Wade
  • Wade
  • Veteran Member Topic Starter
14 years ago
So as not to sidetrack the other thread about Tucson (any more than have already done so) I'm starting a new one.

Something Kevin said there touched a bit of a nerve with me. He wondered why it is we find it so hard to say anything non-negative about our President and other political leaders.

And it crystallized something for me. (And, doubtless will illustrate to everyone, again, how strange/obscene my thinking tends to be.)

You see, I think we give far too much importance to politicians and political "leaders" in the scheme of things. They may be a necessary evil -- I'll go so far as to admit they serve necessary functions in the scheme of things as it stands. But however necessary they might be, they are still an "evil" to be tolerated. They are not to be celebrated. They are not to be encouraged.

They're like lawyers. (Indeed, it's not surprising that they are dominated by lawyers.) They're hired guns to do the dirty work we don't want to do ourselves directly.

I'm sorry, Kevin, but I don't think we are negative often enough about them.

I fully understand that there would be a public outcry if the President didn't make a public appearance and say something about the tragedy in Arizona. And I don't blame him for doing so. To me, the problem is that there would be a public outcry.

The problem is with us. The problem is that we expect the President or Senators or whatnot to do these sorts of things. The problem is that we consider the President or Senator as having some sort of special, more important to listen to than others actually impacted by a particular tragedy.

In my opinion, and I know this will grate on most if not all of you, we need to stop thinking of the President as some kind grandparent, a wise patriarch whose opinion matters on everything. Whose every utterance should be newsworthy or worthy of national notice.

I have no problem with "Barack Obama" going to eulogize a judge who was important to him or to visit a Congresswoman he considers important. But I have a problem with *us* thinking it should matter whether "President Obama" gives that eulogy or makes that visit or not.

Wyatt Earp by many accounts was nothing more than a necessary evil. An asshole and thug who was hired to do the dirty work of cleaning up even badder guys. F Lee Bailey and Johnny Cochran were people whose business it was to do dirty work that needs to be done by someone to ensure the system works semi-well.

But the necessity of gunmen-sheriffs or criminal defense attorneys doesn't mean they should be celebrated or given influence more than people who do things that aren't necessary evils.

And neither should our national political leaders.

Because, in my opinion, every stinking one of them has done more bad than Earp, Bailey, and Cochran put together. The evils they have necessarily done on our behalf (against each other) are far greater than any single gun-toting lawman or defense lawyer ever will.

So, quite frankly and sincerely, I don't want people spending more time saying good things about our politicians.

Sorry, Kevin, but on this I must stay an asshole.
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Romans 12:2 (NKJV)
Zero2Cool
14 years ago
I've been through too much in my life to waste my time being negative on something I have absolutely no control over, or full knowledge about. I don't know what goes on behind the scenes. I don't know what its like to be in politics. I don't know what it's like to have the pressure of being the "most powerful man in the world" or whatever label the US President is given.

That also plays in line with why I have a hard time putting all the blame/credit on players, or coaches, or general managers in sports. I played a lot of sports growing up, and I mean a lot, it was the only thing I could do as good or better than others. I wasn't smarter, I wasn't better looking, I wasn't bigger, I wasn't faster but god damn no one had more heart than I did, NO ONE.

With that said, how can I just blast someone in a position I don't know all the circumstances? I don't know their shortcomings, I don't know their strengths, I don't know what they've overcome, or are trying to over come. I don't know their hardships, I don't know how much they got with a silver spoon, etc.

There's just too many things that are unknown for me to waste my time, my energy and my effort into being negative about someone's job. I often ask myself before critiquing someone else, could I do better, how would I do it? Why?

The fact is, no politician will ever make every one happy and that fact is what seems to drive peoples pessimism of hate and that does not sit well with me.

Maybe I'm weak, maybe I'm naive, I'm sure I'm ignorant on the subject, but if I ripped into this guy and found out he spent 80 hours a week in the office trying to make our country better and my only contribution was bitching about it on a forum, I'd feel like a waste of time.

