:chuckle:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFAqaoSIAhg
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Liberals ... a typical approach to problem-solving
https://www.imgur.com/Y570KAV.gif
Quote:
Originally Posted by steelreserve
you guys need to find a hobby, get some fresh air, life is passing you by. One thing I can honestly say is after over 40 years of working nothing really changed for me regardless of what party was in the WH.
Eh, it's not as if this is all we do all day. Hell, the amount of extra time I have just because sports all got ruined this year is way more than I spend on here.Quote:
Originally Posted by Shoes
Normally I would agree with the last part of what you said. But - how much did your life change over the past year because of liberal Democrats? I sure hope you are right, but this would appear to be shaping up quite differently from business as usual. Stay tuned!
As long as I can remember there have been horror stories from politicians in both parties when the other party took control of the WH. I think the real danger today is the division in the parties cause by the far right & left and driven by a pathetic news media. This I haven't see before. Americans are glued to 24-7 "news" on the TV and computer. This is their diet and after feeding on this they spew it upon each other, trying to one-up the other, no one is listening to the other.Quote:
Originally Posted by steelreserve
As for my life changing over the past year, it's been good. My wife and I retired, sold our house and moved back to Sweden in September. I've lost count of how many (mislead) people over the years have ask me how I could live in a "socialist country" like Sweden. Well, I love it. If someone thinks seeing your tax krona benefiting you and your neighbour, having health care, a much better quality of life then in the States, an enormous amount of free time and politicians that have to listen and work together a bad thing, I don't know what to say.
Look, it's probably nice to be able to say so what, I can get away from it all and kick back, it's not my problem so lighten up. That is not for everybody. And some people give a shit about what's going on in the world even if it does not immediately have a direct impact on them.Quote:
Originally Posted by Shoes
I would normally say politics are mostly overblown background noise, or at most only affect daily life in a very vague sense. I have felt that way for the overwhelming majority of my life. That is not the case anymore, and I don't think that because of "division" or "the media." There are some real fucked-up people who want some fucked-up things. Crazy things. Evil, maybe. The media is not just dividing people, they are actively helping with it because they want those things too.
Very easy to say it's all much ado about nothing - doesn't cost you anything to do that. But god damn would it be bad to be wrong.
I get it. The problem is that both parties are far left and right nuts.... the left more so. "WE" are mostly in the middle, a little one way or the other.Quote:
Originally Posted by Shoes
I'm happy last year was good for you, honest. Last year was was terrible for a whole lot of us. This year is no better, as of right now. I haven't worked at my "real job" in 11 months. I'm out of state unemployment. I have no insurance. Try paying a mortgage, vehicle payment, groceries and utilities on $400.00 a week. I'm fortunate to have found work paying under the table in cash, but $12.00 an hour isn't making a living... not even close.
Things are bad for quite a lot of us... through no fault of our own.
Well if you think that is my attitude and that I don't care or know what is going on in the world you're wrong. I just don't believe everything the news media and politicians on ether side spew out. There have always been crazy, bad, evil people on the earth and there will be until the end of time. There is nothing new under the sun. Between the 80' & 90's I spend a lot of time in Africa (Chad), Bangladesh, with the Kurdish Peshmerga's (refugees from northern Iran & Iraq) and refugees from multiple countries in the 90's Balkan war. You would not believe if I told you what these people went through. You want to talk about a screwed up, crazy and evil world. I don't get my direction in life from the media or any political party, I have a compass and I know how to use it, I don't let things I can't control steal my joy and control my life.Quote:
Originally Posted by steelreserve
See, I don't think that deriding a bunch of stupid people who you don't like is the same thing as "stealing my joy" or letting it control my life. I mean, to the extent that the government has decided to create specific additional obstacles recently, I guess that's a form of control, but you do what you can, and in the meantime, it really is ok to despise them for it.
