ARTelevision

Threads often have lives of their own based on who responds to them and how.

Reading through the thread is illuminating.

Its digressions have been effected by several factors and several individuals. Some I responded to, some I have not. I don't stay active in most threads in this forum for this long myself as a rule.

The problematic nature of this one notwithstanding, I'll restate an original position or two because I think they have merit.

I see some value in supporting the President who is duly elected - even though this is still disputed by some in the current instance - and who is invested with the Constitutionally prescribed powers of leading the nation. I see so much value in it that I pledge to support the other party's candidate if he comes to power. This is especially significant in a context where it seems so outrageous to say such a thing. That's an abnormal condition that's noteworthy. This thread helped me to comprehend how severely it is the case.

Many people believe their dissent is noble. I don't contest that some dissent is noble. Much of the dissent I see is not. Why? Because it is done for reasons that are self-serving and not in the interest of anyone except the dissenter. I think that occasionally needs to be said.

In any event, this current political climate is, in my opinion, an unhealthy one. My pledge of supporting the other party's candididate is offered in the interest of conciliation. I'm surprised that isn't acknowledged. But perhaps not.

Those who dislike the current administration so passionately are not easily cooled. This is another problem we have. I'd like to address it but it seems it is not amenable to moderate discussion. That's too bad. It's why I am beginning to think it may be best for the nation if GWB is not elected. It would be a poor state of affairs for his detractors -who are so vocal - to live the rest of their lives believing he and his administration were responsible for the state of the nation and the state of the world. In my opinion they are not. That's one of my initial points and I'm taking the space to restate it here.

American foreign policy reflects, in large part, the ongoing cultural assumptions of the USA. Some aspects of this, perhaps the fact that the vast majority of US citizens are religious, for example, seems to be at the root of what offends the detractors of GWB - as he reflects this aspect of our citizenry. I have no interest whatsoever in religion but I understand why it has always been an integral part of our government - because the people want it that way. There are other factors that can be listed here that operate in the same way - the particular trade-off between security and liberty made by our citizens that was disussed earlier comes to mind.

So I suppose, what I see is that the detractors of the current administration actually are offended by some aspects of US culture that are reflected in the current administration.

I'm offended by the culture that supports John Kerry equally as much - believe me. But I am willing to accept and support him if he is elected.

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