why bother caring?

[© tweed]

the choice isn't between "center-right" and "right" not is it about "left" and "socialism" and "taxes" and "Nazis"...  there is no choice because of chronic apathy...

think about this...  a majority (MAJORITY) MAJORITY  of Republican primary voters in SC (also known as, Americans) support the deportation of undocumented immigrants.  they get off on the fantasy of police barging into ghettos, shoving Mexicans onto boats at gunpoint, and dumping them on a hill back in their Old Country...  I suppose we could be sympathetic and say, they don't think it through in their minds that way, or are too dumb...  but as much as it may be true, they don't care enough to think about it...  I share the title of American with millions of these people, and, their presence is the reason why I'm not proud to be an American, and can't foresee ever holding to the cliche, nor should anyone who can think...  or cares too...

"destroy first, and construction will take care of itself"

But once those people elect the people you want, you'd love being an American! Suddenly, America is great!

you show a fundamental misunderstanding of who I am and what I believe...  but I can't really expect you to "get it" since we only know each other through a website...  you're forgiven

[Person Man]

Aren't you frustrated and angry, too? I know I am.

[Saxwsylvania]

the choice isn't between "center-right" and "right" not is it about "left" and "socialism" and "taxes" and "Nazis"...  there is no choice because of chronic apathy...

think about this...  a majority (MAJORITY) MAJORITY  of Republican primary voters in SC (also known as, Americans) support the deportation of undocumented immigrants.  they get off on the fantasy of police barging into ghettos, shoving Mexicans onto boats at gunpoint, and dumping them on a hill back in their Old Country...  I suppose we could be sympathetic and say, they don't think it through in their minds that way, or are too dumb...  but as much as it may be true, they don't care enough to think about it...  I share the title of American with millions of these people, and, their presence is the reason why I'm not proud to be an American, and can't foresee ever holding to the cliche, nor should anyone who can think...  or cares too...

"destroy first, and construction will take care of itself"

Well, in the past a majority of SC residences hated Catholics, and wanted none of them in the country. Then of course a majority of SC residences supported Jim crow laws and keeping African Americans down, and I don’t honestly think most of them feel that way now. Anti immigrant rhetoric is pretty popular in parts of America at the moment, but if we as a nation were able to overcome our past problems and prejudices, I say we can overcome this one. Look at the young people, they don’t share this illegal immigrant backlash nearly as much as older folks do, so that’s one area to be hopeful in, right?

I don't believe everything's rosy in America, by far, but I believe we've come along way, and while we still have a ways to go, the progress we have already made gives me hope that we can continue to move forward.

I am just worried that our country has lost its will to be strong as all countries eventually do. I feel that our country has grown aged and weak. I desire to rejuvenate our country, but how....and when?

Instead of rejuvenating the country, why not rejuvenate yourself?

No matter how hard you try, no matter how many elections you win, you can never, ever change anyone besides yourself.  Only when you decide to be the captain of your own life can you ever be happy.

[Person Man]

the choice isn't between "center-right" and "right" not is it about "left" and "socialism" and "taxes" and "Nazis"...  there is no choice because of chronic apathy...

think about this...  a majority (MAJORITY) MAJORITY  of Republican primary voters in SC (also known as, Americans) support the deportation of undocumented immigrants.  they get off on the fantasy of police barging into ghettos, shoving Mexicans onto boats at gunpoint, and dumping them on a hill back in their Old Country...  I suppose we could be sympathetic and say, they don't think it through in their minds that way, or are too dumb...  but as much as it may be true, they don't care enough to think about it...  I share the title of American with millions of these people, and, their presence is the reason why I'm not proud to be an American, and can't foresee ever holding to the cliche, nor should anyone who can think...  or cares too...

"destroy first, and construction will take care of itself"

Well, in the past a majority of SC residences hated Catholics, and wanted none of them in the country. Then of course a majority of SC residences supported Jim crow laws and keeping African Americans down, and I don’t honestly think most of them feel that way now. Anti immigrant rhetoric is pretty popular in parts of America at the moment, but if we as a nation were able to overcome our past problems and prejudices, I say we can overcome this one. Look at the young people, they don’t share this illegal immigrant backlash nearly as much as older folks do, so that’s one area to be hopeful in, right?

I don't believe everything's rosy in America, by far, but I believe we've come along way, and while we still have a ways to go, the progress we have already made gives me hope that we can continue to move forward.

I am just worried that our country has lost its will to be strong as all countries eventually do. I feel that our country has grown aged and weak. I desire to rejuvenate our country, but how....and when?

Instead of rejuvenating the country, why not rejuvenate yourself?

No matter how hard you try, no matter how many elections you win, you can never, ever change anyone besides yourself.  Only when you decide to be the captain of your own life can you ever be happy.

What the hell does that supposed to mean? Being able the change and create...it's freedom and believe freedom is important in your welfare.