I too have met lots of people from war-torn places and areas with terrible recent histories within a generation or so. Eastern Europe and the USSR, the Middle East, Cuba, Venezuela, Vietnam. What they are all saying now is troublesome to say the least: "I have seen this before. This is how it started. I never imagined I would see it here." They were never saying that before, and it's not just one or two guys saying it. That is alarming.
In my opinion, saying "Calm down, it could never happen here, you're overreacting" is not really a very persuasive argument. Very few places in the whole world have been fortunate enough to completely escape the evils of tyranny for even the past century. It is not the natural state of things, and it is not something that just happens on its own. You are not some kind of miserable weirdo for concerning yourself with it, especially when the alarming signs start cropping up.
I bet there are a lot of people who wish their immediate ancestors had concerned themselves more with that than with what other people thought of them.
Well, I'm sorry about your work situation. I will say my wife and I had to move multiple times ( different states, like about 7 times) to keep working in our fields. Now I'm not directing this at you because I don't know your entire situation, but most people are not willing to move to stay in their line of work. As for making ends meet, most Americans buy things they shouldn't, rather than save they spend. They've counted on overtime pay as part of their 40 hour work week and when overtime is cut it becomes a burden because most people are living well above their means. Rather than buy a good used truck, they buy a new one for 50k and pay six years of payments/interest and continue to use that credit card for other unnecessary purchases then, cry foul when everything goes south. I hope things work out for you.Quote:
Originally Posted by silver & black
There is a bit of a difference between meeting people and hands on living with and helping them for years. I've known these folks for over 20 years now and what they are saying is they are happy and thankful they are living in peace today, That their children have grown up here and have been well educated and have good jobs. That is good to hear. Lots of people that come to the west are not really refugees. They are simple looking for a better life with dreams of being wealthy under the guise of a refugee and some come as terrorist.Quote:
Originally Posted by steelreserve
I don't recall saying "Calm down, it could never happen here, you're overreacting". I have clearly seen a lot of misinformation (or to be truthful flat out lies) over the years via the media, politicians and talkshows on both sides and so I put no trust in any of them. I have said above that the division in the US is not good and that I have not seen it this bad before, but it's all driven, fed and made worse by the media and the politicians, yet people continue to feed off this crap. There is nothing wrong with being concerned with issues of the day. However the media and Washington have turned concern into consumption imo.
So in a practical way folks must find a way to work together, watching CNN, FOX and listening to the relics in Washington will only give you what we now have.
I really don't like internet communication. I much prefer face to face, I suppose I'm just old fashion. :chuckle: There is so much that can be misunderstood, it's so ease to put folks into certain boxes and to make an enemy of people without ever meeting them or really getting to knowing them because of political issues. There is something really wrong with that. And by the way, I do miss your posting up in Steeler talk.
pretty much lol
another administration whatever, i'll continue to thrive no matter what
You should talk with somebody about this. Maybe face to face, like with a pastor, priest, a counsellor, or therapist, etc.Quote:
Originally Posted by steelreserve
Talking to somebody impartial about your despising the government for these obstacles and need to "deride a bunch of stupid people" for not seeing these "alarming signs" that you are seeing...could be helpful.
Yeah, football was just very difficult to get up a lot of enthusiasm for this year. It was all fucked up and not as exciting, and frankly, you never got the sense that it was going to be a fulfilling season. The wall-to-wall politics and COVID creeping into it didn't help either. Hopefully that all turns around in time for the next one.Quote:
Originally Posted by Shoes
I understand the rest of what you are saying, but still think you are underestimating the massive change in the role and influence that government took on this past year, all of it extremely negative. I mean, these were very real actions with incredibly destructive impacts on people's lives. It is an unprecedented departure from what is normal or acceptable from the government, which is certainly alarming. It is ok to hate them for it, and that does not mean you are "consumed" by it. And now these same people who did all these terrible things are trying, right before our eyes, to revise the facts so that they are the good guys, and to move toward permanent one-party rule. Very Big Brother vibes there, and also alarming.
