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kentuck

(111,103 posts)
Sun Jan 26, 2014, 04:00 PM Jan 2014

Most conservatives are good people.

We are accustomed to responding to dittoheads and crazy bigots, but there are some Republicans that are not insane and do not listen to Limbaugh incessantly. We may not agree with them on a lot of issues but that does not mean they are not good people.

They go to work and work hard. They will watch the football game this Sunday and some will drink more than their share of brewskis. Some may even imbibe in a hit off the old bong, from time to time?

All conservatives do not think alike, just as all liberals do not think alike.

I only point this out to show where the division is actually coming from and how we contribute to the division by reacting in the manner we do.

This political division is bad for all of us and we need to end it.

107 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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Most conservatives are good people. (Original Post) kentuck Jan 2014 OP
Respect others' opinions even though you don't agree with them Rosa Luxemburg Jan 2014 #1
Around These Parts....... left on green only Jan 2014 #9
No! Respect *others* even though you don't agree with them. Donald Ian Rankin Jan 2014 #15
the problem I have with them Skittles Jan 2014 #2
and usually this is because they buy into divisive bullshit and fear mongering…. the road to hell is bettyellen Jan 2014 #7
I think they believe what they want to believe Skittles Jan 2014 #10
They vote for policies and politicians who will gladly kill kestrel91316 Jan 2014 #32
thank you Skittles Jan 2014 #36
So long as we demonize the other side, our leaders can avoid real change. last1standing Jan 2014 #3
+1 YoungDemCA Jan 2014 #18
I'm not sure the problem is that "we" are demonizing OrwellwasRight Jan 2014 #79
Other countries are partisan and manage to accomplish things so I dont think that's true stevenleser Jan 2014 #87
It is an admonishion to be more accepting of right wing ideas and policies Bluenorthwest Jan 2014 #93
^^^^^^^This is the correct answer.^^^^^^^ woo me with science Jan 2014 #100
And they show up yo vote for Teabaggers while never Skidmore Jan 2014 #4
Well said and a point worth making Gman Jan 2014 #5
Yep. Good and stupid. Jessy169 Jan 2014 #6
Yes, many are good people. silverweb Jan 2014 #8
Yep loyalsister Jan 2014 #23
I'm very tribal. Arugula Latte Jan 2014 #33
I believe it, even though I've yet to find one. Maybe one day. JaneyVee Jan 2014 #11
I work in the aerospace industry. MOST of my colleagues are conservatives. Adrahil Jan 2014 #12
I agree - being misinformed is not the same as being evil Douglas Carpenter Jan 2014 #13
No. Iggo Jan 2014 #14
Great post loyalsister Jan 2014 #16
How do you define 'good'? During my lifetime, American conservatives have opposed Bluenorthwest Jan 2014 #17
True post. erinlough Jan 2014 #61
+1000 Tom Ripley Jan 2014 #69
Agree Puglover Jan 2014 #88
Testify, Bluenorthwest. Arugula Latte Jan 2014 #105
Agree 100% IL Lib Jan 2014 #107
I agree, mostly. We need to seek common ground where we can find it, i.e. TPP mahina Jan 2014 #19
You can't be a good person and oppose worker's rights, gay rights, women's rights... Vashta Nerada Jan 2014 #20
This! seattledo Jan 2014 #27
And they would say "you can't be a good person supporting killing babies, redistribution of wealth, kelly1mm Jan 2014 #28
I don't care what they say. Vashta Nerada Jan 2014 #29
And they don't care what you say. Thus, both of you can continue to feel self righteous. nt kelly1mm Jan 2014 #34
At least I'm not the one hating on gays, women, and workers. Vashta Nerada Jan 2014 #35
Great! And they would think "at least I am not supporting killing babies, communism, and destroying kelly1mm Jan 2014 #37
Again, I don't care about what they think. Vashta Nerada Jan 2014 #39
I don't. I do try to understand what they think so I know what to avoid. I have kelly1mm Jan 2014 #41
I do because understanding what they think and why is the first step in addressing differences uppityperson Jan 2014 #42
They'll never work with us. Vashta Nerada Jan 2014 #43
Because I, unlike you, believe in shades of grey and the ability of people to change once uppityperson Jan 2014 #44
Republicans learning? Vashta Nerada Jan 2014 #50
Uh. Huh. uppityperson Jan 2014 #55
Som people are black and white thinkers Dorian Gray Jan 2014 #86
Charlie Crist in FL (once a R, now a D) ex Senator Arlen Spector - PA ( once a R, switched to D) kelly1mm Jan 2014 #96
