So much anger around here. What does that indicate? Would be interested in some of your commentary on this. I say this: Just make your posts. Say what you got to offer. What does it matter whether someone else claims he disagrees? And, don't put people on ignore. That is only a sign of a narrow-minded coward, IMO.
Seriously. The guy just doesn't get it. If two people sit down at a table and begin to present arguments on a topic, and one person pushes back from the table without a response to the last point, walking away, this is somehow the same behavior as the guy who stayed at the table discussing the subject. Watch him now try to use the same table discussion and turn it around in some manner.
That's basically what your OP is about. Walking away. Surrounding yourself with like-minded people. Anyway, you are the one not getting it. If you were arguing with another you, which one of you would win?
I say this is how we should make our lives, as well. It's how I plan on doing it. Fuck minorities, fuck the poor and fuck the stupid, and anyone else who voted for spending. If they choose to remain that way by continuing to drive the country in the same idiotic direction, I am certainly not going to stand in the way of it. Yeah, I know. Racist. Classist. Whateverist. Label me however you want, but I could honestly care less.
That is exactly what the OP was about. Walking away. I've finally had enough, and will play by the same rules - as those rules are the only ones being rewarded. As for arguing with myself and who would win, it is a toss up. Either one would be able to convince the other if he had a logical point backed up by information that could not be disputed. Because I can (or rather could previously) be swayed by such.
Believe me, brother Tao, I too am very disappointed in the Tuesday evening fiasco; even though it was somewhat predictable.
Tsing, Instead of alienating those you once loved, and who have provided love to you, perhaps you should consider alienating some of the people who claim to be your friend, but constantly bombard your mind and heart with this kind of foul excrement. If Lucrum crosses the Golden Gate bridge every day to get back and forth to work, do you think he has paid for that bridge himself, and everyone crossing it has un-rightfully taken from him? He certainly paid for not one rusting bolt which prevents him from falling into the ocean's abyss. He'll likely never admit to being a taker, because someone as cynical as he has taught him his views, and he has never attempted any real thought on his own. Exile those who you must, but still work to surround yourself with others who may actually have something fresh and helpful to say, rather than those who know little more than the rhetoric that you already know by heart. I believe you are a good person, and if I've insulted, or ignored the many thoughtful things you have had to say, simply for arguments sake, I apologize whole hearted. Maybe it is time for some pretty drastic change, but take some time for contemplation before making any final decisions you may later regret.