There are plenty of people who say "whatever, no biggie, I'll just move on with my life and worrying about that stuff makes you a sad miserable crazy person." But guess what, those people are almost all of a certain political ideology. In my opinion, they are out to lunch because they are still on a sugar high from getting what they wanted in the immediate short term.
In the meantime, it is entirely possible to move on with your life, and be successful and happy and confident - and STILL think that liberal Democrats are irredeemable scum. For some reason, the liberals don't understand how it could be possible for anyone else to be that way, and instead project negative perceptions onto them so that they can remain in their bubble, self-assured that everyone else is crazy and miserable. That's not really how it works, though.
I have to say the environment around here has become more civil since tom got banned
I didn’t realize he got banned. I new some wanted him banned. life goes on, it did when Joe got elected and will continue without Tom. I’m not jumping for joy over it, but he never really backed his opinions up. Others I’ve disagreed with have , which is why he was like talking to a wall. my guess he’ll be back soon under different titleQuote:
Originally Posted by Fire Goodell
I pretty much ignored anything he said, I thought he was being too obvious as far as wanting to troll. I tried talking to him a few times and didn't get any answers of any substance so i just started blowing off anything he postedQuote:
Originally Posted by cubanstogie
Seems like an easy thing to do...more should have tried it.Quote:
Originally Posted by Fire Goodell
That's how I feel about everything delusionalreserve posts...and don't tell me he doesn't troll others with the shit he posts.
If Tom was guilty of it, so is he.
Look, I'm not defending Tom, but the backlash against him had more to do with very different political beliefs.
He was a staunch supporter of Biden...trading barbs with staunch supporters of Trump...surprise, it got hot at times.
Well, steelreserve and I have our differences of opinion (obviously), but the difference between he and tom, is he puts himself out there at least and explains his position. No matter how much i disagree with someone, if they're willing to explain their positions then I'm willing to engage. Tom didn't do anything other than post monkey pictures and throw insults.Quote:
Originally Posted by FrancoLambert
Agreed. A lot of people in glass houses throwing stones.Quote:
Originally Posted by FrancoLambert
Apparently the liberals are so intent on manufacturing a story out of this, in order to parade their own false sense of superiority, that they are willing to defend anything, no matter how inane. Look at who you are throwing in your lot with. Is that really the kind of person you are proud of being associated with?Quote:
Originally Posted by El-Gonzo Jackson
I mean, fabricating storylines to be put off by is nothing new for the lefty crowd, and neither is circle-jerking to the imaginary point that said story proves - but this is a new low. You're embarrassing yourselves.
Guy gets banned for being a moron 24/7, so clearly what that shows is that everyone else is a jerk.
Well, projection is another staple in the liberal playbook, so at least you're consistent.
I don't think Tom got banned for his political beliefs, or some of us here posting would also be gone. He was an obvious troll, too obvious sometimes. He also insulted the Steelers often and not in a way that contributed to anything constructive, unlike crow-magnon who supports his team, probably dislikes the Steelers, but contributes to discussion.
I always took the guy as someone who was blatantly just trying to piss people off and get a laugh out of it, so I never really talked to him much.
Again, I hope you find help and counselling from some professionals. Its unlikely with your disposition that you have anybody that would be close to you that isnt family. They wont tell you the truth, because they arent impartial, so try it out and talk to your priest, pastor, etc.Quote:
Originally Posted by steelreserve
I already mentioned the false sense of superiority, and the projection of your own faults onto others. There's really no need to keep going on with it.Quote:
Originally Posted by El-Gonzo Jackson
I know it would be crushing for someone with an ego as big as yours to consider that people just don't like you very much, and that the reason is not because you're great and they all have serious psychological problems. It sure isn't just me, though, I can tell you that much.