Yeah, I still didn't buy them as a Democrat. Vashta Nerada Jan 2014 #97
LOL - True! DINO's at best! nt kelly1mm Jan 2014 #98
Dichotomous thinking leads to killing cockroaches with machetes uppityperson Jan 2014 #103
The difference however with what Puglover Jan 2014 #91
One could argue much the same thing about Democrats. hughee99 Jan 2014 #74
Every atrocity in history has been aided and abetted by "good people" Distant Quasar Jan 2014 #21
I agree safeinOhio Jan 2014 #22
I have a number of family members who are moderate republicans Matariki Jan 2014 #24
Good people do not support racism, sexism, forced birthing, homophobia etc. bravenak Jan 2014 #25
I agree with you 1000% MFM008 Jan 2014 #59
Exactly. bravenak Jan 2014 #62
Just last week I got in an argument on DU with people who supported forced birthing joeglow3 Jan 2014 #95
Posting on DU does not make a person a liberal by any means Scootaloo Jan 2014 #102
Most conservatives are coming from a selfish place in their political thinking. dawg Jan 2014 #26
i spose there were good germans too dembotoz Jan 2014 #30
I have to agree with you beachbum bob Jan 2014 #31
intriguingly, the phrase "good German" started out as nonironic, reminding Americans that MisterP Jan 2014 #82
Most good people don't support torture, believe idiotic economic lies Corruption Inc Jan 2014 #38
Serious question. Do you consider 90+% of humans "good people"? cthulu2016 Jan 2014 #40
right, depends on what the meaning of "good" is-- marions ghost Jan 2014 #45
My sentiments. +1 Hassin Bin Sober Jan 2014 #46
We actually need some people to be conservatives, to call out liberals when they get wacky. reformist2 Jan 2014 #47
I would change your statement to say beachbum bob Jan 2014 #48
I assume u r joking marions ghost Jan 2014 #51
Of course. They have simply come to different conclusions... Demo_Chris Jan 2014 #49
Since I live around and have to deal with conservatives on a daily basis, I have Cleita Jan 2014 #52
Sorry, Kentuck. It's far easier to spread fear and ignorance than to cure it. last1standing Jan 2014 #53
Fine. Let the right-wingers move toward healing the political division. Paladin Jan 2014 #54
most of the conservatives I have experienced don't know Herself Jan 2014 #56
I live in a deeply Republican area FreeJoe Jan 2014 #57
I'm happy to treat people the way they treat me Warpy Jan 2014 #58
I agree. Boomerproud Jan 2014 #66
In my experience, many conservatives take great care ... ananda Jan 2014 #60
I agree with you completely. 1awake Jan 2014 #63
If they are "good people", they can stop supporting a political party that isn't. Ikonoklast Jan 2014 #64
I wish I did not have this attitude. Respectfully I disagree......... wandy Jan 2014 #65
I think they may not all be bad. mstinamotorcity2 Jan 2014 #67
I sometimes wonder meanit Jan 2014 #68
I respectfully say "Fuck that noise!" Tom Ripley Jan 2014 #70
I don't really buy it. You see the shit they try to and do inflict on the world, right? TheKentuckian Jan 2014 #71
Holy shit. This whole premise is preposterous. WE don't need to end it Doctor_J Jan 2014 #72
I think you should create a "Limbeciles are nice people, just misunderstood" group Doctor_J Jan 2014 #73
over 30 years of being fed misinformation and outright lies ThomThom Jan 2014 #75
THANK you, Thom. This is it, right here. Beartracks Jan 2014 #106
So just because they stay purposely ignorant of their parties destruction to the social fabric Rex Jan 2014 #76
I think conservatives are idiots and the policies they want counter-productive. But I don't question bluestate10 Jan 2014 #77
There's really not a whole lot of difference between moderate Republicans and moderate Dems. Nye Bevan Jan 2014 #78
Please define "most" and "good and "conservaive." nt kelliekat44 Jan 2014 #80
Lionel Tribbi said it best lapfog_1 Jan 2014 #81
Good post. Skip Intro Jan 2014 #83
I just wish decent, hard-working, reasonable conservatives liberalla Jan 2014 #84
In some ways yes, and in some ways no LostOne4Ever Jan 2014 #85
I agree with this although accepting it required facing a lot of cognitive dissonance. stevenleser Jan 2014 #89
I think most conservatives are authoritarian sociopaths DefenseLawyer Jan 2014 #90
If their votes didn't do real damage to real people's lives, Waiting For Everyman Jan 2014 #92
I understand the sentiments and the opinions. kentuck Jan 2014 #94
K&R Yes, the hatred is an essential tool of the One Percent to keep us divided. woo me with science Jan 2014 #99
No they're not Scootaloo Jan 2014 #101
Can you still be a "good person" if you are racist and sexist? Arugula Latte Jan 2014 #104

