Wantats posted this, but it got lost on the second page of threads

Name calling is dividing us. You are doing exactly what you accuse the others of doing. You can judge a group by the extreme and make it a "we against they" or you can look at the person and make your own opinion of them. If you look at the moderates from both sides you will see that we are not that far apart. You look at anonymous words on a computer screen and you see the devil incarnate on the other side. You look at the people and you will see people just like yourself. It's okay we disagree on some things. If you look for differences you will find them. If you look for similarities you will find them too. You will see another trying to find a refuge from the madness that this modern age creates.

My challenge to anyone who wants to keep this debate going: Let's meet face to face before we call anyone names. I have stated my views. If you can get past the "Republican" label that you throw on me you will find that our views aren't that different. I don't allow Republican theory to determine my philosophies. I am a Republican because more of my ideas tend to line up with the Republican platform. Do I think that because I am a Republican I have to swallow the whole package? Of course not. Just the same as I don't think that all Democrats are "Vegans." We are all people who have beliefs that have developed from our life experiences. Certainly there are alot of ignorant people out there that can't get an original idea and have to take what they are told to be the truth. Most of us are intelligent and we believe what we believe because of who we are. There is no right or wrong here. If any of us thinks we know the truth then we are truly ignorant.

I have met alot of people from this board and some look like I imagined they would. Others look quite different. Very few look like Democrats and Republicans. I think if we see each other as people we would see that I am like you and you are like me. So if anybody wants to take me up on my offer I will buy dinner. I like sushi but will take suggestions. If you can't PM me I set up a yahoo mail account so that I can give out my personal email to those I chose. [email protected]

Waiting to hear from you all.

my reply

If they put Veganism on the Democratic Party Platform, I will actively work to remove that sort of divisive, exclusionary language.  Will you do the same? If so, there lies the common ground.

as far as dinner, I might be in.  it would depend on the when and where and with whoms. Since I am not a vegan, Sushi works for me

Felicia

I have always tried to take out the devisive language in my posts as in real life. It is not constructive. I think that although generalities have some truth you just can't pidgeon-hole people. I will always consider myself a "Republican" but will always be the port anchor to the party. I would even vote for a conservative Democrat if the opportunity presented itself. In fact some of my best friends are Democrats.
I would love to meet with you for sushi if you would grace me with your presence. I respect your points of view and would love to put a face to your handle. That goes for anyone else out there too.

P.S. That post was not directed to Aviator or the other level headed people of the board. It was just a convenient spot for the post

-- Modified on 11/17/2004 11:08:56 AM

Hi Felicia:

A lot of common sense there. For the record, I know a number of Republican voters and party members who are decent, caring humane people....the kind we all want to meet and/ or "be with"...

Your obvious intelligence intrigues me.. where are you located and how could I meet you? I live in SoCal in the 949.....

The Aviator

Fuckin-A Felicia.  Goddam best thing I read all day.

wantats:

Thanks for the "props".. if Felicia will meet either one of us, I'll leave the hangar and wander over for sushi...& I'll even buy!

The Aviator