Quote:
Originally Posted by steelreserve
See what I mean.Quote:
Originally Posted by steelreserve
But, no animal pictures, so it’s OK. :cry02:
Like I posted in another thread, there was a great quote from former Republican Senator Bob Corker to the extent of..."Some people marginalize themselves by saying things that are just too crazy to believe". You are right there and I think some 3rd party counselling could help you out.Quote:
Originally Posted by steelreserve
I appreciate your concern for me and what you think are projection of my own faults, but nothing could be further from the truth(except some of your conspiracy theories). I am evaluated annually at work, in the organizations I serve as board members, places I volunteer coach. Its all done by anonymous things like survey monkey and its overwhelmingly positive. Plus I have a great family and broad social network to talk things thru.
You should try it out. There was somebody in my circles that was generally reclusive, single and bitter about a lot of things that harmed himself and we just didnt see the signs, given the isolation and lack of great communication.
What an elaborate way of saying "I am an insufferable egomaniac who has to put other people down to feel better about myself."Quote:
Originally Posted by El-Gonzo Jackson
If your "concern" wasn't so fake and transparent - also to inflate your own ego, by the look of it - I would say you have no idea what you are talking about. But clearly these are the ramblings of someone with real insecurity issues, and you are not going to stop. But I am pretty confident that I speak for the majority in saying that the more you open your mouth like this, pretending to come from a position of benevolent superiority, the more you embarrass yourself.
I'm right now reading this book "Everthing is F*cked", I highly recommend.
No need to make this about me. Trust me, I have been able to work thru the entire pandemic and able to donate to some charities, local businesses and food banks to help others, while getting to spend more time with my wife and kids than usual. I'm fine.Quote:
Originally Posted by steelreserve
You have been spouting a variety of conspiracy theories, coupled with anger and hateful speech. This isnt uncommon in these times and can really be signs of somebody in need of support. Below is a link to a good article that can shed some light on how a lot of the disinformation feeds the conspiracy theories and how to break free of their grip. Good luck.
How I talk to the victims of conspiracy theories
By Marianna Spring
Specialist disinformation reporter, BBC News
Published
1 November 2020
...but the kinds of stories I hear about are something else entirely.
They are tales of sinister plots - supposed plans to implant microchips in the world's population and kill and enslave billions. Or completely unscientific ideas - that the virus somehow "doesn't exist" and that the health authorities are completely wrong.
Many of us are feeling very anxious about the pandemic, and conspiracy theories give simple, satisfying answers to a problem that seems overwhelmingly complex.
Psychologists like Jovan Byford from the Open University tell me that a good strategy is to try to get to the bottom of the person's legitimate concerns and to find out how they are feeling.
https://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-trending-54738471
People all over the political spectrum and of various involvements in the soapbox forum wanted him gone. That tends to happen when you are a Cheatriots fan who wants to do nothing but troll.
Look, I know you're trying really really hard to be clever, but try as you might, you are just not getting anywhere with this and you are at a dead end. People can see that you have zero credibility to be giving out psychological advice, and based on the way you tend to act, it reflects far more poorly on yourself than it does on me. I guess keep it up if you want to look like more of a jackass.Quote:
Originally Posted by El-Gonzo Jackson
If the cartoonish condescenscion toward others is not a joke - and it's difficult to imagine it is, unless you are a world-class role player - it is just screaming all kinds of shallowness and insecurity. People who are truly happy and successful don't need to boast about it, or try to belittle strangers to pump themselves up.
I could go on at length about the kinds of problems that those people tend to experience as a result of their, ahem, sparkling personalities, but no one needs me to explain it; we have all known plenty of people like that.
When even Alex Jones thinks QAnon is bullshit lol
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILp5crGP1kk
I don't think many people disagree that QAnon is bullshit.Quote:
Originally Posted by Fire Goodell
However, once the left discovered them and started using that as a label to try and discredit anything they disagreed with - including many things that clearly had nothing to do with the actual Qanon - it became meaningless. For example, trying to downplay all complaints about COVID restrictions or election fraud with the label "QAnon conspiracy theories," making it into nothing more than a buzzword that liberals use to reinforce themselves.