left on green only

(1,484 posts)
9. Around These Parts.......
Sun Jan 26, 2014, 04:11 PM
Jan 2014

........I find myself everyday having to remind them to wad the paper up before they use it, not after.

Donald Ian Rankin

(13,598 posts)
15. No! Respect *others* even though you don't agree with them.
Sun Jan 26, 2014, 04:18 PM
Jan 2014

There is* no ruder and less respectful word one can use to describe an opinion than "wrong".

Everyone is wrong about some things (I am sure I am, I just don't know which ones they are, which is immensely frustrating).

We should not, in general, respect wrong opinions, but we should often respect people who hold them.




*Well, obviously, there are, but please permit me the rhetorical flourish.

Skittles

(153,169 posts)
2. the problem I have with them
Sun Jan 26, 2014, 04:03 PM
Jan 2014

is they support a political party that is openly anti-worker, misogynistic, homophobic and racist

 

bettyellen

(47,209 posts)
7. and usually this is because they buy into divisive bullshit and fear mongering…. the road to hell is
Sun Jan 26, 2014, 04:08 PM
Jan 2014

paved by conservatives. That they don't even know it doesn't change that. Education might, but they vote against better education too.

Skittles

(153,169 posts)
10. I think they believe what they want to believe
Sun Jan 26, 2014, 04:12 PM
Jan 2014

they cannot possibly believe the nonsense they are told by Fox News and Limbaugh - I think they "believe" it because they're simply being told what they WANT TO HEAR

 

kestrel91316

(51,666 posts)
32. They vote for policies and politicians who will gladly kill
Sun Jan 26, 2014, 05:01 PM
Jan 2014

people like me and millions of others. They don't get a pass.

last1standing

(11,709 posts)
3. So long as we demonize the other side, our leaders can avoid real change.
Sun Jan 26, 2014, 04:06 PM
Jan 2014

So far as I can see, liberals and conservatives are doing little more than rooting for favorite teams. The results are nearly identical whichever team wins. The wealthy get wealthier and the working class loses more and more.

I will admit the Dem team is better at suggesting band-aides and otherwise talking the talk, but it all ends up the same.

OrwellwasRight

(5,170 posts)
79. I'm not sure the problem is that "we" are demonizing
Mon Jan 27, 2014, 12:49 AM
Jan 2014

each other -- I am not sure that is what gave incredible power to capital to influence our laws and regulations more than what citizens actually think. I think your blame is incorrectly placed. If I had to place place blame for the fact that Republicans and Democrats both vote for monied interests more than they do not, I would start with Buckley v. Valeo, not "demonizing." Which is not to say demonizing doesn't exist, or that demonizing is solving anything.

 

stevenleser

(32,886 posts)
87. Other countries are partisan and manage to accomplish things so I dont think that's true
Mon Jan 27, 2014, 08:28 AM
Jan 2014

In fact, various other countries are much more partisan than we are and would seem much more like they are rooting for favorite teams but they manage to implement more change.

I think this is a convenient but incorrect criticism.

woo me with science

(32,139 posts)
100. ^^^^^^^This is the correct answer.^^^^^^^
Mon Jan 27, 2014, 11:09 PM
Jan 2014

This is why the propaganda here at DU and across the internet regularly includes versions of the Two Minutes Hate, in which we are exhorted merely to stop and stoke our visceral hatred for the Other Team.

Skidmore

(37,364 posts)
4. And they show up yo vote for Teabaggers while never
Sun Jan 26, 2014, 04:07 PM
Jan 2014

being heard denouncing the hate speech, bigotry, and mysogyny. Those people need to step up if they want respect.

Gman

(24,780 posts)
5. Well said and a point worth making
Sun Jan 26, 2014, 04:07 PM
Jan 2014

I've been saying for a while that progressives have a lot in common. They both want many of the same things. They differ on how to go about it.

Jessy169

(602 posts)
6. Yep. Good and stupid.
Sun Jan 26, 2014, 04:07 PM
Jan 2014

My parents are "good" people. Nice enough, pleasant to be around, normal "country folk" with simple good-old-fashioned American values.

They also believe that AIDs is God's way of killing of gays, that illegal immigrants should be deported kids and all, that anybody who doesn't belong to the particular congregation that they attend on Sundays is "going to hell", and that killing A-Rabs and Ter-OR-USTs is just fine and dandy, as in "send them all to hell."

Yep. Good people. Good and f'ing stupid. God bless them and their gentle hearts...

silverweb

(16,402 posts)
8. Yes, many are good people.
Sun Jan 26, 2014, 04:09 PM
Jan 2014

[font color="navy" face="Verdana"]Within their own tribe.

I'm related to a lot of them and grew up with many others, and I can say without qualification that they're very tribal.

The good-heartedness they may express among those they consider "their own" just doesn't extend beyond that circle. Their world view is extremely parochial.

Therein, I think, lies a major root of the conflict and divisiveness. Liberals tend to be inclusive of others; conservatives tend to be very exclusive.

loyalsister

(13,390 posts)
23. Yep
Sun Jan 26, 2014, 04:24 PM
Jan 2014

On the other hand, I must admit that I tend surround myself with like minded people when I have a choice.

 

Arugula Latte

(50,566 posts)
33. I'm very tribal.
Sun Jan 26, 2014, 05:04 PM
Jan 2014

I recognized very early on that I just cannot deal with stupid rightwing dumbshits. I just have no tolerance. I've tried to construct a life free of them, and have largely succeeded. One exception: my mother's racist dumbass boyfriend, who I am forced to interact with.

 

Adrahil

(13,340 posts)
12. I work in the aerospace industry. MOST of my colleagues are conservatives.
Sun Jan 26, 2014, 04:16 PM
Jan 2014

Most of them are what I'd call "good" people, even though I think they are DEAD WRONG on some basic subjects.

I, however, don't hesitate to call them on their bullshit when they spew some right-wing nonsense (my company has a pretty open environment like that).

loyalsister

(13,390 posts)
16. Great post
Sun Jan 26, 2014, 04:19 PM
Jan 2014

There are people in my life who are racist and obnoxiously conservative. But, have also been there for me and helped me when I needed it. Living in a red state, I come across this often. I find it frustrating that they make assumptions about my peers, but say that I am an exception when it comes to wanting poor people to have food stamps, disability benefits, etc. I can on the other hand appreciate how they interact with me despite their opinions that I dislike.

