Who Are You?

[Michael]

"Who are you?"

So sayeth the caterpiller...

[Michael]

I'll go first!

My name is Michael (go figure), and I am the owner and administrator of the forum. I was born and raised in Toronto Canada, and slave away most of my precious time as a general manager type dude at a small manufacturing company. I'm a 40ish Gen-x kind of guy, with degrees in political science and philosophy (BA, MA), and a passion for online debate and discussion on a wide variety of topics - most of which are covered in the forum topic listings!

As for my politics, suffice it to say that conservatives usually perceive me to be a liberal while liberals almost always consider me to be far too conservative. That is to say, I am rather confortable in the mushy middle ground of pragmatism on most issues.

And truth be told, I also have a fondness for the many colorful characters of Lewis Carroll's classic, "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland", from which the title of this thread comes. :)

[Donkey]

I'm Donkey, known in the non-internet world as Camilo. I'm slightly too young to legally partake in some of the pleasures of life and am in the first semester of my senior year at a small school in northeast Ohio. I hope to graduate with a degree in Political Science and International Studies. Actually, I have to figure out my schedule for next semester in the next couple of days to make sure that I actually graduate.

My politics can be generally considered very, very left wing, but I kind of reject that version of the political spectrum. I am quite liberal in the traditional sense of the word in many areas, but not all. I consider myself very much a small-d democrat, which colours a lot of my views.

I also act, and am currently in a show called Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All For You.

[Americano]

Resident cynic. I'm retired from a career in the business world and would consider my political label as fiscally conservative social moderate.

[The Sister]

The Sister, so-called because I am Michael's sister. Also raised in Toronto, but much more of a free and foot loose spirit than my brother :D, I have lived in BC and Chicago, graduated from art school, worked for Greenpeace, studied accounting and am currently a single mom of a first year university student, working as a free lance bookkeeper for a number of arts type clients.

My politics are left but I tend to annoy both sides with pragmatism. While not a forum junkie, I am endlessly curious about how and why things happen the way they do and have really enjoyed reading all of your views on a whole range of topics. And one day I hope to win at 'Guess the City':)

[Dominick]

Hi, I'm Dominick, your technical administrator.

I live in Belgium, Flanders more specifically, although without any special feelings for either of these names. Politically I'm a rational anarchist in the tradition of Peter Kropotkin and like him, continuously endeavouring to establish the ideology on purely rational and scientific grounds. Thus balaclavas and Molotov cocktails do not enter the equation ;)

[Greendruid]

Hi I'm Greendruid, so called because I'm a druid and I like green things, especially living ones. In my day-job I'm a Professor of Anthropology at a small Canadian university. When I get a chance I'm a part-time farmer and in pursuit of the ever-elusive self-sustainable lifestyle thrust off by my ancestors for TVs and TV-dinners. I'm much too opinionated to actually be political but I enjoy reading about and commenting on politics. I call politics from the perspective of someone who truly believes in treading lightly and destroying the human addiction to money. This can sometimes be left and sometimes (but less often) be right of centre. Sometimes it's neither it seems any more.

[MeadHallPirate]

*salutes*

YarrrRRrRRrRR!

imma pirate mateys. a seafarin' sailor from days gone by.

i'm not much of a poster, to be honest, but a few folks whom i used to avidly read and follow have made their way to this port.

imma here mostly to read.

me backround be in the fine arts, so most 'o the complicated stuffs often goes o'er me noggin.

i miss the coherence 'o the rabbit and americano on the good ship USPOL, so imma glad to see whar them two made landfall.

aye.

-MeadHallPirate

[Non Sequitur]

Hey all, came to this forum from another. I'm a college student history major, religion minor. I'll probably post most on religion, but politically I'm an old conservative (small government, low taxes, that sort of thing). I'm not dogmatic though about my politics.

[Helene]

Hello... I'm Helene. Some of you might know me. I'm Dutch.

Politically I am pragmatic. I suppose that comes out as leftist libertarian most of the time. I'm all for personal responsibility, but without the "screw you" attitude that so often accompanies it.

Between relationship, work, child and social life, I don't have an awful lot of time, but hopefully I'll be able to stop by frequently enough.

[partofme]

Hello... I'm Helene. Some of you might know me. I'm Dutch.

Politically I am pragmatic. I suppose that comes out as leftist libertarian most of the time. I'm all for personal responsibility, but without the "screw you" attitude that so often accompanies it.

