Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
I had become extremely liberal last year. Primarily I was all for healthcare reform in the form of single-payer. I feel like healthcare is a right, not a priviledge. I felt like the government needed to direct energy policy, especially a massive expansion of mass-transit systems. Or possibly huge investment in future alternative mass-transit concepts like Personal Rapid transit(PRT). I was also extremely against the Iraq War, and to a large degree the Afghanistan war. I really wanted to get our guys back home. I feel like the gap between rich and poor in America had been growing far too large, and the tax breaks for the wealthy were just making it worse. I am extremely supportive of Unions, they are what built the middle-class in America. Without the middle-class, this country is basically Mexico.
I also felt like the free-market cannot regulate itself in many ways. The free-market is very exploitative. It does nothing but exploit 3rd-world countries, illegal aliens, the environment, and our own people. Barons of industry like Wal-mart, who drive down wages and sell imported goods, is not good for the country. I feel like the government should be much more pro-active in setting environmental policy, especially fuel mileage standards(ours are extremely lacking compared to the rest of the world). I am really looking forward to the day new battery technology(maybe like EESTOR) becomes reality, and we can finally kick our Oil habit. Which would to a large degree fix our trade deficit, and help with our foreign policy in the middle-east. Throw in all the ridiculous "bubbles" caused by free-market greed and lack of discipline. I have lost a lot of faith in the so-called "free market" when it comes to everyday necessities like, food, housing, and energy.
So while, I had become extremely left-leaning last year with the housing crash, energy issues, and healthcare reform. I would definitely say I have become more conservative this year. And it has absolutely nothing to do with do with anything Obama has done.
I really believe heavily in mass-transit, I love the website treehugger.com. I absolutely despise urban sprawl as the bane of humanity. My sister lives in a pretty rural area on 20 acres of land, she owns a big truck cause the roads around there are pretty rough. And the drive to the grocery store alone is about 20 miles there and 20 miles back. Her husband has a good job so dropping a chunk of money on gas I guess isn't as big of a deal financially, but it really pisses me off that she is so wasteful. I keep reading that more and more people are supposed to be moving into urban areas in the future. And it honestly can't happen fast enough.
So I had been debating with family and friends about why they don't want to live in the city. And even though the primary complaint is crime, through my debates with them, I have come to conclude the truth is, it has everything to do with an issue called white flight.
Then lets talk about free-market attitudes and healthcare for a little while. I personally believe all opposition to healthcare reform right now is purely racism. I feel like most opposition to welfare is also caused by racism. I think to a large extent, the general attitude of many Americans towards the poor, is rooted in racism. Especially towards blacks and hispanics. Socialism to the white middle-class is, "Tax the whites to give to the blacks and hispanics."
So to me, everything I stand for is being undermined by right-wingers whose primary motivation is caused by basically racism. And while I get annoyed by the concept of racism, I decided to dig a little deeper into the problem.
Most conservatives don't see it directly through a lens of racism, but more a difference of cultures. Black culture in America is much different than white culture which is much different than hispanic culture. And generally, the mixing ground for cultures is in major cities. So if cities are the cultural mixing grounds, why is it that it is almost always the whites that are leaving the cities? Crime.
The truth is, many whites see minorities as being beneath them. They see minorities as criminals and leeches of the system. Generally whites don't want anything to do with minorities, outside of the few minorities that "act white". And it isn't just whites, it is how minority groups see each other. Almost all cities voluntarily and intentionally segregate themselves. Even the minority groups separate themselves from each other. So if racial dislike/distrust is this pervasive through all races, it obviously can't be as easily remedied as many liberals would like.
It isn't like racism is some new concept either. It has been going on for thousands of years. Why do liberals so naively think we can just make it disappear.
From my extensive research, I do not believe this country can ever have the great socialist societies of many European countries, even if social programs are put in place, they will be such a hotbed issue that divides the country heavily. Culture and race is such a huge part of how people identify themselves, and it is something that is instinctively part of humanity.
The question you should ask yourselves is. What is really the greatest country on earth? I used to believe it was the United States. And yes, the United States since WWII is the most powerful country in the world militarily. And will continue to have the largest economy in the world for a while more, before being usurped by China and India. But is the United States a great society? Is India a great society? Its ridiculous caste system and rampart poverty is an embarrassment. China is a communist state with many human rights issues. All the three "powerful" countries are hardly great societies. They are embarrassments.
So I had been doing much research into the so-called "happiest" countries in the world. Which are almost all European countries. The top two countries this year were Denmark and Finland, which both consistenly are ranked at the top. I believe these two countries are the key to the salvation of the United States. Generally people accredit the happiness of these two countries to the social safety net that is common in many European countries, which is true, the social safety net is a huge part of it. What really distinguishes these countries from the other socialist European countries?
Low population size and population homogeneity. These factors have created a very egalitarian society. With very low crime and very little social turmoil. The social safety net isn't usually seen with contempt, because the country is a relatively tight-knit community. Primarily because they allow very little immigration.