This TED talk was interesting. It's tough to imagine the possibility that Sean Hannity is a nice guy. But having known some very generous conservatives whose opinions I abhor, I can accept it as a possibility.


http://www.ted.com/talks/sally_kohn_let_s_try_emotional_correctness.html

 

Bluenorthwest

(45,319 posts)
17. How do you define 'good'? During my lifetime, American conservatives have opposed
Sun Jan 26, 2014, 04:20 PM
Jan 2014

civil rights, women's rights, reproductive choice, equality for LGBT people. They favored segregated schools and towns, they nurtured the dying Jim Crow like a favorite Uncle. They have bad mouthed peace activists, environmental activists, pro choice activists and other good Americans. They have elected Reagan, who ignored AIDS for years on end among other damnations, W who did what W did, Nixon who at least had the common decency to resign. They opposed the creation of a holiday to commemorate the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. They opposed Martin Luther King Jr. They have attempted to legislate the firing of gay teachers, the banning of books, the end of Unions, the end of abortion rights, they have created and enforced many discriminatory laws and still do when ever and wherever they can.
So I guess 'good' is a term of art.

Puglover

(16,380 posts)
88. Agree
Mon Jan 27, 2014, 08:37 AM
Jan 2014

one hundred percent. Our country and many of it's people are being held back and actually gleefully harmed by these "good" people.

I have no time for any of them.

IL Lib

(190 posts)
107. Agree 100%
Tue Jan 28, 2014, 12:23 AM
Jan 2014

I couldn't ever see myself associating with someone I knew to be a conservative/republican. There are too many negative traits present in those who classify themselves as such.

mahina

(17,669 posts)
19. I agree, mostly. We need to seek common ground where we can find it, i.e. TPP
Sun Jan 26, 2014, 04:21 PM
Jan 2014

but not just start by ceding, as we've seen.

Thanks Kentuck.

 

Vashta Nerada

(3,922 posts)
20. You can't be a good person and oppose worker's rights, gay rights, women's rights...
Sun Jan 26, 2014, 04:21 PM
Jan 2014

like the republicans.

kelly1mm

(4,733 posts)
28. And they would say "you can't be a good person supporting killing babies, redistribution of wealth,
Sun Jan 26, 2014, 04:38 PM
Jan 2014

and attacking traditional marriage." That is just their worldview. It is very hard to have a meaningful discussion. So I don't try with them. In other areas, they can be very good people, and likewise, think I am a very good person.

I agree that the good/evil person issue is a way to divide for the benefit of our mutual corporate masters.

kelly1mm

(4,733 posts)
37. Great! And they would think "at least I am not supporting killing babies, communism, and destroying
Sun Jan 26, 2014, 05:11 PM
Jan 2014

traditional marriage." But you already don't care what they think or say (and vice versa) so no problem for either of you.

kelly1mm

(4,733 posts)
41. I don't. I do try to understand what they think so I know what to avoid. I have
Sun Jan 26, 2014, 05:19 PM
Jan 2014

to have relationships with these people so it makes family events so much better to just avoid certain subjects.

uppityperson

(115,677 posts)
42. I do because understanding what they think and why is the first step in addressing differences
Sun Jan 26, 2014, 05:22 PM
Jan 2014

and trying to make changes for the better.

uppityperson

(115,677 posts)
44. Because I, unlike you, believe in shades of grey and the ability of people to change once
Sun Jan 26, 2014, 05:34 PM
Jan 2014

they learn more. Of course enough will stay at that far end that says "us vs them", but there are those who can learn with new information.

Dorian Gray

(13,496 posts)
86. Som people are black and white thinkers
Mon Jan 27, 2014, 08:19 AM
Jan 2014

I agree with your position, especially since I have parents who lean Republican or fiscally conservative (though they are mostly apolitical).

We discuss and argue. But they are loving people who do all they can for their families, the community and animals. I've learned many good qualities from them, including qualities that led me to being a liberal democrat.

But there are some people who need to believe in an "Us v. Them" and feel a sense of superiority. Everything is black and white/right and wrong. There is no middle ground or grey for them. I find that perplexing and antagonistic. But it's how they choose to think...

kelly1mm

(4,733 posts)
96. Charlie Crist in FL (once a R, now a D) ex Senator Arlen Spector - PA ( once a R, switched to D)
Mon Jan 27, 2014, 08:00 PM
Jan 2014

so it is possible.........

Puglover

(16,380 posts)
91. The difference however with what
Mon Jan 27, 2014, 08:42 AM
Jan 2014

"they" say and what "they" say we say is that one is willfully false and ignorant and one is undeniably true.

I suppose if one is inclined to derive profundity from the cracks on the wall one might not be able to see that but whatever.

Like VN I couldn't give two shits what "they" say. You will never convince a delusional person that what they see is delusion.

hughee99

(16,113 posts)
74. One could argue much the same thing about Democrats.
Sun Jan 26, 2014, 10:01 PM
Jan 2014

While the Democratic party has been miles better than repukes on this, they've still taken significant heat over the years (even recently) for these same issues.

Distant Quasar

(142 posts)
21. Every atrocity in history has been aided and abetted by "good people"
Sun Jan 26, 2014, 04:23 PM
Jan 2014

You can be a helpful neighbor, a loving spouse and parent, an animal lover, whatever, and still support insanely destructive policies out of ignorance or ideological blindness. If you think our political divisions are simply due to irrational feelings of animosity, I don't know what to tell you.

safeinOhio

(32,690 posts)
22. I agree
Sun Jan 26, 2014, 04:23 PM
Jan 2014

My area is mostly republican. Most have never herd the other side. I'm happy to explain the other side in a polite way and find many are receptive.

thanks for the post

Matariki

(18,775 posts)
24. I have a number of family members who are moderate republicans
Sun Jan 26, 2014, 04:24 PM
Jan 2014

and while we don't see eye to eye on many issues, we still love and respect each other.

