Political makeup of the board

jessjo04

I'm a proud member of the vast right wing consperacy.

I saw that on a bumper sticker once, I like it. Obama is an idiot, but he was right about one thing, I'm from PA and I love my guns and religion!

Blueyed228

I have seen some post about pseudo political issues on here and they have been pretty liberal dominated.  When the conservative opinion was offered, names like "ignorant", "close-minded" and "racist" were thrown out.  It was not the entire tone of the threads, but it was pretty rough.

That may have been for a few different reasons.  One being that the conservative posters in those threads (myself included) were not regular posters so maybe it was just a bit of sarcastic hazing. 

Or it could have been because the liberal posters on those particular  threads happen to have been more on the far left than most.  Who knows. 

In my experience, especially living in a blue state, having a conservative opinion is never really popular.

SarahSmile23

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_political-makeup-of-board?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:5b302911-a5af-4895-bb5b-3fed06dab035Post:5b0d8711-4890-4c4c-9f00-6d3851e52b42">Re: Political makeup of the board</a>:
[QUOTE]I have seen some post about pseudo political issues on here and they have been pretty liberal dominated.  <strong>When the conservative opinion was offered, names like "ignorant", "close-minded" and "racist" were thrown out.  It was not the entire tone of the threads, but it was pretty rough.</strong> That may have been for a few different reasons.  One being that the conservative posters in those threads (myself included) were not regular posters so maybe it was just a bit of sarcastic hazing.  Or it could have been because the liberal posters on those particular  threads happen to have been more on the far left than most.  Who knows.  In my experience, especially living in a blue state, having a conservative opinion is never really popular.
Posted by Blueyed228[/QUOTE]

Yup. This tends to happen, which is why many conservative-leaning knotties don't even bother trying to respond to those types of threads on here.

goheels05

Yes.  The climate has improved as more regs have become more vocal about their conservative views, but during the 2008 election and for a while thereafter, people on the boards were quite ugly to conservatives for no other reason than the fact that they disagreed.   

stellabbella129

I think a lot of my frustration with socially conservative beliefs is what I PERCEIVE to be a lack of consideration for others and their rights to equality. I think that's why conservatives tend to get accused of ignorance, close-mindedness and racism. I think a lot of people my age would probably classify themselves as fiscally conservative and socially liberal (or at least more to the center), the difference being which one trumps the other. I am socially liberal before being fiscally conservative, because I believe that we need to invest heavily in new and different programs in order to stay true to the rights of equality that we espouse as a country. Other people are the opposite because they believe we have a responsibility to our economy before addressing issues of equality. We're just putting emphasis on different things.

I understand why people are socially conservative, but I really struggle respecting the rationale. They have a right to believe what they want to believe, and I have a right to think it's flawed, and that's usually where I tend to leave it.

jessjo04

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_political-makeup-of-board?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:5b302911-a5af-4895-bb5b-3fed06dab035Post:72d80c6a-4d87-47ab-9818-40ba9a5a230a">Re: Political makeup of the board</a>:
[QUOTE]Yes.  The climate has improved as more regs have become more vocal about their conservative views, but during <strong>the 2008 election</strong> and for a while thereafter, people on the boards were quite ugly to conservatives for no other reason than the fact that they disagreed.   
Posted by goheels05[/QUOTE]

Ah yes, I was flamed so bad I could roast a marshmallow after the 2008 election. I said that I was disappointed that Obama won and that it will be a bad thing for the country, it seemed like the board became an angry mob with pitchforks. Since then, I've decided not to talk politics if possible, I won't change anyone's mind. I've learned that the more I try to change someone's political views, the more they become ingrained in their own side.

goheels05

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_political-makeup-of-board?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:5b302911-a5af-4895-bb5b-3fed06dab035Post:35e4aabc-e5f5-4dd9-807f-628d84ae8648">Re: Political makeup of the board</a>:
[QUOTE]<strong>I think a lot of my frustration with socially conservative beliefs is what I PERCEIVE to be a lack of consideration for others and their rights to equality. </strong>I think that's why conservatives tend to get accused of ignorance, close-mindedness and racism. I think a lot of people my age would probably classify themselves as fiscally conservative and socially liberal (or at least more to the center), the difference being which one trumps the other. I am socially liberal before being fiscally conservative, because I believe that we need to invest heavily in new and different programs in order to stay true to the rights of equality that we espouse as a country. Other people are the opposite because they believe we have a responsibility to our economy before addressing issues of equality. We're just putting emphasis on different things. I understand why people are socially conservative, but I really struggle respecting the rationale. They have a right to believe what they want to believe, and I have a right to think it's flawed, and that's usually where I tend to leave it.
Posted by stellabbella129[/QUOTE]

I agree with your main point here, as I am fiscally conservative and mostly socially liberal.  This is why it saddens me that conservatives are automatically labeled ignorant, closed minded, and bigots, when I  and many other conservatives don't hold any of those beliefs.  I think as you become educated on the issues, you are more apt to be socially liberal.  For example, I used to be pro-death penalty, but when I learned that studies have proven that the death penalty is not a deterrent to crime and that it is more costly than a life sentence, I changed my view on the issue.  Likewise, I think as you become more educated on fiscal policy, you are more apt to be fiscally conservative.  Hands-off fiscal policy is a fundamental and scientifically proven concept in economics, but unfortunately, economics is not a mandatory course in compulsory education.  

