Comments on: CONSENT ISSUE: Defying Convention, Part 1 by Bastard Keith 9.9.12

By: Vivian

Vivian — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 18:44:25 +0000

You. YOU! This is why I’m such a fan! You really hit the nail on the head again. I REALLY enjoyed this post and our conversation. It helped me examine my feelings more and clarify where I really stand. Thank you =)

By: bastardkeith

bastardkeith — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 04:18:37 +0000

It was not always like this. I believe that fiscal conservatism is a philosophy that has its merits (though inadequate as a full-on governing principle). But when it’s married to virulent anti-government paranoia and regressive social views, it is utter poison.

By: Sue

Sue — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 02:30:28 +0000

I’ve been trying to stay away from political news after the conventions. I get too worked up about the ignorance and arrogance of the GOP, as a woman, as a lesbian and as a disabled individual. But I saw this post and had to read it. I’m glad that I did. Not just because I agree with you, but because you didn’t mince any words. You told it like it is. And it’s about time America started understanding how much damage the GOP can do. How far back in time they will take this country.

By: Vivian

Vivian — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 00:16:15 +0000

Yes it’s more frustration at inefficiency and waste that I’m feeling. Agree unregulated market is not the solution for reasons you mention. I am not part of the 1% by a long shot but I feel resistance to the idea of just throwing tax money from the rich. I don’t like raising taxes on anyone as a convenient solution. Bailouts were insane but I see why they were necessary. Ugh it’s just a mess.

By: bastardkeith

bastardkeith — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 21:29:20 +0000

It’s funny, I think there are a lot of Republicans who don’t support the extreme social agenda, but they are drowned out by the zealotry of those who do. Ever since the Christian Coalition hitched its wagon to the GOP, this has been the way. Politicians don’t want to lose that vote.

As to the economic side of things, the small government solution is not necessarily the best thing for job growth. Historically, we’ve done best when the government is actually able to regulate (even in these “big government” days, the regulatory arm of the government is nearly inactive). We sort of have the worst of both worlds now: a government that costs too much to run, but that only seems to help out the big guys. So we have the social programs of the Democrats (which need to be made more cost-efficient, though certainly not through privatization), and the proven-failure trickle down policies Reagan loved so much.

I suppose I just don’t think the market is the solution for everything. The market is amoral. Humans may be imperfect, but they can be moral.

By: Vivian

Vivian — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 21:02:17 +0000

I get angry about the extreme social agenda of GOP, but brush it aside because I think it can’t ever gain real traction (just too backward). My basic philosophy is libertarian-ish, leaning towards small government so I get stuck between the parties. I really want what’s best for the country economically so I try to dispassionately focus on economic policy analysis, and how to help business and innovation. But your article makes me realize I can’t minimize or in any way ignore these insane civil rights violations. It’s just WRONG period, whether they are successful in implementing them or not. It can’t be accepted, no matter what. Refuting the “distraction” argument really did it. It’s a real shame- I only have one party to choose from now- no real choice. I can never in good conscience support the Republican platform.

By: bastardkeith

bastardkeith — Mon, 10 Sep 2012 06:38:27 +0000

Thank you so much! If it’s okay to ask, what did you find yourself opened to by reading it? Or is it simply that you found your viewpoints gratified by it?

By: Vivian

Vivian — Mon, 10 Sep 2012 05:07:27 +0000

Keith this is an amazing article. You know from Twitter that I struggle with being “open-minded” to the other side, but this is really dead on. You have such a way with words!

By: bastardkeith

bastardkeith — Mon, 10 Sep 2012 02:35:53 +0000

Oh, Mr. Blue. Delighted to know you read it, let alone enjoyed, let alone felt kinship.

By: Big Fine

Big Fine — Mon, 10 Sep 2012 01:33:10 +0000

Have I told you I love you lately?

Well coalesced…

I’m sharing away.

Mr. Blue