Something to think about.................

[Shrubhater]

In political parties, each party tends to think strongly that they are right and the other party is wrong. If that's true, then how can we be sure that we are right?

'Course, I'm just 12 years old, what do I know, lol!

[qanda]

1. Wow! Such a deep, philosophical question for a 12 year old

It *never* hurts to question whether you are right or wrong. It's the only thing that will keep you from becoming a useless thinker. Useless thinkers don't question their government or authority or even their own motives.

I think the Left end of the political spectrum is particularly important right now because our country needs some balanced ideas. However, I wouldn't want one Party to run everything, even if it were the Democrats in charge. So, we may not be right about everything, but we do present the opposite opinion and that is important for any Democracy to survive.

[MissMarple]

2. We can't.

Many things are very subjective, we just do the best we can with what we think to be true. But how we do something is as important as what we are doing, the process affects the product. Some think that the ends always justifies the means. Personally, I think this may be only rarely if at all true. If there is no honor in doing something, you probably shouldn't do it. George and Cheney need to learn that lesson. They use principles only if they are convenient. They think reaching a goal is the only important thing.

Does that make any sense?

In the book "The Founding Fathers" you can get a sense of how the democratic process works. It's not perfect, and it really is pretty messy, but it's the best system we have so far. I think that last is a rough paraphrase of a comment from maybe Churchill.

[Shrubhater]

3. That does make sense!

Always keep an open mind, I guess, and Chimp and Cheney really do need to learn that lesson!

[Sparkly]

4. Not knowing we're right means *tolerance*

We can't know if we're right about religion, or when life begins, or how to live life -- and I think recognizing that means tolerating disagreements, as long as no other citizen is harmed. It's very dangerous when people believe they, and they alone, are "right." Wars start that way; people will do, and have done, the most horrible things in the belief that they're fighting for their God, for example. Tolerance is key.

[Schroman2002]

5. Hmph

I wouldn't say it if I didn't believe it, and I wouldn't believe it if it wasn't true.

How's that?

6. Right From Wrong?

Twelve years of age, you haven't come far,
But never forget, you know who you are!
Sometimes the questions come from within,
Sometimes from without, from good or from sin.

Signposts on journeys, a valuable tool,
Prevent you from becoming lost or a fool.
Guidelines I've found, to keep me on true
And I hope that they will prove a foundation for you.

When words are extreme, both sides far away,
The TRUTH's in the middle! Or somewhere that way.
Extremems form the frame, the middle is strong.
Cleave to this rule, you won't go far wrong.

A question to ask, when reading the news,
"Who benefits the most?" when sifting the views!
Follow the money or power or fame!
It's a tried police tactic when looking for blame!

Never shut out the opponents' own words!
No matter how vile, we ALL need to be heard.
Don't silence the foe, but do warn of his ways!
Present your rebuttals, let the truth hold the day.

Hold out your hand, don't close it in greed
For closed fists are not able to share when in need.
Give without cynics' laughter or scorn
Recieve without shame, for good you were born!

Speak gently, but firmly, give due where its needed.
Learn from the foolish, be sure wisdom's heeded.
Remember we're only one link in a chain
Stretching back to the ages. We're not IN this for gain!

Love freely and well, be generous and wise.
Listen to foes, and sift truth from lies.
Comfort each other, despise not the weaker.
Learn something DAILY, be ever the seeker.

And know that these "sides", Republican, Dem
Are but *two* of so MANY political ken!
One last point, with which you are tasked,
REMEMBER, no question's silly if *sincerely* it's asked!

Take care and be well.

Schwannzeichen

[Indiana_Dem]

15. Hey I like that! :) nice! n/t

[underpants]

7. Heart

Welcome to you Shrubhater (you are too young to hate......really).

You feel what is right and sometimes the news supports what you think and sometimes not. The other approach is to start with the facts (as they are reported) and conclude things on your own, by your own experience.

Either way WELCOME and stay around for a while. Many opinions here wise and otherwise.

[Snoggera]

8. Easy answer for me, 'cause I'm older and wise

Look at the results of the actions of people with various belief systems. Don't listen to their words, watch their works. I am right, and I damn well know it for that reason.

Sorry to curse in a response to a 12 year old!

12 year old? Will you be running for the county commission next year? I know many who would vote for you!!!!!!

[LynzM]

9. Hi Chris!

I read your mom's post about all the crap they are putting you through at school.... how is all of that going?