Thanks for your post, I think it's good for DUers to be reminded of this. We do our share of demonizing 'the other' or taking a 'two team sport' approach to politics around here.

 

bravenak

(34,648 posts)
25. Good people do not support racism, sexism, forced birthing, homophobia etc.
Sun Jan 26, 2014, 04:26 PM
Jan 2014

I don't believe any good person would support a party that thinks rape victims need permission from some old ass man to have an abortion. Good people won't support a party that cuts school lunch, wic, food stamps, and preschool programs. Good people would not support a party that calls 47% of the nation takers.


Conservatives are not good people. They're mediocre, they hate my black ass, don't care if my children starve, want to take my reproductive rights away, and force their religious belief on me. They also spent plenty of money and campaigned real hard in California so that my cousin could not marry his husband until just last year. He's been gay his whole life, but a conservative would tell him he chose to be that way, he's going to burn in hell, and that his marriage is ruining the country and he shouldn't have the same right to marry who he loves. He was suicidal for years because of the conservative members of his former church, they decided he needed to be fixed and to pray away the gay. They fucked his mind up. They're not good people. They hate people who are different than them and many die as a result.

MFM008

(19,818 posts)
59. I agree with you 1000%
Sun Jan 26, 2014, 06:07 PM
Jan 2014

If you can believe in the CRAP that is the essence of conservatism, you are not a good or moral person especially economic issues that with hold food from hungry people.


 

bravenak

(34,648 posts)
62. Exactly.
Sun Jan 26, 2014, 06:20 PM
Jan 2014

Conservatism comes from a place of fear, it's about keeping what I have for myself and making sure others who are different than I don't get to have the same things. And controlling women. I hate that part.

 

joeglow3

(6,228 posts)
95. Just last week I got in an argument on DU with people who supported forced birthing
Mon Jan 27, 2014, 12:14 PM
Jan 2014

However, it was related to a laby who protested abortion clinics, but wanted one when she got pregnant. Apparently, it was not only okay, but cool to force birth on her since it was an ironic punishment.

 

Scootaloo

(25,699 posts)
102. Posting on DU does not make a person a liberal by any means
Mon Jan 27, 2014, 11:29 PM
Jan 2014

In fact we have some fairly frightening people whose high post count shields them from getting the boot they deserve.

dawg

(10,624 posts)
26. Most conservatives are coming from a selfish place in their political thinking.
Sun Jan 26, 2014, 04:27 PM
Jan 2014

That doesn't necessarily make them bad people, but it does make them significantly flawed.

There is no sense in pretending otherwise.

dembotoz

(16,808 posts)
30. i spose there were good germans too
Sun Jan 26, 2014, 04:42 PM
Jan 2014

yes i know i went with the nuclear option
and yes i know we are all supposed to sing kumbaya and hug

but fuck em

 

beachbum bob

(10,437 posts)
31. I have to agree with you
Sun Jan 26, 2014, 04:44 PM
Jan 2014

same pie in the sky thinking...and the reality is clear...most of those who agree with the ":conservative" viewpoints are assh*les

MisterP

(23,730 posts)
82. intriguingly, the phrase "good German" started out as nonironic, reminding Americans that
Mon Jan 27, 2014, 02:03 AM
Jan 2014

the Germans were ultimately human--as opposed to the Asiatic ants

 

Corruption Inc

(1,568 posts)
38. Most good people don't support torture, believe idiotic economic lies
Sun Jan 26, 2014, 05:11 PM
Jan 2014

"Good people" are capable of listening and learning and don't vote for criminals, bigots, liars and frauds who's sole purpose in life is to greedily accumulate as much wealth as they can while screwing every other human being on the planet.

Are we clear? I doubt it.

cthulu2016

(10,960 posts)
40. Serious question. Do you consider 90+% of humans "good people"?
Sun Jan 26, 2014, 05:18 PM
Jan 2014

If so, then yes... most conservatives are good people.

Your OP is not really as much about conservatives as it is about the term "good people" which has no rigorous definition.

To whatever degree ones politics are definitive, then they are seriously bad people. If politics is a trivial part of being a good person then it's diferent. etc.

marions ghost

(19,841 posts)
45. right, depends on what the meaning of "good" is--
Sun Jan 26, 2014, 05:35 PM
Jan 2014

when applied to persons.

I have relatives in this category--conservatives and proud of it. I see them as provincial and pitiably flawed. But stupid, they aren't. And that makes it even worse. I forgive stupid people more. These relatives should know better, but their minds got closed at an early age. Narrow-mindedness and Narcissism can be found in the highly intelligent.

Let's just say, when I think of people I consider "good" people--it's not these relatives. They aren't as bad as some people certainly. But they are not people I admire. My Mom had a way of categorizing them that I like--she would say, "they lack perception." She considered that an unfortunate affliction.

These days when people embrace all of what it means to be a conservative in the US, I can't attribute a high degree of goodness to them.

In fact I think it is dangerous to let them off the hook so easily.

reformist2

(9,841 posts)
47. We actually need some people to be conservatives, to call out liberals when they get wacky.
Sun Jan 26, 2014, 05:38 PM
Jan 2014

See, liberals are always coming up with new ideas to fix things. Not all of them are good ones.

Conservatives may not come up with any new ideas, but they are sure good at shooting down ridiculous ones.
 

Demo_Chris

(6,234 posts)
49. Of course. They have simply come to different conclusions...
Sun Jan 26, 2014, 05:42 PM
Jan 2014

If the answers were SIMPLE the issues would not be issues. They would be resolved long ago.