Between relationship, work, child and social life, I don't have an awful lot of time, but hopefully I'll be able to stop by frequently enough.

It's been a really long time. :)

[Dominick]

Hello... I'm Helene. Some of you might know me. I'm Dutch
Ja, we kennen je nog. ;)

[drgoodtrips]

Hello... I'm Helene. Some of you might know me. I'm Dutch.

Politically I am pragmatic. I suppose that comes out as leftist libertarian most of the time. I'm all for personal responsibility, but without the "screw you" attitude that so often accompanies it.

Between relationship, work, child and social life, I don't have an awful lot of time, but hopefully I'll be able to stop by frequently enough.

Hey stranger!

Good to see you back around :D

[Michael]

Well I should like to offer a "hale and hearty" welcome to all of our new (and/or returning) members - not just the ever beautiful and long-lost Helene. :wave:

Note to Tech Admin: We need bowing smilie!

[Dominick]

:bowdown: Yes, boss
All :notworthy: Helene

[wphelan]

I'm mostly the same as I was before. What that makes me, I'm not sure. I'll probably be on this forum more often than my post count indicates. I'd like to post more, but that damn writer's block just won't go away.

Edit - Actually, I noticed that my "user title" of nomad is probably a better description of myself than what I wrote above. Perhaps factotum is the word I'm looking for.

[Helene]

Thank you thank you for the welcome :). It's good to see you guys.

[Multiplum]

21-year-old Norwegian, studying molecular biology at the University of Bergen.

Trying to remember to log in more frequently, but I tend to get occupied looking at weird stuff rather than learning something when on-line.

[bug]

Hi, folks. I didn't really introduce myself last time, so here's a bit of background. My name's Amanda and I was named after a horrible country song.

I'm your local way-too-old college student/crabby and impatient bartender. I love metal and muscle cars, and hate children and Alex Trebek. I've been a vegetarian since I was 11, and I draw horrifying things in my spare time. I'm going to major in English and hopefully do something with literary criticism. There's nothing in the world I love more than a good book, and probably nothing more blaspemous in my mind than a bad one. I only pick a flower if there's another one of the same kind right next to it. About once every three months I look in the mirror and say, "You're boring." I then dye my hair some outrageous color and make anyone who has a vested interest in me cry. I never wear matching socks, but I always wear matching shoes. There are two flavors of Jelly Bellies I will never eat, and betcha you already know one of them is Buttered Popocorn. I am horrible to watch movies with. I make gagging sounds duing sappy scenes and squeal with glee at inappropriate moments.
Most importantly, I love to learn!! If I ever ask any questions of anyone, have no doubt that's my motive--never sarcasm or disrespect. I just always want to know more, about people, about history, about the way the world works.....In fact, I want to know everything that I can possibly fit in my head. I want to die from swelling of the brain. Woah....macabre. Here ::banana: With everything, balance.....

[Helene]

Hi, folks. I didn't really introduce myself last time, so here's a bit of background. My name's Amanda and I was named after a horrible country song.

I'm your local way-too-old college student/crabby and impatient bartender. I love metal and muscle cars, and hate children and Alex Trebek. I've been a vegetarian since I was 11, and I draw horrifying things in my spare time. I'm going to major in English and hopefully do something with literary criticism. There's nothing in the world I love more than a good book, and probably nothing more blaspemous in my mind than a bad one. I only pick a flower if there's another one of the same kind right next to it. About once every three months I look in the mirror and say, "You're boring." I then dye my hair some outrageous color and make anyone who has a vested interest in me cry. I never wear matching socks, but I always wear matching shoes. There are two flavors of Jelly Bellies I will never eat, and betcha you already know one of them is Buttered Popocorn. I am horrible to watch movies with. I make gagging sounds duing sappy scenes and squeal with glee at inappropriate moments.
Most importantly, I love to learn!! If I ever ask any questions of anyone, have no doubt that's my motive--never sarcasm or disrespect. I just always want to know more, about people, about history, about the way the world works.....In fact, I want to know everything that I can possibly fit in my head. I want to die from swelling of the brain. Woah....macabre. Here ::banana: With everything, balance.....

I'd date you.

[wphelan]

I'd date you.

Well, hell, me too.

