I liked your recent post on the universe and the knowledge of mankind. It wasn’t that long ago people were convinced the world was flat and blood-letting was a good idea. American politics will have it’s day too. I hope the people will still be in a position to get what they want when the truth finds it’s way.

You got the cop-out comment backwards old friend.

And I think it’s a convenient and self-serving copout.

I see all too well what the fundamental problems in American politics are, especially the ones that affect all participants–even the ones I vote for. Actually, I’m surprised you think me such an unthinking follower after having read some of my more scathing critiques of the American political system. (See my post on how to make American elections better. Notice I didn’t simply say “elect more Democrats.”)

It’s also very weird that you accuse me of parroting “the media”–as if I had the remotest idea what “the media” is saying. I eschew almost all television, for one. I’m probably the most media-disconnected person you know.

Even odder that you want to lecture me about what it’s like to share a holiday table with a holocaust survivor. You’re joking, right? But it’s surely no odder than the fact that you think adding a left-wing ideologue to the mix is the height of irony–or something. I’m sure it made sense in your head before you wrote it, my friend. But it makes none to me.

Finally, don’t go! I welcome your comments at all times. I am always willing to engage. If you have something important to tell me, I’ll listen. And if I don’t understand it, I’ll ask for an explanation. Believe me, someone who writes a public blog like this one, for as many years as I have written it, cannot be thin-skinned about such things. I can take it! Really!

Damn. You may be right. Ive been thinking that too. I fucking hate to label myself.

“Also, you have made it clear that I’m a wrong-thinking victim of the media, but you haven’t actually addressed a single point I raised above.”

There is no point to hashing out the specifics because the specifics are not the point. I keep waiting for you to go beyond liberal and conservative, Republican and Democrat. Real people dont live in that polarized world. It annoys me you tend to side with and yes, often write nearly word for word, much of what is in the media. I expect you to call their bullshit out, not promote it. And for goodness sake if you really believe all that media shit…

“My lowercase name has everything to do with a desire not to capitalize usernames–that and laziness–and nothing to do with my self-esteem. Besides, if it was good enough for e. e. cummings it’s good enough for me”

I was thinking about what an asshole comment that was on my part after I wrote it and was chuckling (and hoping) that I would come back to find you had capitalized all the letters in your name. Your response was probably better.

I have given up thinking (a while ago) we will have a meaningful political conversation and that is truly why I have lashed out a few times of late. Because there was a time when we saw eye to eye on many things, I take your (in my view of course) insane positions personally. I guess it hurts to lose a friend and when I find them again discover they are still lost (personally, not politically for that one). As far as politics, you are of course not the only dedicated left-wing person out there and hell, I have plenty in my own family. You might be interested to see what it is like to eat dinner at the table of a Holocoust survivor and have guests at the table openly promote left-wing ideology! Go figure. People are nuts.

So, I promise (will try) not to chime in attempting to force your will anymore. Its not nice and out of character for me. Though for the record I think left-wing ideology is for fools, ignorance and power hungry men. Enough said.

I leave you with two bites of food for thought that sum up much of my politics:

16 trillion dollars is a ridiculous number. Not only is it immoral, it should be criminal.

The USA is the most radical right-winged country to ever exist.

“Libertarian”? That wasn’t so hard.

Also, you have made it clear that I’m a wrong-thinking victim of the media, but you haven’t actually addressed a single point I raised above. Are there one or two things I’ve written that inspire such an insulting rant? Let’s hash them out. Glancing back over what I’ve written, I’m not inclined to walk any of it back. Do you think I should? Lay it on me.

My lowercase name has everything to do with a desire not to capitalize usernames–that and laziness–and nothing to do with my self-esteem. Besides, if it was good enough for e. e. cummings it’s good enough for me.

Still, I think there’s a real and meaningful difference between today’s Democratic and Republican parties. Democratic policy ideas tend to lean a bit more toward the middle class and poor rather than stone cold catering to the wealthiest lobbyists. Perhaps even more importantly, they don’t pander to religious zealots or anti-science know-nothings, enabling them to actually deal with issues of public health and the environment in a more realistic and sensible way. Also, they tend to be more fiscally responsible, actually making an attempt to balance the books with real math rather than engaging in fantasy economics. In short, they take the task of governing more seriously than today’s Republicans do.

Scott’s right. The Republican Party is corrupt for all the reasons stated above. In fact, the Republican and Democratic Parties are pretty the same. Everyone loves big government, and wants to control your lives in some fashion. Sure, when an election comes around, both sides scream and yell at each other, and claim that the choices are stark and couldn’t be more clear… but I bet that once the winners take office, they all go back into a cozy room with a cigar and laugh their asses off that they fooled you again.

It’s boiled down to simple tribalism now. If my guy says it, it’s genius. If your guys says the same thing, he’s the devil. Neither party has a theory of government anymore. Neither wants to create a predictable, legal structure for people to live under. They both want to create systems of boards, and bureaucrats, and people who have to get paid to maybe make the decision that will let you do what you want… if it pleases them.

That is no way to live.

It is time to live free. Be Libertarian with Gary Johnson for just one election, and see what it’s really like to have a President with a theory of government that can help this nation move forward. If after four years you don’t like the result, you can always go back to the two bitter rival football teams and wear your red jersey or your blue jersey.