Despite this fact, it is not socially acceptable for me to call liberals stupid or ignorant (not that I hold those beliefs), but yet it is socially acceptable for individuals and the liberal media to portray conservatives in that way.  It's something I find to be very frustrating. 

stellabbella129

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_political-makeup-of-board?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:5b302911-a5af-4895-bb5b-3fed06dab035Post:dd6e0bb5-864c-4ebb-872c-ce575562e35d">Re: Political makeup of the board</a>:
[QUOTE]Despite this fact, it is not socially acceptable for me to call liberals stupid or ignorant (not that I hold those beliefs), but yet it is socially acceptable for individuals and the liberal media to portray conservatives in that way.  It's something I find to be very frustrating. 
Posted by goheels05[/QUOTE]

<div>I agree with pretty much everything you said, especially about becoming more hands-off as you learn more about economics. I became much more pointed about my views on the economy after I became a business owner and saw how it actually affected my ability to conduct business in a way that benefited my clients, community, and employees.</div><div>
</div><div>I think a lot of the attitudes toward conservatives as ignorant bubbled up during the 2008 election when Obama was essentially "accused" of being too smart or academic (it was being used against him -- effectively), and McCain/Palin seemed to stoop to this point of intentionally grasping at the fears of uneducated voters (and I include people who are "educated" in general but not in specific issues in that category). I actually planned to vote for McCain until that point. I just couldn't fathom why someone would NOT want their president to be learned and articulate and for me a lot of those comments felt like they were just a veil for issues with his race, IMO.</div>

NuggetBrain

Like I said before, I think there needs to be new labels because conservative and liberal aren't really cutting it anymore. 

SarahSmile23

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_political-makeup-of-board?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:5b302911-a5af-4895-bb5b-3fed06dab035Post:015676f6-343a-4bea-84c5-3065b3afa183">Re: Political makeup of the board</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Political makeup of the board : I agree with pretty much everything you said, especially about becoming more hands-off as you learn more about economics. I became much more pointed about my views on the economy after I became a business owner and saw how it actually affected my ability to conduct business in a way that benefited my clients, community, and employees. I think a lot of the attitudes toward conservatives as ignorant bubbled up during the 2008 election when Obama was essentially "accused" of being too smart or academic (it was being used against him -- effectively), and McCain/Palin seemed to stoop to this point of intentionally grasping at the fears of uneducated voters (and I include people who are "educated" in general but not in specific issues in that category). I actually planned to vote for McCain until that point. I just couldn't fathom why someone would NOT want their president to be learned and articulate and for me a lot of those comments felt like they were just a veil for issues with his race, IMO.
Posted by stellabbella129[/QUOTE]
I don't remember people accusing him of being "too smart," and I attended political events during the 2008 election. The primary points I heard regarding his education were that Obama was book smart and had very little actual experience with...well, anything. That isn't stooping to grasping at fears of uneducated voters. In fact, I think it was largely the less educated voters who weren't able to recognize the vast difference between a degree and experience.

Heels and I are very similar in our beliefs. I'm not a R or a D, but I tend to vote R because they are usually LESS irresponsible with their spending. I'm socially liberal, except when it comes to the issue of parental consent for minors to get abortions.

goheels05

I'm very surprised that as a small business owner, you support more government intervention, unless I am misunderstanding what you are saying. 

stellabbella129

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_political-makeup-of-board?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:5b302911-a5af-4895-bb5b-3fed06dab035Post:4983fbd8-6abd-4382-926c-422193aed7eb">Re: Political makeup of the board</a>:
[QUOTE]I'm very surprised that as a small business owner, you support more government intervention, unless I am misunderstanding what you are saying. 
Posted by goheels05[/QUOTE]

