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Bxgrl,
liberals don’t even call themselves liberal anymore. Feminists were more frightened of Sarah Palin than Al Qaeda. Why do all women have to think alike ? Everybody relax. The Democrats won didn’t they ?? Why does MSNBC and media have such a hard on for Rush Limbaugh? you control both houses of Congress and the Presidency. Pass whatever the f*ck u want already……Quit moanin’….
Here’s my take. I know lots of smart conservatives. I met some in law school (profs and students), I’ve got some in my extended family, and I’ve seen them in the news as business and political leaders. I enjoy an intelligent discussion because I think you can only get to good policies by testing ideas against opposing ideas to expose the flaws. Liberals and conservatives would both benefit from honest intellectual exchange.
I don’t consider Sarah Palin smart — politically shrewd, yes (in a smaller pond), but not smart in an intellectual sense. She really had trouble getting coherent ideas out there on the campaign trail. I find it baffling that conservatives would try to defend her on the turf of intellectual capability. But that doesn’t mean I think all conservatives are dim. Her choice would have been less galling if there were no better talent available.
What’s really going on is everyone on all sides is afraid to concede a point. As if admitting Palin isn’t the brightest bulb will doom conservatives politically, or admittign there are some flaws with Obama’s health plan will doom his presidency. We all need to lighten up — the fate of the nation won’t be resolved on the brownstoner OT.
But you asked about conservatives whose ideas I would respect, even if I disagree. I have a hard time identifying conservative political leaders whose ideas I respect, because right now the idea seems to be to say no to everything, and to attack in a disengenuous way. I know conservatives wouldn’t see it that way. I don’t see conservative leaders putting forth positive ideas that I can evaluate.
Even under W’s presidency, the legislative ideas seemed to be about how to affirmative grab power or hamstring government. (Rumsfeld — now there was a smart guy — I’m not kidding — but I certainly don’t respect his ideas.) I can’t recall a cabinet official or legisaltive leader who had an idea that I reacted to by thinking “I disagree but that was really well thought out.” Right now in conservative political circles, there is no doubt a lot of intelligence, but my own view is that there is not a lot of intellectual honesty. That’s just how I see it and I don’t expect you to agree. Where is the conservative leader who says “All this death panel hysteria is just unwarranted BS, but I really think that leaving it to the markets is the way to go, and here’s why . . .”?
Now, I don’t just think it is the libs on this site that paint with a broad brush. Yesterday I questioned the legal principles underlying the Supreme Court’s Bush v. Gore decision, and legion called me a 9-11 truther.
Meanwhile, there’s important stuff going on out there:
Central Casting is starting to cast for a new HBO show called “HOW TO MAKE IT IN AMERICA” from the creators of “ENTOURAGE”.
The show takes place in the world of fashion and hipsters. The show will be shooting in NYC in all the hotest and trendiest locations.
The categories we are looking to cast for are:
*Hipsters! Hipsters!
*Williamsburg types or LES.
*People with great wardrobe. Ages 20’s and 30s
*Models- Female and Male
*(Indie Rock Band Types (let us know if you can play instrument)
*Lower East Side Domincan or Hispanic types (all ages)
*Hip and Trendy types with Real Bartending experience
*Hipsters with Tatoos
*Skateboarders
omg the salted caramel ice cream at farm on adderley is off the hook. the seasonal sundae at otto with olive oil gelato topped with pine nut brittle and pomegranate seeds….. words fail me. and the friggin pecan pie sundae at buttermilk channel! i’m coming for ya next week baby!
lechacal- yes it is atrocious. But lets not put the blame on arkady, I or c’hiller. We were discussing Palin’s column and benson immediately comes out with his tin hat comment. He has constantly baited people. And while Palin’s ideas may be conservative, her delivery is not. And many of her other ideas are very extreme. If you want me to listen to your ideas on the economy, don’t tell me over and over the President’s middle name is Hussein. Or tell me only “real” Americans will vote Republican. I don’t hate her- I hate her method of operating. And it would be great if you and benson and all the other Palin-lovers stopped assuming we dislike her for no good reason. Or did you think your peanut butter to a dog comment was a serious debate point?
benson- Why don’t you STFU? Instead of being such a self-righteous prig. I would never speak for you -ugh. What an idea.