In response to your question, there are a lot of things in life you can never 'be sure' that you're right about. But you look at all of the information you can gather, and make the best decision you can, for yourself. I agree that you should also look at how people act and what they do, as opposed to what they say. That's an excellent point. Welcome, and good luck to you with everything!

[billybob537]

10. Your question is the answer

congratulations you have achieved another step on your personal journey to enlightenment. You questioned yourself. The reason we are right is we look at both sides in equal light.Then we make a DECISION according to the FACTS.:party::bounce:A very encouraging achievement for someone your age.

[Bucky]

11. The answer is being pragmatic. What "works" vs what doesn't.

Clintonomics works and Reaganomics doesn't. Promoting middle class interests and moderate business regulations work and untargeted tax cuts for millionaires doesn't. Job training works and crony capitalism doesn't.

Empowering unions to negotiate terms with employers created a hefty middle class in this country. Breaking unions shrinks the middle class and creates more unsafe workplaces. Both unfettered free trade and protectionism restrict economic growth while regulated but liberalized bilateral trade agreements promote economic growth while continuing to offer protections to jobs in older industries.

[Bucky]

12. The answer is being pragmatic. What "works" vs what doesn't.

Clintonomics works and Reaganomics doesn't. Promoting middle class interests and moderate business regulations work and untargeted tax cuts for millionaires doesn't. Job training works and crony capitalism doesn't.

Empowering unions to negotiate terms with employers created a hefty middle class in this country. Breaking unions shrinks the middle class and creates more unsafe workplaces. Both unfettered free trade and protectionism restrict economic growth while regulated but liberalized bilateral trade agreements promote economic growth while continuing to offer protections to jobs in older industries.

[LibertyorDeath]

13. Hey Shrubhater so what is it you hate most about the shrub

Inquiring minds want to know.

Don't be shy let that hate out.....

[Hamlette]

14. Try to hear the principles each party stands for and not the name calling

Dictionary definition of liberal: generous: broadminded: not bound by authoritarianism, orthodoxy, or traditional forms. Conservative: tending or disposed to maintain existing views, conditions, or institutions. Which seems more correct to you?

[MissMarple]

18. Both views hold value, as long as they are in the liberal perspective.

And Kentuck's comments below expand on this. American conservatives are liberal as are American "liberals". What we are dealing with now is a subversion of the democratic process. And, oddly enough, forces in American public life have been trying to do that since the beginning. The Constitution and the democratic principles on which it was founded are a bulwark against this tendency. In other words they protect us from ouselves. So far, democracy and the democratic republican governments are our best defense against the exigencies of human nature.

[kentuck]

16. We have to look at the facts....

And we have to follow our Constitution. We cannot permit one person to withhold information from our elected representatives. We must hold all our elected officials accountable. No one is above the law. Not Bill Clinton and certainly not George W Bush. And not Dick Cheney.

Each party claims to have a moral compass which they follow. Many comments and statements by each Party are subjective and should be looked at with open eyes. Do you want a Party that only looks out for you and your friends or do you want a Party that tries to look out for everyone in our society, especially those that might need the help? That is your decision to make.

[rustydog]

17. People can generally decide if they are right by following a moral code

of conduct.
It is wrong to steal is it not? I don't steal.
Bush stole an election

It is wrong to bear false witness (Lie)
Bush lied and was supported in those lies by the Republicans

It is morally wrong to kill another person
Bush by his orders to our military has killed tens of thousands of innocoent Iraqi citizens for his lie (presence of Weapons of mass destruction)
Because of Bush*s lie, over 600 American soldiers are dead who would be alive today. over 22thousand soldiers wouldn't be greviously wounded.

It is morally wrong to steal. America is intent on stealing iraq's oil supply.

If you truly believe it is not wrong to lie, cheat, steal, murder, imprison innocents and stomp on human rights, then join the Republican party. (It is firmly behind a president who does this)


Right is right, no matter what party one belongs to. it is morally bankrupt to continue to back a leader simply because he/she is in the same political party as you are.

[vetwife]

19. Because Hon....We KNOW its wrong to be mean to people

Just because they were born different, like disabilities. Or to be judged (Something we are not supposed to do) To not help the less fortunate, to be greedy, all of those things the other party of people live by. there are some people in our party that are that way too and some good in the other but people don't judge people and people are supposed to take care of the environment and get along with others. The people who say they belive in those things don't prove it or live it. Where you heart is. That is how we know. If one's heart is into lots of money by stealing from poor people, how can they think they are right? They were just brought up wrong or went wrong somewhere.