Shutdown over. Republicans blinked.

[Sava]

If they want to have a useless term that fits the other 99.9% of the population that doesn't share their crazy beliefs let them.

But I need dumb things to argue about!

[MrFun]

This thread is an incredible display of Poly's finest. Kentonio pretends to know stuff about American politics, Oerdin is a partisan ****, DD makes prescient avatar bets, and Guynemer acts like the only adult in the room.

rinse and repeat

[Aeson]

For instance, courtesy of Nate Silver:

We need more swingers ...

(I mean that in every possible interpretation)

[kentonio]

There are partisan hacks on this board. DD isn't one of them.

And after a bold 40 yard run that left everyone stranded, Guynemer trips over his own feet and fumbles with only a yard left to go.

[Guynemer]

Again, this **** is exactly the ****ing problem.

So many people think that anyone on the other side of the spectrum is, by definition, a "partisan hack". It is exactly such thinking that makes one a partisan hack. There are actually conservative people that you can talk to and reason with and respect, kentonio. Grow the **** up.

[kentonio]

Someone needs to lighten up. I've had perfectly reasonable conversations with DD, but he's certainly very partisan and to deny that is pretty silly. A better example of a less partisan conservative would have been PLATO.

[Guynemer]

Guess what? People can be more and less partisan without being a "hack".

If you want **** to change in this country, it's time to stop looking at everyone else as the goddamned enemy.

[The Mad Monk]

Does anyone have any decorating tips for Oerdin's head while I'm here? It's quite disgusting in here.

You might try getting that scrumpy off the ceiling.

[kentonio]

Guess what? People can be more and less partisan without being a "hack".

If it's just the word hack you're bothered about, then fair enough as I shouldn't have used it anyway. DD isn't getting any kind of reward for his partisanship.

If you want **** to change in this country, it's time to stop looking at everyone else as the goddamned enemy.

Yes it is, but there's a difference between being open for dialogue with people (I can't think of anyone here other than the crazies who I've refused to have a decent chat with from time to time), and people doing what you do. Which is sit in the middle and no matter how ****ed up things get just shout about how its all bull****, nothing major ever changes, and how all sides are equally in the wrong always. Sometimes stuff is just simply morally wrong, and if you're not willing to take sides on those occasions then don't piss and moan about the results.

[Guynemer]

Maybe don't go putting words into mouth, either? What on Earth gives you the impression that I think all sides are equally in the wrong?

[kentonio]

I'm just going from your reaction in a lot of threads, you usually seem to pop up to basically tell people that all politicians are dicks and that everyone should stop acting like the other side are squarely in the wrong. It's good general advice, but we're not living in normal times.

[MikeH]

You are both making reasonable points and basically agree 95% but as this is Poly you are still managing to turn it into a big argument.

[kentonio]

Sorry, I'm still shaking off the negative emotions of finding out that Aeson and Ben are the same person.

[Guynemer]

You are both making reasonable points and basically agree 95% but as this is Poly you are still managing to turn it into a big argument.

Just doing my part as the resident liberal nihilist.

[Sava]

Doctor Angry