Bxgrl,
liberals don’t even call themselves liberal anymore. Feminists were more frightened of Sarah Palin than Al Qaeda. Why do all women have to think alike ? Everybody relax. The Democrats won didn’t they ?? Why does MSNBC and media have such a hard on for Rush Limbaugh? you control both houses of Congress and the Presidency. Pass whatever the f*ck u want already……Quit moanin’….
haha CG_ups – i didn’t bring up the batali olive oil gelato for fear of sounding pretentious, but well played!!
Can I just say for the record that I will NOT be buying an apartment for The Egg anytime soon…
Benson and Jackal, my smart conservative friends,
Here’s my take. I know lots of smart conservatives. I met some in law school (profs and students), I’ve got some in my extended family, and I’ve seen them in the news as business and political leaders. I enjoy an intelligent discussion because I think you can only get to good policies by testing ideas against opposing ideas to expose the flaws. Liberals and conservatives would both benefit from honest intellectual exchange.
I don’t consider Sarah Palin smart — politically shrewd, yes (in a smaller pond), but not smart in an intellectual sense. She really had trouble getting coherent ideas out there on the campaign trail. I find it baffling that conservatives would try to defend her on the turf of intellectual capability. But that doesn’t mean I think all conservatives are dim. Her choice would have been less galling if there were no better talent available.
What’s really going on is everyone on all sides is afraid to concede a point. As if admitting Palin isn’t the brightest bulb will doom conservatives politically, or admittign there are some flaws with Obama’s health plan will doom his presidency. We all need to lighten up — the fate of the nation won’t be resolved on the brownstoner OT.
But you asked about conservatives whose ideas I would respect, even if I disagree. I have a hard time identifying conservative political leaders whose ideas I respect, because right now the idea seems to be to say no to everything, and to attack in a disengenuous way. I know conservatives wouldn’t see it that way. I don’t see conservative leaders putting forth positive ideas that I can evaluate.
Even under W’s presidency, the legislative ideas seemed to be about how to affirmative grab power or hamstring government. (Rumsfeld — now there was a smart guy — I’m not kidding — but I certainly don’t respect his ideas.) I can’t recall a cabinet official or legisaltive leader who had an idea that I reacted to by thinking “I disagree but that was really well thought out.” Right now in conservative political circles, there is no doubt a lot of intelligence, but my own view is that there is not a lot of intellectual honesty. That’s just how I see it and I don’t expect you to agree. Where is the conservative leader who says “All this death panel hysteria is just unwarranted BS, but I really think that leaving it to the markets is the way to go, and here’s why . . .”?
Now, I don’t just think it is the libs on this site that paint with a broad brush. Yesterday I questioned the legal principles underlying the Supreme Court’s Bush v. Gore decision, and legion called me a 9-11 truther.
Meanwhile, there’s important stuff going on out there:
Central Casting is starting to cast for a new HBO show called “HOW TO MAKE IT IN AMERICA” from the creators of “ENTOURAGE”.
The show takes place in the world of fashion and hipsters. The show will be shooting in NYC in all the hotest and trendiest locations.
The categories we are looking to cast for are:
*Hipsters! Hipsters!
*Williamsburg types or LES.
*People with great wardrobe. Ages 20’s and 30s
*Models- Female and Male
*(Indie Rock Band Types (let us know if you can play instrument)
*Lower East Side Domincan or Hispanic types (all ages)
*Hip and Trendy types with Real Bartending experience
*Hipsters with Tatoos
*Skateboarders
http://bit.ly/oeHlP
omg the salted caramel ice cream at farm on adderley is off the hook. the seasonal sundae at otto with olive oil gelato topped with pine nut brittle and pomegranate seeds….. words fail me. and the friggin pecan pie sundae at buttermilk channel! i’m coming for ya next week baby!
lechacal- yes it is atrocious. But lets not put the blame on arkady, I or c’hiller. We were discussing Palin’s column and benson immediately comes out with his tin hat comment. He has constantly baited people. And while Palin’s ideas may be conservative, her delivery is not. And many of her other ideas are very extreme. If you want me to listen to your ideas on the economy, don’t tell me over and over the President’s middle name is Hussein. Or tell me only “real” Americans will vote Republican. I don’t hate her- I hate her method of operating. And it would be great if you and benson and all the other Palin-lovers stopped assuming we dislike her for no good reason. Or did you think your peanut butter to a dog comment was a serious debate point?
benson- Why don’t you STFU? Instead of being such a self-righteous prig. I would never speak for you -ugh. What an idea.
I’m a plain vanilla guy!! Maybe fits my boring personality!!
no shit – i love butter pecan – it’s creamy and muy sabroso!