[JSojourner]

the choice isn't between "center-right" and "right" not is it about "left" and "socialism" and "taxes" and "Nazis"...  there is no choice because of chronic apathy...

think about this...  a majority (MAJORITY) MAJORITY  of Republican primary voters in SC (also known as, Americans) support the deportation of undocumented immigrants.  they get off on the fantasy of police barging into ghettos, shoving Mexicans onto boats at gunpoint, and dumping them on a hill back in their Old Country...  I suppose we could be sympathetic and say, they don't think it through in their minds that way, or are too dumb...  but as much as it may be true, they don't care enough to think about it...  I share the title of American with millions of these people, and, their presence is the reason why I'm not proud to be an American, and can't foresee ever holding to the cliche, nor should anyone who can think...  or cares too...

"destroy first, and construction will take care of itself"

Well, in the past a majority of SC residences hated Catholics, and wanted none of them in the country. Then of course a majority of SC residences supported Jim crow laws and keeping African Americans down, and I don’t honestly think most of them feel that way now. Anti immigrant rhetoric is pretty popular in parts of America at the moment, but if we as a nation were able to overcome our past problems and prejudices, I say we can overcome this one. Look at the young people, they don’t share this illegal immigrant backlash nearly as much as older folks do, so that’s one area to be hopeful in, right?

I don't believe everything's rosy in America, by far, but I believe we've come along way, and while we still have a ways to go, the progress we have already made gives me hope that we can continue to move forward.

I am just worried that our country has lost its will to be strong as all countries eventually do. I feel that our country has grown aged and weak. I desire to rejuvenate our country, but how....and when?

This is getting almost mystical.  So let me suggest that you are taking too much on yourself.  You sound as if you have two choices --

1.   Rejuvenate our country or
2.   Stop caring, because you can't

Mother Teresa had a plaque above her desk in India that read, Faithfulness. Not success. Humans, Americans in particular, tend to judge our worth, the worth of another person or the worth of a cause by success.  

In my better moments, I realize I am not called to success.  I am called to faithfulness.  What does the old Jewish proverb say? "He who saves one life, saves the universe entire"?  Something like that.  Well, without losing sight of your responsibility to vote and support the candidate you feel is best, think less about rejuvenating your country.  And more, about rejuvenating one small part of it.  What can you do to make one person's life better?  How can you rejuvenate one neighborhood?  I don't need to give you specific suggestions -- you're clearly smart enough to figure that out for yourself.  

Just one thought to tack on to that:  It's still gonna suck, this feeling that the country is headed down the pishadoo, whoever gets elected.  But however you feel, you'll have something solid and factual to hold onto.  You were faithful.

[War on Want]

I have to agree. We are all screwed if we continue electing the same brand of idiots that have been running our country since 1968. We need real change in this country, but I would rather vote for someone who pushes for small amounts of change, rather than somebody that is for none, or for turning back the clock. Which is why I would support Clinton against McCain in a general election.

[© tweed]

I go through these fazes where I become obsessed with girls in my school who I don't know for a few months, and I do weird sh**t about it and it becomes a running joke until it fades away...  and most of the time, people don't even think the girl is all that hot...  but I do.  it's not like there's much of any emotional component to it, besides what I make of it...

originally there was Claire, and that has faded out...  now there's Mari..  last night I "poked" her on Facebook...  and she has poked back... and now we're in a poke war...  I don't even know if she knows who I am...  but it satiates me, as crazy as it is...  the only things that exist, are the things I can FEEL...  and I can feel that poke war

[JSojourner]

You have lost me completely...

[Person Man]

the choice isn't between "center-right" and "right" not is it about "left" and "socialism" and "taxes" and "Nazis"...  there is no choice because of chronic apathy...

think about this...  a majority (MAJORITY) MAJORITY  of Republican primary voters in SC (also known as, Americans) support the deportation of undocumented immigrants.  they get off on the fantasy of police barging into ghettos, shoving Mexicans onto boats at gunpoint, and dumping them on a hill back in their Old Country...  I suppose we could be sympathetic and say, they don't think it through in their minds that way, or are too dumb...  but as much as it may be true, they don't care enough to think about it...  I share the title of American with millions of these people, and, their presence is the reason why I'm not proud to be an American, and can't foresee ever holding to the cliche, nor should anyone who can think...  or cares too...

"destroy first, and construction will take care of itself"

Well, in the past a majority of SC residences hated Catholics, and wanted none of them in the country. Then of course a majority of SC residences supported Jim crow laws and keeping African Americans down, and I don’t honestly think most of them feel that way now. Anti immigrant rhetoric is pretty popular in parts of America at the moment, but if we as a nation were able to overcome our past problems and prejudices, I say we can overcome this one. Look at the young people, they don’t share this illegal immigrant backlash nearly as much as older folks do, so that’s one area to be hopeful in, right?

I don't believe everything's rosy in America, by far, but I believe we've come along way, and while we still have a ways to go, the progress we have already made gives me hope that we can continue to move forward.

I am just worried that our country has lost its will to be strong as all countries eventually do. I feel that our country has grown aged and weak. I desire to rejuvenate our country, but how....and when?

This is getting almost mystical.  So let me suggest that you are taking too much on yourself.  You sound as if you have two choices --

1.   Rejuvenate our country or
2.   Stop caring, because you can't

Mother Teresa had a plaque above her desk in India that read, Faithfulness. Not success. Humans, Americans in particular, tend to judge our worth, the worth of another person or the worth of a cause by success.  