The leader of the Danish People's Party, Pia Kjaersgaard, responded to Swedish criticism by saying: "If they want to turn Stockholm, Gothenburg or Malmoe into a Scandinavian Beirut, with clan wars, honour killings and gang rapes, let them do it. We can always put a barrier on the Oeresund Bridge."
The truth is, Immigration is the single largest problem all Western countries are having right now, which entails the total destruction of European culture. We are actually less happy because of it. And things are only going to get worse. I can't even imagine what our world will be like for our grandchildren.
I just don't see a fix to the problem, without becoming a bunch of race conscious nazi types. Does anyone else have a better idea?
Last edited by Redshadowz; 12-09-2009 at 01:16 AM..
I have become extremely conservative in the last year. No, not Republican, "Conservative". Because really, after all of our little downfalls at home, we save our money. We don't rely on government bailouts or other "Freebies" that tend to be in the mainstream. We didn't capitalize on the "Cash for Clunkers" program, as we don't have any clunkers. We weren't elligible for the $8k first time home owners deal, well, cuz we currently live in our 3rd home that we purchased. My wife and I have health insurance through our employers and through certain maladies, we've used our benefits. We've shared the cost with our employers through weekly deductions from our paychecks, so everything's good on that end.
We both feel that healthcare is NOT a right or priviledge. It's our responsibility. Preventive medicine, a proactive lifestyle, and just plain common sense leads to a long productive life. I don't understand any other kind of thinking. Please excuse me.
While I detest war, I realize that it's sometimes neccesary. Always support our warriors; it's the least that we can do. If we don't like our elected officials' decisions, then we can only blame ourselves. Our only recourse is to protest peacefully and elect others. Period.
I like rich people. They tend to create jobs. I've never worked for a poor person, I doubt that I ever will. I will never ask a poor person for financial advice. Sorry.
I think that capitalism is the best chance for a hard working educated person to achieve his or her goals. Of course, we all know that "educated" doesn't always mean smart. I love entrepeneurs; why do they always seem to come from someone's garage and not from the government or from some corporate entity? Go figure.
Exploitive?
See Nazi Germany, Communist Russia, Cuba, et al. Your Dad was a trash collector, you will be too. Not here. Not neccesarily. Sure, you might be a dishwasher for a while, but you can make your way up to cook, save enough for college, or even look for a better job that might fit your abilities, or at least find something that you like to do.
Buy a guitar for Pete's sake. Wondering out loud how many folks did that on a "goof" and made millions.
I can't speak for "most" conservatives, I'm just one guy. But I can tell y'all this:
I'm responsible for every decision that I make, right down to the type of bullets that I purchase, the cheap dental floss that I get at Wal-Mart, and whether or not I purchase or tie my fly fishin' lures.
The truth is, Immigration is the single largest problem all Western countries are having right now, which entails the total destruction of European culture. We are actually less happy because of it. And things are only going to get worse. I can't even imagine what our world will be like for our grandchildren.
I just don't see a fix to the problem, without becoming a bunch of race conscious nazi types. Does anyone else have a better idea?
Another post from a Stormfronter?
Lets get serious: I live in Europe and I wonder what you mean by the "European culture"?
What should someone like me be afraid of? I have lived in an area with a lot of immigrants and nothing ever happended to me. THis is not the US, we don`t have problems with gangs (at least not in Germany), people do not carry guns with them.
There is a small % of immigrants that do not adjust to european culture, but I don`t think they have a chance to become happy in Europe and eventually one day will leave Europe.
One more question: How many times have you been to Europe?
Have you lived in Europe and if yes, then where in Europe?
Governments are instituted among men to secure rights and govern those who consent. Governments were not instituted to rob one group for the benefit of another. Compulsory labor for the benefit of another is what we once called slavery. Now, it's called socialism.
If you do not have inalienable rights to life, liberty and property ownership, you are not free. Your slavery may be made as comfortable as possible, but your children's children may curse your name for the chains you placed upon them.
Another post from a Stormfronter?
Lets get serious: I live in Europe and I wonder what you mean by the "European culture"?
What should someone like me be afraid of? I have lived in an area with a lot of immigrants and nothing ever happended to me. THis is not the US, we don`t have problems with gangs (at least not in Germany), people do not carry guns with them.
There is a small % of immigrants that do not adjust to european culture, but I don`t think they have a chance to become happy in Europe and eventually one day will leave Europe.
One more question: How many times have you been to Europe?
Have you lived in Europe and if yes, then where in Europe?
I wouldn't consider myself a stormfronter, but I do agree with many of their non-genocidal feelings about the world.
European culture? The languages? The great arts? The great classical music? Christianity? The great European architecture.