<div>Yeah I might not have been clear. I support government intervention when it comes to things like the environment, enforcing environmental laws and regulations that businesses need to follow, because of the social justice component (poor people being affected in vastly greater proportions than wealthier people). I'm weird though, I don't support paid maternity leave as a requirement for a business, which it is in most states to my knowledge. I don't support the tax structure for businesses, small or big, because when I look at how much I paid in taxes over the last year, I could have employed 7 more people at a livable wage and with great health care and invested it into the solar panels I want to put on my building to power our workshop (awesome!). I think that's greater than the effect the government will have with that money and it directly benefits my community.</div><div>
</div><div>Basically, I pick and choose and mostly support government intervention when it comes to social issues and support hands-off when it comes to economic issues. </div><div>It's hard to be me <img src="http://cdn.cl9.vanillaforums.com/downloaded/ver1.0/content/scripts/tinymce/plugins/emotions/images/smiley-tongue-out.gif" border="0" alt="Tongue out" title="Tongue out" /></div>

stellabbella129

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_political-makeup-of-board?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:5b302911-a5af-4895-bb5b-3fed06dab035Post:a1e11dc0-bea6-4524-907a-4651c8eca6e5">Re: Political makeup of the board</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Political makeup of the board : I don't remember people accusing him of being "too smart," and I attended political events during the 2008 election. <div>
</div><div> I'm socially liberal, except when it comes to the issue of parental consent for minors to get abortions.
Posted by SarahSmile23[/QUOTE]

</div><div>It might not have stood out to you as a big deal, but I remember expressing so much exasperation over that exact issue and also feeling that the experience v degree thing was essentially devaluing higher education: the point being to prepare you for being a positive contributor to your field and community. I agreed with most people about Obama having too little experience, I was just willing to take the risk because I felt he would consult others with experience as he had during the campaign. I wish he had some kind of experience in business though. You can't have everything you want though!</div><div>
</div><div>I think I probably agree with you about parental consent and minors.</div>

wadingmoose

I don't discuss politics with family.  Why would I discuss it with complete strangers on a wedding board?

SarahSmile23

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_political-makeup-of-board?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:5b302911-a5af-4895-bb5b-3fed06dab035Post:28479354-5258-4ae7-ab62-70c2465d34b2">Re: Political makeup of the board</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Political makeup of the board : It might not have stood out to you as a big deal, but I remember expressing so much exasperation over that exact issue and also feeling that the experience v degree thing was essentially devaluing higher education: the point being to prepare you for being a positive contributor to your field and community. I agreed with most people about Obama having too little experience, I was just willing to take the risk because I felt he would consult others with experience as he had during the campaign. I wish he had some kind of experience in business though. You can't have everything you want though! I think I probably agree with you about parental consent and minors.
Posted by stellabbella129[/QUOTE]
For the record, I'm not a McCain fan, either. I thought Romney had the perfect experience to lead us through these tough economic times. My dream ticket would be Romney/Paul Ryan. But, again, I place the economy above all other issues when I vote.

jnic0319

I am a Republican, I actually work in politics.  I am not afraid to disagree.

squirrly

I'm socially liberal, and those issues are the ones that dominate my decision making process when I vote.  It's rare that a candidate lines up with exactly what I want, so I go for the closest match on the issues that are most important to me. 

As for debates and discussions on here, I've seen some get rather heated.  They don't come up as often as non-political stuff, but when they do, they're blow-outs.  My issue with them is that I have seen people who are socially conservative on issues tell posters that because their opinions don't match, the liberal is wrong.  My view is more that you can live your life how you want, but making laws that restrict how someone else lives isn't cool.  And, accordingly, trashing someone's beliefs that differ from yours isn't cool either.  Debating the merit of the issue is one thing, but it never stays there long.  It devolves into name-calling and insults, usually in both directions, because of a complete lack of tollerance.  And that's sad.

Trifury2007

Massachusetts has similar laws. No "ladies night," state-run liquor stores, etc.
MA liquor stores aren't state run.  They are in NH though.

I think the weirdest thing in Utah is that all beer sold at places like gas stations has to be 3.2% or less. So they have regular beer - Miller and stuff - that is bottled and sold in Utah at a lower alcohol content.
Utah recently changed this and you can now sell beer with greater alcohol content.  Food and Wine magazine had a story on it a few months ago along with all the great new places to get really different beer.

Blueyed228

You can also be socially conservative and not be ignorant, close-minded or a racist.

TurtlesAllTheWayDown

I agree with StelllaBalla about social liberal/fiscally conservative people and how many simply place an emphasis on different things. I vote based on social issues (like Squirrly, I rarely agree with candidates in their entirety and just vote for the best fit). I used to be fiscally conservative, but I can see the benefits of both sides.

And I have to agree about being "too smart." Remember in the 2004 election where one main question was, "Who would you rather have a beer with?" Sorry, I don't think my president should be drinking! Throwing back a Bud Light with the masses has no bearing on how one handles foreign policy or domestic issues. I certainly would NOT be able to handle being president, so I certainly want someone smarter and more competent than I am in that office. Not someone who's average as average can be.

Also, my brother is a registered member of the Communist party. True story. (PS, the Communist Party USA was funded by the Soviet Union until 1986.)

arthomas82

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_political-makeup-of-board?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:5b302911-a5af-4895-bb5b-3fed06dab035Post:a20a7b70-24fb-4b9e-b75d-f6a04ce4e282">Re: Political makeup of the board</a>:
[QUOTE]I am a Republican. I am not afraid to disagree.
Posted by ricksang[/QUOTE]

Same.