Anyone who has the awful luck of being my friend on Facebook has realized that I love debating anything. Politics is at the forefront right now and it's a daily battle, usually with the same people. Someone usually posts something completely outlandish and false, that despite my attempts to refrain, I can't resist. The initial comments start slow, but then it's a free for all. Tons of comments and barbs are thrown and it's usually in good fun, but a few people recently made it personal and paid the price. I was unfriended by one friend who made a personal attack and found out how quickly, as much as I didn't want to, I can dish it out.
Here's my thing about politics and why it's fun for me. In any other category, it's an even playing field and despite coming across as a pompous ass, I can usually destroy my opposition with facts and figures. The key to all successful debates. Sure, there is everyone's personal take on what these numbers mean, but in the case of, say sports, it's pretty cut and dry. Why politics? Why do I revel in it? I do because of the challenge. We're debating on Facebook, which makes it public. Making it public takes all my power away. A little confused? OK, let me hash it out for it. Nearly everyone I argue with, has an Achilles' heal. Some may work off the books, some may evade taxes, some may claim dependents that aren't truly there and some may hire illegal immigrants to work for them. Some may have been handed their situations, be outright racist or deal in illegal activities for money. Some may quite simply, not be mentally up to to the task to debate with me or anyone else who brings facts into an equation. Some just don't seem to realize their argument contradicts their needs and desires. I can say without a shadow of a doubt, that everyone I debate with falls into one of these categories. I myself am in a tax quandary myself. Not from evasion, but simply put, an inability to live on what I've made recently and pay my full share. My honesty is one of my weapons, so I'm throwing it out there.
In the last weeks, I've pretty much proved almost everything false that's been thrown at me. I've backed it up with good sources to refute my counterparts flimsy propaganda info and for the most part, know I'm winning the debate. There are no moderators or judges, so I assume those who sling their comments feel the same as I. Here's the thing. I wonder...truly wonder how many of them have had these things happen.
Here's my thing about politics and why it's fun for me. In any other category, it's an even playing field and despite coming across as a pompous ass, I can usually destroy my opposition with facts and figures. The key to all successful debates. Sure, there is everyone's personal take on what these numbers mean, but in the case of, say sports, it's pretty cut and dry. Why politics? Why do I revel in it? I do because of the challenge. We're debating on Facebook, which makes it public. Making it public takes all my power away. A little confused? OK, let me hash it out for it. Nearly everyone I argue with, has an Achilles' heal. Some may work off the books, some may evade taxes, some may claim dependents that aren't truly there and some may hire illegal immigrants to work for them. Some may have been handed their situations, be outright racist or deal in illegal activities for money. Some may quite simply, not be mentally up to to the task to debate with me or anyone else who brings facts into an equation. Some just don't seem to realize their argument contradicts their needs and desires. I can say without a shadow of a doubt, that everyone I debate with falls into one of these categories. I myself am in a tax quandary myself. Not from evasion, but simply put, an inability to live on what I've made recently and pay my full share. My honesty is one of my weapons, so I'm throwing it out there.
In the last weeks, I've pretty much proved almost everything false that's been thrown at me. I've backed it up with good sources to refute my counterparts flimsy propaganda info and for the most part, know I'm winning the debate. There are no moderators or judges, so I assume those who sling their comments feel the same as I. Here's the thing. I wonder...truly wonder how many of them have had these things happen.
- Had upwards of 40 people write me privately to ask my where I find such dumb friends to argue against me.
- Had phone calls and texts sent warning the others not to get into a battle of wits with me.
- Had their friends, who I don't even know, tell me how dumb their friends are and not to bother with them (multiple times).
- Had someone tell me the same person contradicted themselves in another argument with someone else.
- And my favorite. Had people argue with me publicly and agree with me privately...simultaneously.
All the people I debate with are good people. If I needed a favor, I know they would help. At times it becomes personal and we usually take a break and walk away. Sometimes we don't and I believe we all suffer from that. I know I mean them no harm and definitely don't want to out their flaws and don't want mine outed either. It happens when blood boils over any topic. Sometimes, I simply take the higher road and walk away.
I've said a lot, but the true reason isn't any of this. The true reason is quite more complex, but I will state the short reason. After the 2008 election, I asked someone if they voted. They said they did and told me they voted for McCain. I didn't judge, but asked "what made you decide to vote for him." She said, "my parents are republicans and we've always voted that way as a family." I let her know that I accepted this as a reason, but followed it up with, "So you must be pissed Obama won." She paused and said "Nah, he's probably a better choice, I watched one of the debates and he wiped the floor with McCain." I couldn't let this go. I asked "So you think he's the better choice?" She paused again, "Yeah, probably." I let it go. How on earth does someone vote against their own feelings?
In the upcoming election, we will be forced to make a choice. The choice is whether to vote for something that is taking place now or something we had in the past. Regardless of credit or fault, we need to make a decision. Liberals, historically want to change everything and conservatives have wanted things to stay the same. This election is the epitome of these basic principals. Regardless of your political position, I hope you educate yourselves and vote. It's truly the basis of our independence and out freedom. To waive that right is irresponsible. I didn't vote in 2008 and I'm kicking myself for it. Circumstances out of my control played a part, but I should have found time. This election, might be the most important as any we've had in the last 50 years. As I said, this blog isn't about the politics, but about my passion for this decision. Whatever the outcome, we all have to live with it. Make sure your voice is heard. If you feel the need to voice it on my page. The floor is always yours. I look forward to it, no matter what side of the ballot you are on.
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