In my better moments, I realize I am not called to success.  I am called to faithfulness.  What does the old Jewish proverb say? "He who saves one life, saves the universe entire"?  Something like that.  Well, without losing sight of your responsibility to vote and support the candidate you feel is best, think less about rejuvenating your country.  And more, about rejuvenating one small part of it.  What can you do to make one person's life better?  How can you rejuvenate one neighborhood?  I don't need to give you specific suggestions -- you're clearly smart enough to figure that out for yourself.  

Just one thought to tack on to that:  It's still gonna suck, this feeling that the country is headed down the pishadoo, whoever gets elected.  But however you feel, you'll have something solid and factual to hold onto.  You were faithful.

It is mystical and it is the struggle of our lives, the honor of our parents and the welfare of our children. I just see no honor in defeat. There is no salvation. We aren't doing this for Christ, are we?

[War on Want]

the choice isn't between "center-right" and "right" not is it about "left" and "socialism" and "taxes" and "Nazis"...  there is no choice because of chronic apathy...

think about this...  a majority (MAJORITY) MAJORITY  of Republican primary voters in SC (also known as, Americans) support the deportation of undocumented immigrants.  they get off on the fantasy of police barging into ghettos, shoving Mexicans onto boats at gunpoint, and dumping them on a hill back in their Old Country...  I suppose we could be sympathetic and say, they don't think it through in their minds that way, or are too dumb...  but as much as it may be true, they don't care enough to think about it...  I share the title of American with millions of these people, and, their presence is the reason why I'm not proud to be an American, and can't foresee ever holding to the cliche, nor should anyone who can think...  or cares too...

"destroy first, and construction will take care of itself"

Well, in the past a majority of SC residences hated Catholics, and wanted none of them in the country. Then of course a majority of SC residences supported Jim crow laws and keeping African Americans down, and I don’t honestly think most of them feel that way now. Anti immigrant rhetoric is pretty popular in parts of America at the moment, but if we as a nation were able to overcome our past problems and prejudices, I say we can overcome this one. Look at the young people, they don’t share this illegal immigrant backlash nearly as much as older folks do, so that’s one area to be hopeful in, right?

I don't believe everything's rosy in America, by far, but I believe we've come along way, and while we still have a ways to go, the progress we have already made gives me hope that we can continue to move forward.

I am just worried that our country has lost its will to be strong as all countries eventually do. I feel that our country has grown aged and weak. I desire to rejuvenate our country, but how....and when?

This is getting almost mystical.  So let me suggest that you are taking too much on yourself.  You sound as if you have two choices --

1.   Rejuvenate our country or
2.   Stop caring, because you can't

Mother Teresa had a plaque above her desk in India that read, Faithfulness. Not success. Humans, Americans in particular, tend to judge our worth, the worth of another person or the worth of a cause by success.  

In my better moments, I realize I am not called to success.  I am called to faithfulness.  What does the old Jewish proverb say? "He who saves one life, saves the universe entire"?  Something like that.  Well, without losing sight of your responsibility to vote and support the candidate you feel is best, think less about rejuvenating your country.  And more, about rejuvenating one small part of it.  What can you do to make one person's life better?  How can you rejuvenate one neighborhood?  I don't need to give you specific suggestions -- you're clearly smart enough to figure that out for yourself.  

Just one thought to tack on to that:  It's still gonna suck, this feeling that the country is headed down the pishadoo, whoever gets elected.  But however you feel, you'll have something solid and factual to hold onto.  You were faithful.

It is mystical and it is the struggle of our lives, the honor of our parents and the welfare of our children. I just see no honor in defeat. There is no salvation. We aren't doing this for Christ, are we?

I think what he means is that if we just gave up, then there would be no movement to change America and it would just go backwards faster and worse.

[Saxwsylvania]

This thread is almost Kafkaesque.   

[Person Man]

This thread is almost Kafkaesque.   

I think that's the point.

the choice isn't between "center-right" and "right" not is it about "left" and "socialism" and "taxes" and "Nazis"...  there is no choice because of chronic apathy...

think about this...  a majority (MAJORITY) MAJORITY  of Republican primary voters in SC (also known as, Americans) support the deportation of undocumented immigrants.  they get off on the fantasy of police barging into ghettos, shoving Mexicans onto boats at gunpoint, and dumping them on a hill back in their Old Country...  I suppose we could be sympathetic and say, they don't think it through in their minds that way, or are too dumb...  but as much as it may be true, they don't care enough to think about it...  I share the title of American with millions of these people, and, their presence is the reason why I'm not proud to be an American, and can't foresee ever holding to the cliche, nor should anyone who can think...  or cares too...

"destroy first, and construction will take care of itself"

Well, in the past a majority of SC residences hated Catholics, and wanted none of them in the country. Then of course a majority of SC residences supported Jim crow laws and keeping African Americans down, and I don’t honestly think most of them feel that way now. Anti immigrant rhetoric is pretty popular in parts of America at the moment, but if we as a nation were able to overcome our past problems and prejudices, I say we can overcome this one. Look at the young people, they don’t share this illegal immigrant backlash nearly as much as older folks do, so that’s one area to be hopeful in, right?

I don't believe everything's rosy in America, by far, but I believe we've come along way, and while we still have a ways to go, the progress we have already made gives me hope that we can continue to move forward.