I'd rather focus my time, my energy, my effort into making this country better by anyway I can than I would sitting down at personal computer slamming keys of pessimism.


Be sure, I do respect everyone's standpoint on politics, I just don't agree with some.
UserPostedImage
Porforis
14 years ago
I heard Sean Hannity go on for a full 3 minutes last night saying nothing but positive things about Obama's speech/reaction to the Tuscon situation. Granted, I think he's the most reasonable of Hannity/Limbaugh/Levinn by far, but he's still a fair amount further right than I am and needs to be melodramatic for ratings.

But still, this pundit can find good things to say about the man? Granted, when he was done he questioned the honesty of some of his statements on political civility based on past actions, but the point I'm trying to make is that this is EXACTLY what we need.

I really, really disapprove of Obama on many of his economic policies, a few foreign policy decisions, and a lot of what he has said. However, I think it is incredibly important that nobody dismiss Obama just because he's Obama, and just decide to disagree with everything he says. We can disagree with a man while still judging his actions on a case by case basis.

For those of you on the right, how annoying did the Blame Bush For Everything get, and how annoying is it to still hear people blame Bush at every opportunity? Don't flip that around, and don't try to justify it. People need to be less PC, but we also need to be more civil and open-minded. We can disagree with people without trying to villify them. If they're so wrong, why don't you prove that you're right?
zombieslayer
14 years ago
You do have control over it Zero. You'd be surprised how much power you have. I used to have a lot of power when I was a political activist. Then got sidetracked by raising a family. Ralph Nader is right - it's pretty freaking hard to do both.

Good rant Wade. We should be pissed off MORE, not less.
My man Donald Driver
UserPostedImage
(thanks to Pack93z for the pic)
2010 will be seen as the beginning of the new Packers dynasty. 🇹🇹 🇲🇲 🇦🇷
DakotaT
14 years ago
It's funny you mentioned Wyatt Earp, Wade. You send in wolves to lock up the wolves (a little RJD for you Diggs), you don't send a flock of politically correct sheep. Arizona & Mexico might be a nice place to get a tan and pound some Quervo, but I don't want any part of that drug war.

I don't need Obama to do anything for me, and I don't Rush to bash everything he does or doesn't do.
UserPostedImage
Zero2Cool
14 years ago

You do have control over it Zero. You'd be surprised how much power you have. I used to have a lot of power when I was a political activist. Then got sidetracked by raising a family. Ralph Nader is right - it's pretty freaking hard to do both.

Good rant Wade. We should be pissed off MORE, not less.

"zombieslayer" wrote:



I have no control, none. I know my place in this world, it's being a father, period, I'm not good at much else. I'm fine with that, to a degree. Okay, that's a lie, I'm not really "fine" with it, because I continue to strive at being better at everything I do, but I've accepted it.
UserPostedImage
4PackGirl
14 years ago
be critical of his policies whenever you want to - i'm cool with that. no problem at all with that.
but being critical of a speech he gave during a tragic time is crossing a line & making it about HIM & not the tragedy.
when we attempt to personalize it when we know very little about the person, that's when we fail.
that goes for everyone.
we have become such a critical society.
nobody knows how to do it better than us. even though we know we have failed more than once in our own lives.
DakotaT
14 years ago

You do have control over it Zero. You'd be surprised how much power you have. I used to have a lot of power when I was a political activist. Then got sidetracked by raising a family. Ralph Nader is right - it's pretty freaking hard to do both.

Good rant Wade. We should be pissed off MORE, not less.

"Zero2Cool" wrote:



I have no control, none. I know my place in this world, it's being a father, period, I'm not good at much else. I'm fine with that, to a degree. Okay, that's a lie, I'm not really "fine" with it, because I continue to strive at being better at everything I do, but I've accepted it.

