Not to their face, maybe, but you insult them to strangers on the internet by calling them "drooling republicans." Do you suppose they do the same to you?
I don't identify as a Republican, but I do enjoy insulting "progressives." My only rule is that they have to insult me first.
Nah, 'cause I don't have an 'other' party, and I'm one of those people that believe every person has a slightly different viewpoint, and a likely cause for having it. I like to know why they have their viewpoint, as it can be a learning point for me. Sorry, I read most responses here as being a little narrow in the overall view of mindsets. Insulting someone for their POV is just a stand in for not having an intelligent discussion.
I'm cool with poking fun at Canadian Soldiers. However, they just took the record for longest shot, so it's getting more difficult.
Of course they do. However, it has been my observation that the left's trolls here use it as a first response. Take for instance my interaction with @Guno in this thread. He posted his ridiculous alinsky-5 response to me. I replied with a respectful "please explain your position", and then gave him ample time to respond (during which I saw that he was actively online here). When he did not, I pointed out his PROVING of what I had said. I even embedded in that response an opportunity for him to really nail me. Will he figure it out and capitalize? I doubt it he will, because "drive-by alinsky-5" is his modus operandi, and his work is already done.
Sometimes. I don't really have a side, though I agree with conservatives on a lot of issues. I only agree with democrats on a few social issues really, so maybe I do have a side. Things I agree with republicans about: 1. Taxes (I don't think anyone's taxes should go up - I think putting the reins on the government is much more effective - otherwise, where does it end? Everything has a breaking point). 2. Immigration (sorry, I do not want us taking in a bunch of 3rd world peoples who really don't have anything to give back to the country - all immigrants should have something to offer - we have too many of our own to care for - and there is culture clash - let the Saudis take in these refugees). 3. Climate change (while I don't really doubt that there is climate change occurring that could even be man made, trusting the government to "fix" this with taxes is the ultimate in ridiculousness). There are a few others, but I can't think of them right now off the top of my head (still working on my first cup of coffee). Things I agree with democrats about: 1. Gay marriage. People should be allowed to marry whomever they want as long as that other person is an adult and is consenting to marriage. It is really no one's business what another couple does in their bedroom or if they decide to be married or not. 2. Abortion. While I don't necessarily agree with it or like it, I realize that it is not my choice to make for someone else, even if I disagree. 3. Social services for those who TRULY need it. However, this coddling people has to come to an end. We do them no favors in life by taking care of them. These people have to learn how to stand on their own two feet or their lives are just wasted. There should be more stringent requirements to collect welfare, disability, etc. I don't mind a portion of my taxes going to help the people who do really need help though (because they are truly disabled and cannot work or whatever).
I don't belong to either party but am often attacked by hate filled right wing trolls. But I always get the better of them because I do my homework, get my facts straight, and am quite good at hurling a few insults as well. The trolls love to dish it out but they cry and whine when the favor is returned - in fact, several have quit the forums I have posted in because they couldn't handle the truth. Such cry babies!
I enjoy insulting those I am bigoted against when they spew their ideological nonsense. Hate seems to be a big trigger for my insult engine to kick in. Nazis, holocaust deniers, racists, white nationalists, commies, religious fanatics of all stripes, ordinary ignorant bigots and the intentionally intransigent ignorant. I don't insult stupidity since its a congenital condition.
No. I don't start to dis until I get the dis. Then I give the dis. I never give the dis first. Once I get the dis, I am on it like a fly to fly paper.
Good post Chris. I really don't see how anyone can solely choose one side . There has never been a perfect political party and never will.
That's what the concept of....."you get what you give" is all about. Oh and once they start the dis, means from that moment going forward. That you can bring it at anytime. Including for days on end.
I wouldn't say I enjoy it, it is a matter of what's more productive though. For the record, I'm an independent. Most often times, having a conversation with moderate Republicans and Democrats is far more productive than flinging insults. Having a conversation with an extreme Republican or Democrat is a complete waste of time, so often just calling them idiots is more productive than trying to reason with them. Everything is a shade of gray.
Generally when talking with someone new you don't really know where they fall until after you talk to them, unfortunately.
No as insults are divisive thus I prefer civility over ad hominem attacks. I prefer to understand the opposition as opposed to attacking the opposition with insults. It is human nature in certain circumstances to attack that which is foreign and strange to us. I actively fight my human nature as the baser me wants to insult while the rational me wants to understand and learn from foreign perspectives.
To me it does not give my opponent the upper hand as I have become adept at deflecting and redirecting back onto the topic. Ridicule is effective against those who give a **** what others think of them and then counter by adding an insult of their own which effectively derails the conversation thus my preference for deflection and redirection back onto the topic.