I am just worried that our country has lost its will to be strong as all countries eventually do. I feel that our country has grown aged and weak. I desire to rejuvenate our country, but how....and when?

This is getting almost mystical.  So let me suggest that you are taking too much on yourself.  You sound as if you have two choices --

1.   Rejuvenate our country or
2.   Stop caring, because you can't

Mother Teresa had a plaque above her desk in India that read, Faithfulness. Not success. Humans, Americans in particular, tend to judge our worth, the worth of another person or the worth of a cause by success.  

In my better moments, I realize I am not called to success.  I am called to faithfulness.  What does the old Jewish proverb say? "He who saves one life, saves the universe entire"?  Something like that.  Well, without losing sight of your responsibility to vote and support the candidate you feel is best, think less about rejuvenating your country.  And more, about rejuvenating one small part of it.  What can you do to make one person's life better?  How can you rejuvenate one neighborhood?  I don't need to give you specific suggestions -- you're clearly smart enough to figure that out for yourself.  

Just one thought to tack on to that:  It's still gonna suck, this feeling that the country is headed down the pishadoo, whoever gets elected.  But however you feel, you'll have something solid and factual to hold onto.  You were faithful.

It is mystical and it is the struggle of our lives, the honor of our parents and the welfare of our children. I just see no honor in defeat. There is no salvation. We aren't doing this for Christ, are we?

I think what he means is that if we just gave up, then there would be no movement to change America and it would just go backwards faster and worse.

but what must we do?

[Reluctant Republican]

I go through these fazes where I become obsessed with girls in my school who I don't know for a few months, and I do weird sh**t about it and it becomes a running joke until it fades away...  and most of the time, people don't even think the girl is all that hot...  but I do.  it's not like there's much of any emotional component to it, besides what I make of it...

originally there was Claire, and that has faded out...  now there's Mari..  last night I "poked" her on Facebook...  and she has poked back... and now we're in a poke war...  I don't even know if she knows who I am...  but it satiates me, as crazy as it is...  the only things that exist, are the things I can FEEL...  and I can feel that poke war

That reminds me of the guy I liked. I really loved him tremendously, but of course I screwed it up, and I remember the exact date [the 11th of January 2007] and last words he said to me. “Dave, leave me alone, don’t talk to me again."It hurt me terribly, of course, and for this last year all I’ve been focused on is trying to get him back. But you know, I came to a realization a few days ago, it’s over. I’ve done all I could but he simply has no interest in even being my friend anymore. It’s hard to move on of course, and I still can’t say I’m over him, but there has to be someone out there who I can be happy with, and I intend to not give up no matter how hard it gets. And who knows, I’m a hopeless optimist and romantic. Perhaps some day, out in that vast eternity that lies in front of us, I’ll get another chance with him. But until then, I will settle, and I will do everything I can to be happy in doing so.

[War on Want]

the choice isn't between "center-right" and "right" not is it about "left" and "socialism" and "taxes" and "Nazis"...  there is no choice because of chronic apathy...

think about this...  a majority (MAJORITY) MAJORITY  of Republican primary voters in SC (also known as, Americans) support the deportation of undocumented immigrants.  they get off on the fantasy of police barging into ghettos, shoving Mexicans onto boats at gunpoint, and dumping them on a hill back in their Old Country...  I suppose we could be sympathetic and say, they don't think it through in their minds that way, or are too dumb...  but as much as it may be true, they don't care enough to think about it...  I share the title of American with millions of these people, and, their presence is the reason why I'm not proud to be an American, and can't foresee ever holding to the cliche, nor should anyone who can think...  or cares too...

"destroy first, and construction will take care of itself"

Well, in the past a majority of SC residences hated Catholics, and wanted none of them in the country. Then of course a majority of SC residences supported Jim crow laws and keeping African Americans down, and I don’t honestly think most of them feel that way now. Anti immigrant rhetoric is pretty popular in parts of America at the moment, but if we as a nation were able to overcome our past problems and prejudices, I say we can overcome this one. Look at the young people, they don’t share this illegal immigrant backlash nearly as much as older folks do, so that’s one area to be hopeful in, right?

I don't believe everything's rosy in America, by far, but I believe we've come along way, and while we still have a ways to go, the progress we have already made gives me hope that we can continue to move forward.

I am just worried that our country has lost its will to be strong as all countries eventually do. I feel that our country has grown aged and weak. I desire to rejuvenate our country, but how....and when?

This is getting almost mystical.  So let me suggest that you are taking too much on yourself.  You sound as if you have two choices --

1.   Rejuvenate our country or
2.   Stop caring, because you can't

Mother Teresa had a plaque above her desk in India that read, Faithfulness. Not success. Humans, Americans in particular, tend to judge our worth, the worth of another person or the worth of a cause by success.  

In my better moments, I realize I am not called to success.  I am called to faithfulness.  What does the old Jewish proverb say? "He who saves one life, saves the universe entire"?  Something like that.  Well, without losing sight of your responsibility to vote and support the candidate you feel is best, think less about rejuvenating your country.  And more, about rejuvenating one small part of it.  What can you do to make one person's life better?  How can you rejuvenate one neighborhood?  I don't need to give you specific suggestions -- you're clearly smart enough to figure that out for yourself.  