Cleita

(75,480 posts)
52. Since I live around and have to deal with conservatives on a daily basis, I have
Sun Jan 26, 2014, 05:45 PM
Jan 2014

come to the conclusion that they are good people when they aren't being influenced by our propaganda media. For instance they will do all kinds of charity events, help out neighbors in need and do all the things decent people do for others. But when it comes to talking about raising wages to help people out of poverty, Obamacare to help people get healthcare and any number of issues like a job's bill to put people to work or extending unemployment benefits, all of a sudden all the right wing talking points come to the surface, lazy people, welfare queens, them paying taxes to support people who don't deserve it.

I tell you, more and more I'm thinking we have to do something about our media and how news and important, truthful information is distributed. It has become crucial.

last1standing

(11,709 posts)
53. Sorry, Kentuck. It's far easier to spread fear and ignorance than to cure it.
Sun Jan 26, 2014, 05:45 PM
Jan 2014

As you can see, that goes for the fans of both teams.

Paladin

(28,264 posts)
54. Fine. Let the right-wingers move toward healing the political division.
Sun Jan 26, 2014, 05:45 PM
Jan 2014

THEY'RE the ones going over the edge of the cliff, let's see THEM pull back from the abyss and do something constructive, for a change.

Herself

(185 posts)
56. most of the conservatives I have experienced don't know
Sun Jan 26, 2014, 05:52 PM
Jan 2014

American history

Democrat & Republican history - They believe The evil south were democrat's, the KKK was founded by democrats, and when they left that party for the republican party, changing their party didn't change their ideals or agenda!

Do not read the legislation they believe they hate

Do not read the legislation they believe they agree with.

Do not understand that America is not a democracy govt

Do not know what a Constitutional Republic is.

Do not understand this country was not founded on christian or any other theocracy but protected from it

Claim to be Christians, but have never actually read the bible for themselves, and learned the traditions of the period that coincide with the "story"





FreeJoe

(1,039 posts)
57. I live in a deeply Republican area
Sun Jan 26, 2014, 06:06 PM
Jan 2014

I live in a suburb outside of Houston in an upper middle class neighborhood and work for an oil & gas company. About 90% of the people I deal with on a day-to-day basis are Republicans. The overwhelming majority of them are wonderful people. They have mixed up ideas. I will only talk to them about political issues if they agree that we both support the positions that we do because we want the world to be a better place. I find that makes the discussions a lot more productive.

Warpy

(111,277 posts)
58. I'm happy to treat people the way they treat me
Sun Jan 26, 2014, 06:06 PM
Jan 2014

and hope like hell the subject of politics never comes up to shatter the image.

Yes, there are pleasant thoughtful conservatives out there. Most of them, however, are neither.

Boomerproud

(7,955 posts)
66. I agree.
Sun Jan 26, 2014, 06:32 PM
Jan 2014

All you have to do is read LTTE, listen to AM radio, watch Fox News etc etc etc. They are not interested in coexisting with anyone who doesn't share their worldview. If the OP considers that the action of a "good" person than so be it.

ananda

(28,866 posts)
60. In my experience, many conservatives take great care ...
Sun Jan 26, 2014, 06:09 PM
Jan 2014

... to look like good people, but for the most part do some
very evil things.

1awake

(1,494 posts)
63. I agree with you completely.
Sun Jan 26, 2014, 06:22 PM
Jan 2014

You did say most and not all, so that would be why. There are self righteous right wingers the same as there are self righteous left wingers... both who refuse to try and who are completely self absorbed in their own rightness. Both are a damn joke and both are embarrassing and not worth talking to. An asshole is an asshole regardless of party or affiliation.

Look on this thread alone... No PASS! No! BAD!!!!!111! It's rather amusing really because I'm not sure anyone is asking for a pass from them let alone gives a shit.

All conservatives are alike in one way... they believe lies wrapped in the bible and the flag with a dash of the promise of money. Some conservative issues can be legitimate meaning a person honestly believes in that way, but most are lies that the average conservative has accepted because it makes them feel good/secure.

Yes, I'm aware I'll shortly be flamed.





Ikonoklast

(23,973 posts)
64. If they are "good people", they can stop supporting a political party that isn't.
Sun Jan 26, 2014, 06:26 PM
Jan 2014

"Good people"...maybe they personally do some good things, help those in need, are active in their community, love dogs and little children.

And then they turn right around and support hate, racism, bigotry, violence, religious intolerance, and ignorance by voting for it.

A "good person" would stop doing that.

A "bad person" would keep supporting those values because they agree with the people espousing them.

wandy

(3,539 posts)
65. I wish I did not have this attitude. Respectfully I disagree.........
Sun Jan 26, 2014, 06:28 PM
Jan 2014

In my experience, conservatives start at the poorly informed, somewhat self centered, cheat if you can types. Then run the gambit up to,,, and white supremest doesn't quit describe it here.
Everybody is a welfare queen as long as I GOT MINE!
I can't always fault them. There are good people out there.
I blame the Teapublican party.
Not only do they attract the worst parts of our nature, they encourage and reward it.
To hold the likes of Rand Paul, Scot Walker, Ted Cruz, Chris Christie and others in high regard can only bring out the worst in people.

mstinamotorcity2

(1,451 posts)
67. I think they may not all be bad.
Sun Jan 26, 2014, 06:32 PM
Jan 2014

But they are RIP's. I don't give a damn how much beer they drink or how much weed they smoke. They are Twisted. All of them. And some Dems too. And they may not think alike as you say but they never go against those thoughts that are made verbal. besides the head of their party is Mr. Limpdick himself or have you forgotten????

meanit

(455 posts)
68. I sometimes wonder
Sun Jan 26, 2014, 06:33 PM
Jan 2014

if conservatives often say "y'know, those liberals are actually good people who go to work and work hard, watch football and drink beer on the weekend."

