment? Are you looking forward to that in the Trump world?

I am an atheist living in Oklahoma. My family background is highly religious and conservative. When my mother found out I knew one of my cousins is gay she punished me for being okay with it. I had seizures at 12 and was told it was the work of a demon and I had to be "cleansed". I had many instances of religious abuse happen to me until I left at 17. I have had ultra-right-wingers tell me to my face after informing them that I was a liberal that they would like to shoot me and other liberals. My mother was told by my grandfather that all her babies would be "nigger-babies" not because my father is even black, but just because he had black cousins, and he would not accept me/my brother as his grandchildren. I am mixed white/native-american (enrolled tribal member), and have been and heard others called "wagon burners" among other racial slurs, and been told to my face that the government needs to finish the job of forcibly assimilating us. On the other hand, mixed kids in my hometown and our tribe's boarding high school who didnt look Indian "enough" were regularly assaulted and bullied. I have a fair amount of experience with home-grown racist and religious wingnuts.

 

[TheWhiteBull]

The KKK and national supremists are holding a rally in the center of my town on July 8th and have another one set for August. Before Donald Trump's Neo-Nazi-leaning political campaign, this would not be happening. So, yes, although I see a threat from Radical Islamists from abroad, I am quite aware of what we've been doing to handle that for over two decades, and although more stringent immigration scrutiny would be welcome (if Congress agreed to pay for more, which it has/isn't, and if the administration was rationally approaching the issue, which it isn't--it's taking into account where Donald Trump has personal financial interests), it's a threat we've long been working with and it isn't happening all that much in the center of my town. The radical right movements that Donald Trump sanctions and has encouraged are happening in the center of my town, so I see them as much a threat as radical Islam--more so, actually from reading some of the garbage that is being posted to this Web site and seeing Donald Trump's approval rating anywhere above 3 percent.

Well to be fair they did indeed have rallies before Trump although I will agree that they are more emboldened now. This is what I meant when I spoke about relevancy earlier. I feel that Christian fundamentalism is more domestically relevant whereas Islamic fundamentalism is more globally relevant.

 

[sr71plt]

Well to be fair they did indeed have rallies before Trump although I will agree that they are more emboldened now. This is what I meant when I spoke about relevancy earlier. I feel that Christian fundamentalism is more domestically relevant whereas Islamic fundamentalism is more globally relevant.

OK, I'm on the same page with that. I don't think a centrist could only talk about a threat of extremism from one direction. It's quite evident from multiple directions.

 

[TheWhiteBull]

OK, I'm on the same page with that. I don't think a centrist could only talk about a threat of extremism from one direction. It's quite evident from multiple directions.

What I see is this: Both sides are genrally concerned with Islamic fundamentalism but only Libs are concerned with Christian (once again, generally speaking). This leads to Liberals feeling more concerned by local extremists which Conservatives in turn perceive as Liberals not caring about Islamic Fundamentalim.

 

[sr71plt]

What I see is this: Both sides are genrally concerned with Islamic fundamentalism but only Libs are concerned with Christian (once again, generally speaking). This leads to Liberals feeling more concerned by local extremists which Conservatives in turn perceive as Liberals not caring about Islamic Fundamentalim.

And where I see your blind dogma throwing you off the rails in what you post about liberals is the ridiculous notion that liberals don't care about Islamic fundamentalism. I think you are a slave to your extremist dogmatism.