Just one thought to tack on to that:  It's still gonna suck, this feeling that the country is headed down the pishadoo, whoever gets elected.  But however you feel, you'll have something solid and factual to hold onto.  You were faithful.

It is mystical and it is the struggle of our lives, the honor of our parents and the welfare of our children. I just see no honor in defeat. There is no salvation. We aren't doing this for Christ, are we?

I think what he means is that if we just gave up, then there would be no movement to change America and it would just go backwards faster and worse.

but what must we do?
[/quote]
Fight to the end. There is no point in leaving or just becoming apathetic. America won't change and the world will just get worse. If all Leftists just quit trying to change things, the world would become a must worse place. Which is why we must not quit.

[patrick1]

This thread is almost Kafkaesque.   

I was thinking more Palahniuk(ian)

[Saxwsylvania]

This thread is almost Kafkaesque.   

I was thinking more Palahniuk(ian)

That's okay.  I don't know what either of them mean.

[Person Man]

the choice isn't between "center-right" and "right" not is it about "left" and "socialism" and "taxes" and "Nazis"...  there is no choice because of chronic apathy...

think about this...  a majority (MAJORITY) MAJORITY  of Republican primary voters in SC (also known as, Americans) support the deportation of undocumented immigrants.  they get off on the fantasy of police barging into ghettos, shoving Mexicans onto boats at gunpoint, and dumping them on a hill back in their Old Country...  I suppose we could be sympathetic and say, they don't think it through in their minds that way, or are too dumb...  but as much as it may be true, they don't care enough to think about it...  I share the title of American with millions of these people, and, their presence is the reason why I'm not proud to be an American, and can't foresee ever holding to the cliche, nor should anyone who can think...  or cares too...

"destroy first, and construction will take care of itself"

Well, in the past a majority of SC residences hated Catholics, and wanted none of them in the country. Then of course a majority of SC residences supported Jim crow laws and keeping African Americans down, and I don’t honestly think most of them feel that way now. Anti immigrant rhetoric is pretty popular in parts of America at the moment, but if we as a nation were able to overcome our past problems and prejudices, I say we can overcome this one. Look at the young people, they don’t share this illegal immigrant backlash nearly as much as older folks do, so that’s one area to be hopeful in, right?

I don't believe everything's rosy in America, by far, but I believe we've come along way, and while we still have a ways to go, the progress we have already made gives me hope that we can continue to move forward.

I am just worried that our country has lost its will to be strong as all countries eventually do. I feel that our country has grown aged and weak. I desire to rejuvenate our country, but how....and when?

This is getting almost mystical.  So let me suggest that you are taking too much on yourself.  You sound as if you have two choices --

1.   Rejuvenate our country or
2.   Stop caring, because you can't

Mother Teresa had a plaque above her desk in India that read, Faithfulness. Not success. Humans, Americans in particular, tend to judge our worth, the worth of another person or the worth of a cause by success.  

In my better moments, I realize I am not called to success.  I am called to faithfulness.  What does the old Jewish proverb say? "He who saves one life, saves the universe entire"?  Something like that.  Well, without losing sight of your responsibility to vote and support the candidate you feel is best, think less about rejuvenating your country.  And more, about rejuvenating one small part of it.  What can you do to make one person's life better?  How can you rejuvenate one neighborhood?  I don't need to give you specific suggestions -- you're clearly smart enough to figure that out for yourself.  

Just one thought to tack on to that:  It's still gonna suck, this feeling that the country is headed down the pishadoo, whoever gets elected.  But however you feel, you'll have something solid and factual to hold onto.  You were faithful.

It is mystical and it is the struggle of our lives, the honor of our parents and the welfare of our children. I just see no honor in defeat. There is no salvation. We aren't doing this for Christ, are we?

I think what he means is that if we just gave up, then there would be no movement to change America and it would just go backwards faster and worse.

but what must we do?

Fight to the end. There is no point in leaving or just becoming apathetic. America won't change and the world will just get worse. If all Leftists just quit trying to change things, the world would become a must worse place. Which is why we must not quit.
[/quote]

but how do we prevent ourselves into a sad fading?

[JSojourner]

the choice isn't between "center-right" and "right" not is it about "left" and "socialism" and "taxes" and "Nazis"...  there is no choice because of chronic apathy...

think about this...  a majority (MAJORITY) MAJORITY  of Republican primary voters in SC (also known as, Americans) support the deportation of undocumented immigrants.  they get off on the fantasy of police barging into ghettos, shoving Mexicans onto boats at gunpoint, and dumping them on a hill back in their Old Country...  I suppose we could be sympathetic and say, they don't think it through in their minds that way, or are too dumb...  but as much as it may be true, they don't care enough to think about it...  I share the title of American with millions of these people, and, their presence is the reason why I'm not proud to be an American, and can't foresee ever holding to the cliche, nor should anyone who can think...  or cares too...

"destroy first, and construction will take care of itself"

Well, in the past a majority of SC residences hated Catholics, and wanted none of them in the country. Then of course a majority of SC residences supported Jim crow laws and keeping African Americans down, and I don’t honestly think most of them feel that way now. Anti immigrant rhetoric is pretty popular in parts of America at the moment, but if we as a nation were able to overcome our past problems and prejudices, I say we can overcome this one. Look at the young people, they don’t share this illegal immigrant backlash nearly as much as older folks do, so that’s one area to be hopeful in, right?