"zombieslayer" wrote:



And that's all you should be right now because having a job and raising well adjusted children is a hell of a lot harder than being an ass clown politician; and a lot more righteous as well. Tow the line Zero, hope things are calming down a little for you.
UserPostedImage
Cheesey
14 years ago
Porforis gets a big +1 from me.
EDIT: I wrote "PLUS ONE" AND IT CAME OUT "SLAPNUTS?"

Here's how i see it......there are those that will drool all over whatever comes out of Obama's mouth, and those that will attack anything the guy says, even if it's right.
EXACTLY as they were with Bush, or ANY president.
I'm not like that. I disagree with most of what our current president says, as in my view, he pushes through his own agenda, thinks he knows whats best for us. The president is supposed to do what the majority of Amreicans want, not be a dictator.
But with the horror that happened, i have NO problem with him being there and talking to the people. It was the right thing to do, and i give him props for that.
I know that some see me as this crazy right winger, and automatically disreguard what i say based on there dislike of conservatives. And that's a shame. Cause i listen to what everyone says, even those that i know are far on the left, and make decisions based on what i hear from both sides.
There were things Bush did i didn't agree with. I didn't blindly follow him and give him a free pass because he was a republican.
UserPostedImage
Formo
14 years ago

Porforis gets a big Slapnuts from me.

"Cheesey" wrote:



You want to slap Porforis's nuts?