They want for us to speak Arabic, be muslims, and build great mosques with domes and minarets everywhere. Why do you think there was the complaint in Switzerland about the minarets? The super mosques of England? And the lack of assimilation of immigrants into the countries of Europe. And that doesn't even include the great human rights achievements and democracies that originated in Europe and have only partially spread elsewhere.
There are no-go zones all over Europe, where Muslims are the majority. And while there aren't many in Germany(not sure why), they exist in many other Western European countries.
You may not come into contact with the problems where you live, but they are definitely there. People in the Northeast probably think Texans and Californians are only exaggerating the problems of immigration. Unless you live in an area heavily affected by a policy, its hard to understand how bad it is. Here in Florida, crime is epidemic, and in many areas its difficult to find people who speak English. Billboards and the names of stores are in Spanish. In many areas of California it is the same way.
The real problem with immigrants isn't if there are immigrants or not. The problem has to do with large demographics changes over time, primarily through fertility rates of various groups.
Another post from a Stormfronter?
Lets get serious: I live in Europe and I wonder what you mean by the "European culture"?
What should someone like me be afraid of? I have lived in an area with a lot of immigrants and nothing ever happended to me. THis is not the US, we don`t have problems with gangs (at least not in Germany), people do not carry guns with them.
There is a small % of immigrants that do not adjust to european culture, but I don`t think they have a chance to become happy in Europe and eventually one day will leave Europe.
One more question: How many times have you been to Europe?
Have you lived in Europe and if yes, then where in Europe?
Do you assume that people that doesnt support illegals are racist?
Do you assume that people that doesnt support illegals are racist?
From my experience, if someone can label you a racist, they feel justified in ignoring anything you have to say.
There is no solution to racism. Liberals have this idiotic idea that if you just force desegregation then we can all live together happily. If anything, force desegregation has increased crime and social turmoil. And led to more and more anti-governmental groups. I cannot see this country staying together much longer. All it will take is for our economy to become less strong than some other economy. Then the people will turn their backs on America(and all the problems associated with it) in a heartbeat.
I just hope too much damage hasn't been done by then.
From my experience, if someone can label you a racist, they feel justified in ignoring anything you have to say.
There is no solution to racism. Liberals have this idiotic idea that if you just force desegregation then we can all live together happily. If anything, force desegregation has increased crime and social turmoil. And led to more and more anti-governmental groups. I cannot see this country staying together much longer. All it will take is for our economy to become less strong than some other economy. Then the people will turn their backs on America(and all the problems associated with it) in a heartbeat.
I just hope too much damage hasn't been done by then.
Agreed. Birds of a feather flock together...why force them to fly apart?
On your 2nd point, when America has nowhere else to go to before things are overrun, overcrowded, and falling apart like a 3rd world nation, those who can WILL migrate. It has been happening already and it will increase.
You may not come into contact with the problems where you live, but they are definitely there. People in the Northeast probably think Texans and Californians are only exaggerating the problems of immigration. Unless you live in an area heavily affected by a policy, its hard to understand how bad it is. Here in Florida, crime is epidemic, and in many areas its difficult to find people who speak English. Billboards and the names of stores are in Spanish. In many areas of California it is the same way.
Uh, wrong. New York City and environs are very much similar to TX, CA, and FL in this aspect, and I don't think the metro areas of Boston, Philly, and Baltimore-DC (and for that matter, all the small metros in CT as well as Providence, RI) are that much different in that aspect either. If by "Northeast" you mean the northern parts of NY State and New England, maybe so.
Uh, wrong. New York City and environs are very much similar to TX, CA, and FL in this aspect, and I don't think the metro areas of Boston, Philly, and Baltimore-DC (and for that matter, all the small metros in CT as well as Providence, RI) are that much different in that aspect either. If by "Northeast" you mean the northern parts of NY State and New England, maybe so.
Have you ever been to these places? San Antonio is like 65% hispanic(mostly Mexicans). Baltimore is 65% black. Miami is 65% hispanic(mostly Cubans). Los Angeles is 50% Hispanic. Houston is 45% hispanic. Philadelphia is 10% hispanic. Boston is 15% hispanic.
New york city is probably the only city in the country that has a great mix, its around 30% white, 30% hispanic, 30% black, and 10% Asian. But whites and asians live in manhattan and queens, hispanics and blacks live in Brooklyn and the Bronx
Pittsburg is almost 70% white, 30% black. Portland, Maine is almost 90% white. And Portland, Oregon is about 75% white. Seattle is about 70% white. All of these cities have practically zero hispanics.
But to support your claim. Hartford CT, and Providence RI are all very heavily hispanic but only in the major cities. Connecticut overall is almost 80% white, 10% black, and 8% hispanic. And Rhode Island is almost 84% white, 7% hispanic and 6.5% black.
On the other hand Texas overall is about 50% white, 31% hispanic, and 12% black. And California is 43% white, 36% hispanic, 12.5% Asian, and 6.5% black.
So please tell me again how California and Texas are practically the same as the northeast? Or the northwest? Or the north-central plains?
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