I get what they are doing - trying to marginalize their opponents by equating even mainstream criticism with dangerous crackpot extremism - but it is too transparently obvious to achieve much besides stir up resentment. And I don't really think that trying to marginalize over 50% of the population is a very productive strategy in any case. Unity and healing, though.
Its funny for those of us that find it incredible how people can fall for such outlandish conspiracies', but lots of cases where a family member falls into the Q cult and it breaks families up.Quote:
Originally Posted by Fire Goodell
I know a marriage killed by QAnon and Trump, with help from alienation | QAnon | The Guardian
How Conspiracy Theories Like QAnon Affect Relationships (esquire.com)
People Tell Us How QAnon Destroyed Their Relationships (vice.com)
Its way more crazy than people thinking that voting machines without modems were hacked.
I wasn't taking a shot at the right here, I do know that QAnon is a fringe group that really just a few insane people associate with and not a picture of conservatives. I just thought it was a funny video, and a bit surprising that QAnon and Alex Jones weren't natural allies lolQuote:
Originally Posted by steelreserve
- - - Updated - - -
It's true, kinda sad to admit it but my ex wife was a conspiracy theorist that went down that rabbit hole (which is one of the reasons why i'm uber hostile toward conspiracy theories in general).Quote:
Originally Posted by El-Gonzo Jackson
She believed that the elite democrats were some satanic child pedophile cult, the queen of england was a reptilian lizard alien, vaccines and GMO foods were designed to make everyone sterile and lower the world population to 1 billion in 30 years, etc. I thought it was a phase since she was normal in the beginning. But the shit just got worse over time and eventually i didn't know who the hell she was anymore. Eventually I was also evil and part of 'the system / establishment' or another sheep "stuck in the matrix" because I wouldn't buy into all that bullshit.
I honestly think Alex Jones is more of a shock jock than a real conspiracy nut. He says crazy things and has developed a bigger-than-life crazy personality, but I think a lot of that is on purpose. Still not the most credible news source in the world, but you wouldn't get your news from a cartoon character if you had any sense anyway.Quote:
Originally Posted by Fire Goodell
It's like reading anything you post...it comes from a cartoon character...but it's not funny....just sad and out of touch with reality. :blah:Quote:
Originally Posted by steelreserve
Its good to know that you realize the whole Qanon thing is "bullshit" as you say. I just was getting concerned that you were so intently pinning your hopes of the disputed election on the legal greats of Jenna Ellis and the Barnes and Noble law firms.Quote:
Originally Posted by steelreserve
Also, your reluctance to accept that events like the plot to kidnap the Governor of Michigan and the car attack on a crowd of protestors even happened, seem to be a departure from actual reality.
There have been actual charges and convictions in 1 and trial set for the other event. I hope that is proof for you that those events actually happened.Quote:
Originally Posted by steelreserve
Charlottesville attacker apologizes as he is jailed for life
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-48806265
6 suspects in Whitmer kidnapping plot set to stand trial in March
https://www.freep.com/story/news/loc...ch/4178558001/
I hope that you know that people actually did land on the moon as well. Please consider talking to somebody in person about this departure from reality. It cant hurt.
Not in the slightest.Quote:
Originally Posted by El-Gonzo Jackson
You see, one lunatic running over other lunatics at an event that happened years ago is not even remotely the same thing as what was happening in the recent past. No one is "plowing through crowds of protesters." We all know this, and you know this too. You are just selectively playing dumb to try and drag out an argument.
Same thing with the "kidnapping plot." Surely you know the difference between an actual criminal plot, and undercover law enforcement trying to draw questionable characters to their own fictional plot. The people in question may well have broken the law, but there was no "plot." It happens all the time, and it was well-documented in this case. Of course, you already know this too, but are selectively playing dumb again just to be a dick. Oh but aren't you so smart.
More evidence to prove my point.Quote:
Originally Posted by steelreserve
Sorry to resort to petty name calling and unsophisticated ball busting, but there’s no bigger douchebag.