I don't believe everything's rosy in America, by far, but I believe we've come along way, and while we still have a ways to go, the progress we have already made gives me hope that we can continue to move forward.

I am just worried that our country has lost its will to be strong as all countries eventually do. I feel that our country has grown aged and weak. I desire to rejuvenate our country, but how....and when?

This is getting almost mystical.  So let me suggest that you are taking too much on yourself.  You sound as if you have two choices --

1.   Rejuvenate our country or
2.   Stop caring, because you can't

Mother Teresa had a plaque above her desk in India that read, Faithfulness. Not success. Humans, Americans in particular, tend to judge our worth, the worth of another person or the worth of a cause by success.  

In my better moments, I realize I am not called to success.  I am called to faithfulness.  What does the old Jewish proverb say? "He who saves one life, saves the universe entire"?  Something like that.  Well, without losing sight of your responsibility to vote and support the candidate you feel is best, think less about rejuvenating your country.  And more, about rejuvenating one small part of it.  What can you do to make one person's life better?  How can you rejuvenate one neighborhood?  I don't need to give you specific suggestions -- you're clearly smart enough to figure that out for yourself.  

Just one thought to tack on to that:  It's still gonna suck, this feeling that the country is headed down the pishadoo, whoever gets elected.  But however you feel, you'll have something solid and factual to hold onto.  You were faithful.

It is mystical and it is the struggle of our lives, the honor of our parents and the welfare of our children. I just see no honor in defeat. There is no salvation. We aren't doing this for Christ, are we?

I am a Christian, so I might answer that we ARE.  But whether you believe in Jesus or not, the notion that we are doing this for the benefit of others is what it's all about.  The old mantra, "I got mine, Jack. Now root, hog or die, is alive and well.  And we can point our finger at capitalism run amok or Reaganistic "trickle down" and say it's all their fault.  But Democrats, more often than not, have been part of the problem.  And when one does come along who thinks, acts and speaks differently...well...someone shoots him.  Or he dies in a plane crash.  (And no, I am not putting forth a conspiracy theory, here.  I am just noting an oddity.)

I've spent the last 20 years or so trying to figure out what my calling is.  Am I to be a journalist?  A priest? An antiques dealer?  A husband and father?  Shoot -- I no longer know what my calling is.  I not only DO NOT have all the answers, I am still trying to figure out what the questions are.

Perhaps the NEED is the call.

So ask yourself where the need is.  Not the great, massive, insurmountable national need.  The need right there, in your home...in your neighborhood...in your town.  Maybe that's your call.  And faithfulness to the call solves the meaning question.  Success, not so much.

Visiting a stranger in a nursing home or at the local V-A hospital...and just listening to them...that's not going to resurrect Bobby Kennedy.  And it's not going to save our country, if indeed, it needs saving.  But do it anyway.  You probably won't care any less about politics.  But the frustration you feel over not changing your country will be greatly mitigated by the joy you receive in changing one life.

And I am stopping now.  Because that almost sounded like a greeting card and I try not to do "kitsch".

[MarkWarner08]

honest question...  we spend so much time on all of this.  and we're headed towards Clinton and McCain...  I can't find a sliver of difference between the two on anything that matters...  not that there's more than a sliver of difference between any of the major candidates, but some of them have that aura...

people will be happy so long as their cable tv pumps through and gas is in their car, and the McDonalds drive-thru is open... but hopefully, one day in my lifetime, more Nixon and more Humphrey and more Clinton and more Bush and More McCain will land people with no gasoline and no television and no police and no telephone and chaos...  and then they can do some real thinking...

Fretting about Peak Oil, eh? I'm feeling distressed and dejected too. Console yourself with this thought: President aren't that important. The President can't really affect the trajectory of the economy other than appointing the Fed. and our democracy is rigged in favor of inaction. Will it really matter if Hildabeast or Grandpa Mac win the Big House? Not very much.

[Person Man]

the choice isn't between "center-right" and "right" not is it about "left" and "socialism" and "taxes" and "Nazis"...  there is no choice because of chronic apathy...

think about this...  a majority (MAJORITY) MAJORITY  of Republican primary voters in SC (also known as, Americans) support the deportation of undocumented immigrants.  they get off on the fantasy of police barging into ghettos, shoving Mexicans onto boats at gunpoint, and dumping them on a hill back in their Old Country...  I suppose we could be sympathetic and say, they don't think it through in their minds that way, or are too dumb...  but as much as it may be true, they don't care enough to think about it...  I share the title of American with millions of these people, and, their presence is the reason why I'm not proud to be an American, and can't foresee ever holding to the cliche, nor should anyone who can think...  or cares too...

"destroy first, and construction will take care of itself"

Well, in the past a majority of SC residences hated Catholics, and wanted none of them in the country. Then of course a majority of SC residences supported Jim crow laws and keeping African Americans down, and I don’t honestly think most of them feel that way now. Anti immigrant rhetoric is pretty popular in parts of America at the moment, but if we as a nation were able to overcome our past problems and prejudices, I say we can overcome this one. Look at the young people, they don’t share this illegal immigrant backlash nearly as much as older folks do, so that’s one area to be hopeful in, right?