Then I wake up.

TheKentuckian

(25,026 posts)
71. I don't really buy it. You see the shit they try to and do inflict on the world, right?
Sun Jan 26, 2014, 06:45 PM
Jan 2014

It isn't just disagreeing on policies, it is about the outcomes and results of said policy which they never ever own despite their great evil. This is why I can be so tough on our pols, I have to own what they do because it partially upon power derived from my vote, partially from my resources, and gain platform from my party.

 

Doctor_J

(36,392 posts)
72. Holy shit. This whole premise is preposterous. WE don't need to end it
Sun Jan 26, 2014, 09:49 PM
Jan 2014

47% of the electorate voted for Rmoney 15 months ago. These are not good people. They are either evil or too ignorant to be entrusted with anything.

I can't even believe I am reading this stuff on DU.

 

Doctor_J

(36,392 posts)
73. I think you should create a "Limbeciles are nice people, just misunderstood" group
Sun Jan 26, 2014, 09:53 PM
Jan 2014

See if it tracks. At least we'll know who wants to fight the right, and who wants to appease them

ThomThom

(1,486 posts)
75. over 30 years of being fed misinformation and outright lies
Mon Jan 27, 2014, 12:21 AM
Jan 2014

has them confused. If they get the correct information they don't believe it.

Beartracks

(12,816 posts)
106. THANK you, Thom. This is it, right here.
Tue Jan 28, 2014, 12:20 AM
Jan 2014

A lot of DUers think all Republicans must be either a) evil, or b) willfully ignorant -- that is, they either "support evil things" or "turn a blind eye to things they know are evil."

I know conservatives that don't fit either of those two narrowly-defined, barely different categories. They are, in fact, "good people" who follow their hearts, but have been slowly led down the Republican primrose path, which is carefully landscaped so as to appear all-American and full of flowers and good things. I don't even know any aggressive Republicans who get up in the morning wondering, "Hey what evil policies can I support today?" But... they all do believe that Democrats and liberals in general are a kooky, crazy bunch who pursue their own OBVIOUSLY flawed and anti-American policies.

There's a reason it's taken 30 years for the Republican machine to reach this point: they orchestrated a decades-long campaign to mold the hearts and minds of the people through religion and media growth and local-level issues that are divisive BUT made to look like common-sense apple pie kind of stuff. Your rank-and-file "good Republican" has been raised to simply not notice that a lot of shit stinks; in fact, they think it's flowers. So they don't "throw their support" behind evil things.. but they DO "support" it through voting, because they simply don't know any better or any different.

This is also why you can't change their minds.

But many of them DO support charities and community work and such at the local level, and make a HUGE positive difference in the lives of many around them. It's only at the bigger picture level -- those realms affected by the politicians they vote for -- that their efforts get all bent to the will of mammon.

===========================

 

Rex

(65,616 posts)
76. So just because they stay purposely ignorant of their parties destruction to the social fabric
Mon Jan 27, 2014, 12:28 AM
Jan 2014

doesn't mean they are bad people? How many conservatives do you know personally? Are most of them good or bad? How many Foxnews viewers do you know? How about Tea Baggers?

bluestate10

(10,942 posts)
77. I think conservatives are idiots and the policies they want counter-productive. But I don't question
Mon Jan 27, 2014, 12:34 AM
Jan 2014

the patriotism and humanity of the vast majority of conservatives.

Nye Bevan

(25,406 posts)
78. There's really not a whole lot of difference between moderate Republicans and moderate Dems.
Mon Jan 27, 2014, 12:40 AM
Jan 2014

I mean, Obama is pro-free trade, shows no interest in further tax increases, said on live TV that he thinks that his position on Social Security is similar to Mitt Romney's, and opposed gay marriage until May 2012.

The vast majority of Republicans are not snarling racists spouting off about "legitimate rape".

lapfog_1

(29,205 posts)
81. Lionel Tribbi said it best
Mon Jan 27, 2014, 12:52 AM
Jan 2014


So long as they remain intolerant of "gays, lesbians, blacks, unions, women, poor people, and the 1st, 4th, 5th, and 9th amendments, I will remain intolerant of them".

Skip Intro

(19,768 posts)
83. Good post.
Mon Jan 27, 2014, 02:45 AM
Jan 2014

The conservatives I know are decent people.

I do not think the rabid borderline-hatred on either side is natural, though. Most of it anyway, I think is whipped up and manipulated by the powers that be. That division keeps us in a weak and chaotic state. I truly believe it is by design.

liberalla

(9,249 posts)
84. I just wish decent, hard-working, reasonable conservatives
Mon Jan 27, 2014, 03:33 AM
Jan 2014

(my Dad was one) were as loud as the rabid irrational RW nuts.

LostOne4Ever

(9,289 posts)
85. In some ways yes, and in some ways no
Mon Jan 27, 2014, 06:25 AM
Jan 2014

Yes in that many of them are ignorant and mean no harm. In fact, they are probably doing what they think is right.

