Feels hopeless.....

[30A Skunkape]

Isn't it interesting how 'diversity of thought' is in the eye of the beholder? I would be willing to bet that most folks that lean left would consider an area like Greenwich Village as being diverse in thought (when there really isn't much diversity at all). The same person would find the Redneck Riviera as non-diverse as is possible.

Chickpea, you have to remember you have grown up in and visited many different places around the globe;your outlook and perspective is by default going to be very different from the majority of the folks who live here. Don't be so glum;you live in a great place at a time historically better than almost all others politically, socially and economically! Smile!

 

[NoHall]

You know what? Sometimes I feel more lonely in a group of people who think just like I do. When I'm with a bunch of like-minded people, there is less to talk about.

Some of the best friends of my life are ones with opposite beliefs.

 

[Rita]

Have you ever taken the time to talk with these ?backward conservatives? in an effort to understand why they feel the way they do? I have, being like Joe, socially liberal and conservative on fiscal/foreign policy. You want to know what happened when I did? By being open and accepting, I made a lot of friends, learned quite a bit, and also taught quite a bit. I have friends down here who I completely disagree with on things, we are still good friends, we still fish together, we hang out and talk politics.

I once had a number of friends out in California who were progressives, their views were similar to yours. They would never consider moving down here because it?s "too conservative". They also decided our friendship was no longer worthy once they found out I supported the war in Iraq. So now they are no longer my friends, which wasn't my decision, and I feel I?m better off for it. I'd rather surround myself with people who can agree to disagree, than surround myself with only those people who feel exactly as I do. How are you going to learn anything otherwise?

You're right, I too fear this country is moving backwards - but I feel that?s not because some folks are conservatives and some are liberal, it's doing so thanks to partisan and intolerant views I feel might be similar to your own. In the words of the great Rodney King, ?Can?t we all just get along?? Apparently, for you, the answer to that question is.. "not unless we completely agree on politics."

30ashopper - Take some time to go back and read several of Chickpea's posts. I believe you'll very quickly find that you have pegged her wrong. .;-)


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[SHELLY]

I am posting this now because I had such a depressing talk with friends last night about upcoming elections...

I'd like to buy a vowel...can you be more specific?


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[JustaLocal]

Isn't it interesting how 'diversity of thought' is in the eye of the beholder? I would be willing to bet that most folks that lean left would consider an area like Greenwich Village as being diverse in thought (when there really isn't much diversity at all). The same person would find the Redneck Riviera as non-diverse as is possible.

Yes it is! It causes unintentional hypocrisy.

 

[elgordoboy]

Yes, Chickpea, I know what you mean. It is not just you; and it can get discouraging...but, find some like minded people. They are here. And hold on to your vision--it does help to travel as much as possible.

"Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one?s lifetime.? ?Mark Twain, 1857

 

[30ashopper]

30ashopper - Take some time to go back and read several of Chickpea's posts. I believe you'll very quickly find that you have pegged her wrong. .;-)
.

That may have come across as more divisive than I wanted it too. Sorry about that. In doing so I fall into the same trap I’m complaining about.

This just hits on what I consider to be the real problem with our country today - It’s not a conservative or liberal thing, it’s the fact that the two sides don’t want to be around each other, don’t want to listen to each other, and don’t want to work together to solve problems. It’s so frustrating to me.

I’m reminded of how things were right after 9/11, or how things are down here right after a storm. I remember pulling up to a street light that was out after Ivan with a bunch of other cars all pulling up at the same time. We were all so committed to letting the others through first, we all sat there for five minutes waving at each other. I just wish we could grab hold of that mentality and apply it to our common problems. A tax cut here, a tax raise there, a spending increase here, a spending cut there. Instead it’s all or nothing and nothing gets solved.

 

[GoodWitch58]

"Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime.” —Mark Twain, 1857

So true...so true. The first time I came back "home" after living out of the country for three years, I was so excited to share my experiences and the wonder of all that I had encountered...after more than a few hurtful episodes with family and friends, I learned to keep quiet about my travels...most of them didn't want to know. I found it sad then, and still do today.

I took my son on as many trips as I possibly could as he was growing up and I was working at a very demanding, travel filled job. One of the greatest moments of my life was one night at midnight when the phone rang and it was my Air Force son who had "sneaked" out (he wasn't supposed to make any calls for that mission) to call and say thank you to me. When I, half asleep, asked him: what are you thanking me for? He said: "For teaching me how to travel..." and he went on to explain in great detail about his unit's experience flying into S. Korea.

Another time, he reflected on how difficult it had been for me to face the school authorities to get permission for him to go with me and miss school--he said, Mom, those trips taught me more than I ever would have learned that week in school.

So, yes, travel is the best--but, it does set one apart. I am a firm believer in some sort of national service. If everyone either joined the military, the peace corps, worked for U. S. AID, or did a student exchange program...think what a difference it would make in the world. I am optimistic, though, with the global community we are becoming via the Internet. Someday....

 

[JustaLocal]

So true...so true. The first time I came back "home" after living out of the country for three years, I was so excited to share my experiences and the wonder of all that I had encountered...after more than a few hurtful episodes with family and friends, I learned to keep quiet about my travels...most of them didn't want to know. I found it sad then, and still do today.

I don't understand this. I've never experienced any "hurtful episodes" with family and friends.

 

[GoodWitch58]

"Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one?s lifetime.? ?Mark Twain, 1857

I don't understand this. I've never experienced any "hurtful episodes" with family and friends.

Then, you are a very fortunate person. I hope you never do.

And, it's easy to accept that you don't understand if you have not had the experience...and therein lies the issue.