Gross. 😞
UserPostedImage
Thanks to TheViking88 for the sig!!
Fan Shout
beast (32m) : Great point Martha
beast (32m) : Buddy Ryan used to say if a candy bar goes missing, there are two to blame, Rex and Rob 🤪 jk 😁
Martha Careful (2h) : Bum Phillips used to say there are two ways to get better. Get better players or get players to play better. We have a new DL coach
Zero2Cool (3h) : Yes. Look at the losses last year. They can win.
beast (3h) : Can Packers win with their current DL?
bboystyle (5h) : waiting for a pass rusher.
dfosterf (7h) : 5 minutes between picks in the 3rd
dfosterf (7h) : 3rd. Hate this phone
dfosterf (7h) : 4rd
dfosterf (7h) : 5 minutes in the 4
dfosterf (7h) : 7 minutes between picks in the 2nd round
Martha Careful (7h) : Sorry to bitch, but the headline writers in that section absolutely mislead, or don't know how to read. It is maddening
Martha Careful (7h) : No thanks. Not a dependable guy to be in the right place and run the right route. Dumb as a box of rocks.
Zero2Cool (8h) : Losing 2nd round pick for a one year rental, not ideal. Especially a headcase.
TheKanataThrilla (9h) : Pickens for Jaire may be interesting. Definitely not sure we want Pickens long term.
dfosterf (9h) : No.Absolutely not
Zero2Cool (9h) : NO NO NO NO NO NO!!1 🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬
dhazer (9h) : scenario: Our main prospects are off the board when our pick comes around, do we just throw a 2nd round pick at Pittsburgh for Pickens
TheKanataThrilla (9h) : Hopefully she had some comfort that her son will be live his dream when she passed away. Sad news.
Mucky Tundra (10h) : Damn that sucks
Zero2Cool (10h) : News about Derrick Harmon mom, saddening.
Zero2Cool (12h) : Mark Murphy: "I predict we will trade up once and down twice."
beast (13h) : Rip the Packers and getting the fans yelling and booing him
beast (13h) : Super competitive Bears fan and WWE "superstar" wrestler, Seth Rollins is supposed to announce a Bears pick and absolutely rip Packers
packerfanoutwest (25-Apr) : Golden
beast (25-Apr) : I want DT Derrick Harmon, Oregon
Mucky Tundra (25-Apr) : And I can't be looking at my phone
Mucky Tundra (25-Apr) : Hey I'm at work lol
Zero2Cool (24-Apr) : btw, new site chat won't delete auto like
Zero2Cool (24-Apr) : because everyone left like wimps
TheKanataThrilla (24-Apr) : I am wondering if there is some type of autoclear when there isn't activity after a certain amount of time.
Mucky Tundra (24-Apr) : What happened in the chat? Me and Zero posted a few things earlier and they're all gone
dfosterf (24-Apr) : 10-15 min bs plus flyover
dfosterf (24-Apr) : Yes
Zero2Cool (24-Apr) : 7pm is when this kicks off????
buckeyepackfan (24-Apr) : I told him. IT'S VONTE MACK , no matter what!
buckeyepackfan (24-Apr) : He asked me who I thought The Browns were taking.
buckeyepackfan (24-Apr) : 2. Would of had to wear Browns gear all week. NOPE I'll watch from my living room.
buckeyepackfan (24-Apr) : He wanted to know if I would go. 2 things, would have had to fly from Detroit to Green Bay. Nope
buckeyepackfan (24-Apr) : All expense paid trip to the draft. He will be in the Browns section. I told him to say hi to J-10VE for me 😃😃i
buckeyepackfan (24-Apr) : For a call from my nephew, he won an sllexp
TheKanataThrilla (24-Apr) : Hope to see everyone in the Chat tonight!!! Go Pack Go!!!
TheKanataThrilla (24-Apr) : Jeanty would be a great pick-up for the Bears. I see Warren mocked to them as well who I think would be a great selection.
Zero2Cool (24-Apr) : GameDay Chat is open. Posting bits an tids in there.
Zero2Cool (24-Apr) : Excellent Source: The Bears have a deal in place to move up to 5 if Jeanty is there.
Zero2Cool (24-Apr) : Probably not until 10pm will be making pick
dfosterf (24-Apr) : But it is still not tonight. Lol
wpr (24-Apr) : Today is finally here.
dfosterf (24-Apr) : I should have put it in quotes
dfosterf (24-Apr) : It is the title of a you tube video.
Please sign in to use Fan Shout
2024 Packers Schedule
Friday, Sep 6 @ 7:15 PM
Eagles
Sunday, Sep 15 @ 12:00 PM
COLTS
Sunday, Sep 22 @ 12:00 PM
Titans
Sunday, Sep 29 @ 12:00 PM
VIKINGS
Sunday, Oct 6 @ 3:25 PM
Rams
Sunday, Oct 13 @ 12:00 PM
CARDINALS
Sunday, Oct 20 @ 12:00 PM
TEXANS
Sunday, Oct 27 @ 12:00 PM
Jaguars
Sunday, Nov 3 @ 3:25 PM
LIONS
Sunday, Nov 17 @ 12:00 PM
Bears
Sunday, Nov 24 @ 3:25 PM
49ERS
Thursday, Nov 28 @ 7:20 PM
DOLPHINS
Thursday, Dec 5 @ 7:15 PM
Lions
Sunday, Dec 15 @ 7:20 PM
Seahawks
Monday, Dec 23 @ 7:15 PM
SAINTS
Sunday, Dec 29 @ 3:25 PM
Vikings
Sunday, Jan 5 @ 12:00 PM
BEARS
Recent Topics
34m / Green Bay Packers Talk / beast

1h / Green Bay Packers Talk / beast

1h / Green Bay Packers Talk / beast

2h / Green Bay Packers Talk / beast

4h / Green Bay Packers Talk / beast

9h / Green Bay Packers Talk / bboystyle

10h / Green Bay Packers Talk / Mucky Tundra

11h / Green Bay Packers Talk / Martha Careful

14h / Green Bay Packers Talk / beast

24-Apr / Green Bay Packers Talk / TheKanataThrilla

24-Apr / Green Bay Packers Talk / Zero2Cool

24-Apr / Green Bay Packers Talk / wpr

24-Apr / Packers Draft Threads / wpr

22-Apr / Random Babble / Martha Careful

22-Apr / Green Bay Packers Talk / dfosterf

Headlines
Copyright © 2006 - 2025 PackersHome.com™. All Rights Reserved.