I don't believe everything's rosy in America, by far, but I believe we've come along way, and while we still have a ways to go, the progress we have already made gives me hope that we can continue to move forward.

I am just worried that our country has lost its will to be strong as all countries eventually do. I feel that our country has grown aged and weak. I desire to rejuvenate our country, but how....and when?

This is getting almost mystical.  So let me suggest that you are taking too much on yourself.  You sound as if you have two choices --

1.   Rejuvenate our country or
2.   Stop caring, because you can't

Mother Teresa had a plaque above her desk in India that read, Faithfulness. Not success. Humans, Americans in particular, tend to judge our worth, the worth of another person or the worth of a cause by success.  

In my better moments, I realize I am not called to success.  I am called to faithfulness.  What does the old Jewish proverb say? "He who saves one life, saves the universe entire"?  Something like that.  Well, without losing sight of your responsibility to vote and support the candidate you feel is best, think less about rejuvenating your country.  And more, about rejuvenating one small part of it.  What can you do to make one person's life better?  How can you rejuvenate one neighborhood?  I don't need to give you specific suggestions -- you're clearly smart enough to figure that out for yourself.  

Just one thought to tack on to that:  It's still gonna suck, this feeling that the country is headed down the pishadoo, whoever gets elected.  But however you feel, you'll have something solid and factual to hold onto.  You were faithful.

It is mystical and it is the struggle of our lives, the honor of our parents and the welfare of our children. I just see no honor in defeat. There is no salvation. We aren't doing this for Christ, are we?

I am a Christian, so I might answer that we ARE.  But whether you believe in Jesus or not, the notion that we are doing this for the benefit of others is what it's all about.  The old mantra, "I got mine, Jack. Now root, hog or die, is alive and well.  And we can point our finger at capitalism run amok or Reaganistic "trickle down" and say it's all their fault.  But Democrats, more often than not, have been part of the problem.  And when one does come along who thinks, acts and speaks differently...well...someone shoots him.  Or he dies in a plane crash.  (And no, I am not putting forth a conspiracy theory, here.  I am just noting an oddity.)

I've spent the last 20 years or so trying to figure out what my calling is.  Am I to be a journalist?  A priest? An antiques dealer?  A husband and father?  Shoot -- I no longer know what my calling is.  I not only DO NOT have all the answers, I am still trying to figure out what the questions are.

Perhaps the NEED is the call.

So ask yourself where the need is.  Not the great, massive, insurmountable national need.  The need right there, in your home...in your neighborhood...in your town.  Maybe that's your call.  And faithfulness to the call solves the meaning question.  Success, not so much.

Visiting a stranger in a nursing home or at the local V-A hospital...and just listening to them...that's not going to resurrect Bobby Kennedy.  And it's not going to save our country, if indeed, it needs saving.  But do it anyway.  You probably won't care any less about politics.  But the frustration you feel over not changing your country will be greatly mitigated by the joy you receive in changing one life.

And I am stopping now.  Because that almost sounded like a greeting card and I try not to do "kitsch".

The question I asked is whether Jesus cares about Secular causes.... should I just wait for him or do I still have things to do? I am even being punished the way Paul was for not following the right path?

[Sam Spade]

lol @ the kidz...

[angus]

honest question...  we spend so much time on all of this.

For one thing, it regularly dumps billions of dollars a year into the Iowa economy.  It's difficult to put an exact dollar amount on it, but some analysts estimate as much as six billion dollars were redistributed from metropolitan donors into Iowa small business owners as a result of the Iowa caucus.  And that's just one small state.

Also, talking heads depend on it.  It may be just fun and games to you, but people like Chris Matthews have to feed their families.  Signmakers have to feed their families too.

It's the American way.  No one wants to trade capitalism for democracy.  Do they? 

That'd be like expecting people to take commandments like "Don't covet your neighbor's goods" seriously.  Don't covet your neighbor's goods?!  How the hell does God think the economy works?  Coveting your neighbor's goods is exactly the reason Wall Street exists.

Let's be honest.  Newspapers, televisions, hoteliers, restauranteurs, dry cleaners, microphone makers, podium carpenters, set designers, speechwriters, airline companies, waiters, drivers, musicians, flagmakers, publishers, and everyone else depend on you giving a little money to the skinny kid who comes to your door asking for money for a decent cause.

Are there differences between these lying, filthy politicians?  Sure there are.  I think we can honestly say some are more nationalistic, some are more collectivist, some are more individualist, and some are lazier than others.  I think it's misleading to say that Hillary and John aren't different.  But they have some similarities:  they are both sleazy enough and crazy enough to want to be President of the United States of America.  That ought to qualify you for commitment to an insane asylum, but states no longer make it easy to institutionalize anyone.  Nowadays people go to "clinics" of their own volition, because it's cool and trendy.  Or they just run for public office. 

But those vain, insincere candidates keep us all in pablum, hoss.  Their jousting keeps us entertained, and their jostling and traveling keeps more than a few folks employed.  We have stretch campaign season out long enough that there isn't really any down time now.  Inauguration day marks the beginning of the next round.  And that's the way the newsmedia folks like it.

