Single Issue Voter?

[David Floyd]

Firstly, I had the right to claim unemployment benefit.

Well, I think we would define rights differently

Secondly, I'd happily steal to stop my daughter starving. I'd even kill to "prolong her life". I suspect any father would do the same. Does this make me a bad person?

A bad person? No, I wouldn't say that.

[Bugs ****ing Bunny]

Naturally I don't have any "right" to do so. I'd still do it, however.

[tandeetaylor]

I'm really not intending this is in the spirit of hostility. I'm sorry that you feel that way. See, I'm the kind of person who can call my dad a bigot and criticize his arguments with strong language in the same phone call as I'm talking to him about the new baby and being a grandpa... with easy transitions....

However, the opening to your post was patronizing, I believe. And just as you believe my words are tinged with hostility, I believe your words are tinged with an equally bad goody-goody sugar coated self-righteousness.

[Bugs ****ing Bunny]

"Tinged with hostility"? Tandee- you've repeatedly called me a thief....

[David Floyd]

Jesus. That's why I didn't want to get into personal examples. Because eventually it's gonna get into poster vs. poster rather than idea vs. idea.

Now do you see why I don't like it?

[tandeetaylor]

Originally posted by Lazarus and the Gimp
"Tinged with hostility"? Tandee- you've repeatedly called me a thief....

OK.

Did you read my last post?

[Bugs ****ing Bunny]

Yes I did. However I really don't agree with the "I'm sorry you feel that way..." approach, or the attitude that it's fine to say what you like, and it's everyone else's fault if they don't like it.

[Bugs ****ing Bunny]

Originally posted by David Floyd
Jesus. That's why I didn't want to get into personal examples. Because eventually it's gonna get into poster vs. poster rather than idea vs. idea.

Now do you see why I don't like it?

That's the problem that I see with many of the libertarians who post here- they like to keep everything on a theoretical level where it's all safe. However if they're serious about putting their notions into practice then they need to get personal.

That's where they start to falter. Idealised politics tends to involve viewing people as objects, and those who stick to idealised politics in debates can get uncomfortable when suddenly they're faced with a real-life example with a family who's getting in their face.

Again I'll say it. I'm a pragmatist. I view politics on a human and personal level. I have absolutely no qualms about getting into personal issues because I feel absolutely no shame about the implications of my politics- which after all is based on my desire to look after people.

[tandeetaylor]

Alrighty then. And good day to you...

But seriously, I do think you are a thief, I don't see why I should take that back. Do I think you're a horrible evil creature? No... You seem like a good natured fellow. I just think you are a thief. I can't and don't want to change that I believe that. Is it your fault if you don't like it? No, but you are going to have to deal with it. Or ignore it. Either way.

[tandeetaylor]

Originally posted by Lazarus and the Gimp
That's the problem that I see with many of the libertarians who post here- they like to keep everything on a theoretical level where it's all safe. However if they're serious about putting their notions into practice then they need to get personal.

And then, when someone does, you go on and on and on about it, for, like six posts. (Or two, I didn't really count)

[David Floyd]

That's the problem that I see with many of the libertarians who post here- they like to keep everything on a theoretical level where it's all safe. However if they're serious about putting their notions into practice then they need to get personal.

No, the problem is being asked loaded questions. Of COURSE I don't want someone to starve to death, or get killed by Nazis, or live on a street corner. Duh. But I don't want that person violating someone else's rights, either, in order to get out of that condition.

Again I'll say it. I'm a pragmatist. I view politics on a human and personal level. I have absolutely no qualms about getting into personal issues because I feel absolutely no shame about the implications of my politics- which after all is based on my desire to look after people.

Well, I guess my fault is that I tend to be a fairly nice person who doesn't enjoy insulting or upsetting others. Actually I've been told by people in real life that that is a fault.

It's not that I feel any shame about the implications of my beliefs, its that I don't want other people to feel bad.

[Bugs ****ing Bunny]

They key word was "many", tandee. You don't figure in that grouping.

Given my spectacularly volatile nature, regulars may wonder why I'm not using my standard approach of the immense and foul torrent of abuse. I just can't bring myself to do it though.

[tandeetaylor]

Originally posted by Lazarus and the Gimp
They key word was "many", tandee. You don't figure in that grouping.

EDIT: OK, but my point is that you want someone to do that, and then you complain about it.

Given my spectacularly volatile nature, regulars may wonder why I'm not using my standard approach of the immense and foul torrent of abuse. I just can't bring myself to do it though.

Torrent on, brother. I can take it.

[tandeetaylor]

Originally posted by David Floyd
Well, I guess my fault is that I tend to be a fairly nice person who doesn't enjoy insulting or upsetting others.

Hey!

[David Floyd]

Huh?