I agree that retreating to the echo chamber is a bad idea (no matter what side it’s on). I think if we actually sat down and had a conversation about the issues, we’d find we have a lot more in common than the media makes it seem. I have many friends on both sides of it (some of whom are open to it) and have had several meaningful conversations about the issues (even coming to an agreement on solutions).
My greatest concern is the disingenuous way our government on both sides of the aisle casually lie about what they intend to do and what their political opponents are doing. I think the greatest failure of our political system is the level of transparency they are willing to offer and the use of fear to motivate people to stand with them in their position. It is obvious that both sides cannot be right. And I refuse to ‘pick a side’ to stand with people who are not accustomed to either transparency or moderation. I want neither a fascist state nor a communist paradise. I don’t want a ‘tribe’ because the nature of tribalism is to be in conflict with other ‘tribes’ who disagree or hold different ideologies. This, in a day and age when everyone getting along and working for common sense goals that benefit the greatest number of people would seem like the most reasonable way to go. I would settle for voting for an honest candidate…but they are not very popular these days. So as usual, I will vote for the lesser of two evils.
Good Lord Bridget, where do you find these people! This woman apparently doesn't understand that a person's tribe is their family. That's what a tribe is, people who are descended from a particular set of ancestors. Jews are a classic example - they're descendants of Judah, the son of Israel, formerly Jacob. It's not something you decide to "join" (although you may be adopted into one.) Political feelings are just that, emotions which stem from thoughts. Basing one's life on politics, which, unfortunately, too many people do, is nothing but folly. While religion is a belief (or lack of one) of a divine being, politics are creations of political parties who only want your vote. And yes, many Republicans ARE RINOS but then again, many "conservatives" are actually right-wing progressives. It's all about power. As for January 6, if those protestors had wanted to, they could have been armed and then there really would have been problems.
I share this frustration as well. It’s like the extremists from both sides control the conversation, and nobody can accept an opposing point of view. My Substack is meant to try to get people to see both sides of the aisle by posting CNN, Fox News, CBS and NBC political news all in one place.
Here is the difference between news channels, as I see it. No matter the slant when it is talked about, you see all the stories on Fox, regardless of who it may make look bad. MSNBCNN doesn't even talk about the stories that make the left look bad, so their viewers truly do live in a different reality. While I understand your opinion, it is not a fair comparison to see them the same. Your partner understands, he watches Fox, and refuses to watch the communists he fled on the others. I know this sounds tribal, but it is reality.
I make a point of trying to hear as many different perspectives I can. Recently, I read a piece that said terrible things about people I have respect for. Pretty sure a few of them have been on Bridget's podcast, but I still read it because I believe in hearing from all sides. Though I do worry about putting it out there and allowing people to read it. There's a place that I chose not to post it because I worried that there'd be a backlash thanks to them being in favour of many of the people who were said to be terrible.
I agree that retreating to the echo chamber is a bad idea (no matter what side it’s on). I think if we actually sat down and had a conversation about the issues, we’d find we have a lot more in common than the media makes it seem. I have many friends on both sides of it (some of whom are open to it) and have had several meaningful conversations about the issues (even coming to an agreement on solutions).
My greatest concern is the disingenuous way our government on both sides of the aisle casually lie about what they intend to do and what their political opponents are doing. I think the greatest failure of our political system is the level of transparency they are willing to offer and the use of fear to motivate people to stand with them in their position. It is obvious that both sides cannot be right. And I refuse to ‘pick a side’ to stand with people who are not accustomed to either transparency or moderation. I want neither a fascist state nor a communist paradise. I don’t want a ‘tribe’ because the nature of tribalism is to be in conflict with other ‘tribes’ who disagree or hold different ideologies. This, in a day and age when everyone getting along and working for common sense goals that benefit the greatest number of people would seem like the most reasonable way to go. I would settle for voting for an honest candidate…but they are not very popular these days. So as usual, I will vote for the lesser of two evils.
Good Lord Bridget, where do you find these people! This woman apparently doesn't understand that a person's tribe is their family. That's what a tribe is, people who are descended from a particular set of ancestors. Jews are a classic example - they're descendants of Judah, the son of Israel, formerly Jacob. It's not something you decide to "join" (although you may be adopted into one.) Political feelings are just that, emotions which stem from thoughts. Basing one's life on politics, which, unfortunately, too many people do, is nothing but folly. While religion is a belief (or lack of one) of a divine being, politics are creations of political parties who only want your vote. And yes, many Republicans ARE RINOS but then again, many "conservatives" are actually right-wing progressives. It's all about power. As for January 6, if those protestors had wanted to, they could have been armed and then there really would have been problems.
I share this frustration as well. It’s like the extremists from both sides control the conversation, and nobody can accept an opposing point of view. My Substack is meant to try to get people to see both sides of the aisle by posting CNN, Fox News, CBS and NBC political news all in one place.
https://open.substack.com/pub/polarnewsusa?r=1bl9lv&utm_medium=ios
Here is the difference between news channels, as I see it. No matter the slant when it is talked about, you see all the stories on Fox, regardless of who it may make look bad. MSNBCNN doesn't even talk about the stories that make the left look bad, so their viewers truly do live in a different reality. While I understand your opinion, it is not a fair comparison to see them the same. Your partner understands, he watches Fox, and refuses to watch the communists he fled on the others. I know this sounds tribal, but it is reality.
I make a point of trying to hear as many different perspectives I can. Recently, I read a piece that said terrible things about people I have respect for. Pretty sure a few of them have been on Bridget's podcast, but I still read it because I believe in hearing from all sides. Though I do worry about putting it out there and allowing people to read it. There's a place that I chose not to post it because I worried that there'd be a backlash thanks to them being in favour of many of the people who were said to be terrible.