They gotta eat too. you know. 

[JSojourner]

the choice isn't between "center-right" and "right" not is it about "left" and "socialism" and "taxes" and "Nazis"...  there is no choice because of chronic apathy...

think about this...  a majority (MAJORITY) MAJORITY  of Republican primary voters in SC (also known as, Americans) support the deportation of undocumented immigrants.  they get off on the fantasy of police barging into ghettos, shoving Mexicans onto boats at gunpoint, and dumping them on a hill back in their Old Country...  I suppose we could be sympathetic and say, they don't think it through in their minds that way, or are too dumb...  but as much as it may be true, they don't care enough to think about it...  I share the title of American with millions of these people, and, their presence is the reason why I'm not proud to be an American, and can't foresee ever holding to the cliche, nor should anyone who can think...  or cares too...

"destroy first, and construction will take care of itself"

Well, in the past a majority of SC residences hated Catholics, and wanted none of them in the country. Then of course a majority of SC residences supported Jim crow laws and keeping African Americans down, and I don’t honestly think most of them feel that way now. Anti immigrant rhetoric is pretty popular in parts of America at the moment, but if we as a nation were able to overcome our past problems and prejudices, I say we can overcome this one. Look at the young people, they don’t share this illegal immigrant backlash nearly as much as older folks do, so that’s one area to be hopeful in, right?

I don't believe everything's rosy in America, by far, but I believe we've come along way, and while we still have a ways to go, the progress we have already made gives me hope that we can continue to move forward.

I am just worried that our country has lost its will to be strong as all countries eventually do. I feel that our country has grown aged and weak. I desire to rejuvenate our country, but how....and when?

This is getting almost mystical.  So let me suggest that you are taking too much on yourself.  You sound as if you have two choices --

1.   Rejuvenate our country or
2.   Stop caring, because you can't

Mother Teresa had a plaque above her desk in India that read, Faithfulness. Not success. Humans, Americans in particular, tend to judge our worth, the worth of another person or the worth of a cause by success.  

In my better moments, I realize I am not called to success.  I am called to faithfulness.  What does the old Jewish proverb say? "He who saves one life, saves the universe entire"?  Something like that.  Well, without losing sight of your responsibility to vote and support the candidate you feel is best, think less about rejuvenating your country.  And more, about rejuvenating one small part of it.  What can you do to make one person's life better?  How can you rejuvenate one neighborhood?  I don't need to give you specific suggestions -- you're clearly smart enough to figure that out for yourself.  

Just one thought to tack on to that:  It's still gonna suck, this feeling that the country is headed down the pishadoo, whoever gets elected.  But however you feel, you'll have something solid and factual to hold onto.  You were faithful.

It is mystical and it is the struggle of our lives, the honor of our parents and the welfare of our children. I just see no honor in defeat. There is no salvation. We aren't doing this for Christ, are we?

I am a Christian, so I might answer that we ARE.  But whether you believe in Jesus or not, the notion that we are doing this for the benefit of others is what it's all about.  The old mantra, "I got mine, Jack. Now root, hog or die, is alive and well.  And we can point our finger at capitalism run amok or Reaganistic "trickle down" and say it's all their fault.  But Democrats, more often than not, have been part of the problem.  And when one does come along who thinks, acts and speaks differently...well...someone shoots him.  Or he dies in a plane crash.  (And no, I am not putting forth a conspiracy theory, here.  I am just noting an oddity.)

I've spent the last 20 years or so trying to figure out what my calling is.  Am I to be a journalist?  A priest? An antiques dealer?  A husband and father?  Shoot -- I no longer know what my calling is.  I not only DO NOT have all the answers, I am still trying to figure out what the questions are.

Perhaps the NEED is the call.

So ask yourself where the need is.  Not the great, massive, insurmountable national need.  The need right there, in your home...in your neighborhood...in your town.  Maybe that's your call.  And faithfulness to the call solves the meaning question.  Success, not so much.

Visiting a stranger in a nursing home or at the local V-A hospital...and just listening to them...that's not going to resurrect Bobby Kennedy.  And it's not going to save our country, if indeed, it needs saving.  But do it anyway.  You probably won't care any less about politics.  But the frustration you feel over not changing your country will be greatly mitigated by the joy you receive in changing one life.

And I am stopping now.  Because that almost sounded like a greeting card and I try not to do "kitsch".

The question I asked is whether Jesus cares about Secular causes.... should I just wait for him or do I still have things to do?

I am not sure what you mean.  Please forgive me for being obtuse!  Are you asking if he cares about filling potholes, balancing budgets and the state of relations with Thailand?  Are you asking if he cares about anything except converting sinners and getting people to Heaven?  

I'm really sorry -- I'm not trying to be difficult, I want to make sure I understand.  I don't know if you are a religious person or not, but when it comes to making a difference, you can change things whatever side of the debate you land on.

[MarkWarner08]

lol @ the kidz...

Enjoy your callous shell of political indifference....

[Keystone Phil]

lol @ the kidz...

Enjoy your callous shell of political indifference....

How is that necessarily indifference? Maybe some of us are amused by the drama over this just like you and your's have been when certain Republicans complain about Romney.