No in that they are supporting bigotry and policies that directly hurt others.

 

stevenleser

(32,886 posts)
89. I agree with this although accepting it required facing a lot of cognitive dissonance.
Mon Jan 27, 2014, 08:40 AM
Jan 2014

You see a lot of comments like, "How can someone be a good person if they are... anti-women, homophobic, etc..."

That was my opinion as well.

I have met and chatted with folks who, if I mentioned their names you all would recognize as folks from the media who 99.999% of DU absolutely revile.

Somehow, outside of politics they are extremely nice and engaging people. I would not have guessed that to be the case before seeing it with my own eyes over the last 4-5 years.

What that made me believe is that while holding the line of Liberalism and Progressivism on both economic and social fronts and trying to move those forward, we shouldn't stop making level headed and reasonable attempts to convince conservatives where they are wrong. Most of these folks are reachable, eventually. I really believe that.

To use that same number again, 99.999% of these folks think they are doing and believing the right things. They are horribly wrong about that, but they think they are right.

 

DefenseLawyer

(11,101 posts)
90. I think most conservatives are authoritarian sociopaths
Mon Jan 27, 2014, 08:41 AM
Jan 2014

I don't say that simply to "call them names", I just think that is the way they are wired. They may also be "good people", but that's not what draws them to conservatism.

Waiting For Everyman

(9,385 posts)
92. If their votes didn't do real damage to real people's lives,
Mon Jan 27, 2014, 09:36 AM
Jan 2014

that position might be ok. But no, they are aware of the connection between their votes and the extreme harm done to other people. They don't care. That means they are not good people. The best that can be said about them is that they are irresponsible, and passive sociopaths rather than active.

kentuck

(111,103 posts)
94. I understand the sentiments and the opinions.
Mon Jan 27, 2014, 11:52 AM
Jan 2014

If you don't believe me, check out my threads for the last 13 years.

But I have come to the conclusion that we are headed to a very bad place if we do not change direction.

We can never surrender to bigotry and hatred but we need to change how we fight it. Picking up guns and going to battle is not an option, in my opinion.

However, we must show by our actions and our words that we are the more rational, the more sensible, and the more "uniting" Party. Simply hurling words and stones across the river at each other and we end up like the Hindus and the Muslims in India in 1947, as depicted in the movie, Gandhi.

Also, and more importantly, this is the best way for us to win the political battle. We can show a clear distinction between the liberals and the conservatives. It does not mean that we surrender anything that we believe in. We know they are wrongheaded and racist in many of their views. We can only hope that there are some common sense, rational Republicans that will reject those ideas, if given the chance. I think we should give them the chance.

Granted, it may not work. Sensing victory, they may only double-down with their hateful rhetoric? But the alternative is taking us all to a very bad place, in my opinion.

woo me with science

(32,139 posts)
99. K&R Yes, the hatred is an essential tool of the One Percent to keep us divided.
Mon Jan 27, 2014, 11:07 PM
Jan 2014

They *need* us to hate Republicans so viscerally and reflexively that we would rather watch our country looted and our Constitution shredded and our children's futures stolen, than *ever* unite with a Republican to demand it stop.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=4398326

Our government, both parties, was purchased by the one percent, and 99 percent of us have been disenfranchised. They are not running Republicans or Democrats for office anymore. All major party candidates are Corporatists, or they do not have the money to compete.

We are ALL being played and exploited by the one percent. The corporate media has been systematically divided so that we Democrats have our channels and pundits, and they have their channels and pundits, and we are each fed lies and propaganda to make us hate and fight each other rather than the ones who are impoverishing ALL of us.

The big unacknowledged secret on DU is that Republicans across the country are just as angry as we are.

Just as our politicians lie to us about wanting to protect public education and the social safety nets and unions and the environment, their politicians lie to them about wanting to stand for small government, limited government interference in private lives, and the defense of civil liberties. Yet no matter which party is elected, we get the same corporate direction of larger, more oppressive and authoritarian government, assaults on and privatization of public services, and more warmongering.

If we could agree across party lines on just one thing....that our representation has been stolen from ALL of us by the corruption of money in the system....we could join together as the 99 percent to get the corporate money out and demand our representation back. When elections are for the people again, and corporations are not allowed to select our candidates, we can have a real fight in the public square about Democratic versus Republican philosophy. And real Democrats will win.

Right now, we don't get any choice at all. We get two candidates pushing essentially the same corporate agenda, by and for the one percent.





 

Scootaloo

(25,699 posts)
101. No they're not
Mon Jan 27, 2014, 11:26 PM
Jan 2014

Sorry, i know this upsets the "be moderate about everything, both sides are equal, can't we all just get along!" narrative, but... conservativism is inherently harmful to people. it deprives people of health, security, and dignity, and it cannot operate in any other way. By its nature it's about holding people back. even its advocates; it's as close to a sadomasochistic politicla philosophy as you can get, honestly.

While we all have friends and family who are conservatives, i can't call them "good people." if they were good people they would have a good, ethical philosophy, rather than being adherent of some misanthropic, dystopian freakshow philosophy.

 

Arugula Latte

(50,566 posts)
104. Can you still be a "good person" if you are racist and sexist?
Mon Jan 27, 2014, 11:54 PM
Jan 2014

Because, frankly, all the conservatives I know are racist and sexist.

Oh, sure, if you're a white person they're pleasant and jovial (until they tell a sexist "joke" -- "but don't be sensitive, sweetheart!&quot .

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