[bug]

You wouldn't once you found out I wet the bed. :)

[wphelan]

Damn, that always is a deal killer.

Speaking of which, anybody ever watch the Sarah Silverman Program?

[Dustin]

Hey I'm Dustin, the white rabbit should remember me. I hope to get some time to debate on here later today!

[Michael]

Hey I'm Dustin, the white rabbit should remember me. I hope to get some time to debate on here later today!
Of course I remember you... a young college boy from Georgia with a bit of a political fever... ;)

I'm sure you can find plenty here to debate about... we don't bite! :)

[JHC]

I don't know who I am or what I am from anyone elses perspective.

It seems that I am an ardent novice at everything I do so I can't claim expertise at anything.

:shrug:

Greendruid is working on being self sustaining and I'm trying to do that too. We have a garden that I'd like to expand to cover every available inch of earth as well as finding a couple of chickens that I could hide on the veranda. Amanda is a vegetarian, me too. Americano is a retired business person and I'm kinda that too (although not by choice). I have two daughters. The oldest daughter is 18 and starts her Junior year of college next semester. The youngest has just started her freshman year of high school/art school. They are to me like the sun is to the earth.

I'm kinda like Sarah Palin in that we both came from small towns and had a hard time deciding on a major in college. Except I have more foreign experience and can almost see Cuba. But for some strange reason, I didn't get tapped to be a presidential running mate. :ummm:

I'm kinda like Dick Cheney in that we both grew up in Wyoming and attended the University of Wyoming. Except Cheney at least attended Yale for a while. I never had the opportunity to flunk out of Yale. :eek:

Who I was is pretty far from who I am now so I guess it doesn't help to say where I come from or where I've been. And apparently, it doesn't help much to compare myself to someone else. :lol:

I guess the most important thing to know about me is pretty clear already - I don't believe short and pat answers do much for thinking folks.

[The Drunk Guy]

Some of you may vaguely remember me as joeblow from USPOL. I left USPOL as I grew my personal philosophies into who I am today, so don't be surprised to see that my arguments are much different than before. I've grown a lot in the past couple of years and I've recently found inspiration to voice my opinions once more.

I'm a libertarian in the vein of our nation's founders. To each his own and to all prosperity. I am not against social programs, but I do judge them more harshly than most. If it is only beneficial to a few, then it is not what I want my tax money spent on.

I'm an atheist, but I believe in the power of life. I pray to the universe and praise it for this gift of life. People look for God in book and buildings, but they can't see Him in the beautiful things that make this life worth praising.

In my spare time, I read, write, play too many video games and watch too much TV. I'm dying to start fighting against the injustices in the world and I finally feel that I have the power to do that. From anti-gay legislation to Darfur, too much shit is going the wrong way in this world. We have to fight, if not for us, then for posterity.

I pray for the day the government turns on us so I can finally get off my ass and do something. Plus, I have all this survival gear that I don't want to go to waste. ;)

[Americano]

Some of you may vaguely remember me as joeblow from USPOL. I left USPOL as I grew my personal philosophies into who I am today, so don't be surprised to see that my arguments are much different than before. I've grown a lot in the past couple of years and I've recently found inspiration to voice my opinions once more.

I'm a libertarian in the vein of our nation's founders. To each his own and to all prosperity. I am not against social programs, but I do judge them more harshly than most. If it is only beneficial to a few, then it is not what I want my tax money spent on.

I'm an atheist, but I believe in the power of life. I pray to the universe and praise it for this gift of life. People look for God in book and buildings, but they can't see Him in the beautiful things that make this life worth praising.

In my spare time, I read, write, play too many video games and watch too much TV. I'm dying to start fighting against the injustices in the world and I finally feel that I have the power to do that. From anti-gay legislation to Darfur, too much shit is going the wrong way in this world. We have to fight, if not for us, then for posterity.

I pray for the day the government turns on us so I can finally get off my ass and do something. Plus, I have all this survival gear that I don't want to go to waste. ;)

Welcome. I enjoy discussions from libertarian viewpoints, especially the tax issues.

[Michael]

Yes, I recall a certain Joe Blow from a few years back - welcome aboard. ;)

And I'm sure The Drunk Guy will find more than a few 'libertarian' minded posters around here - not to mention one or two atheists... :D

[Korimyr the Rat]

I'm Korimyr.

I'm in my late twenties, and I live and work in Cheyenne, Wyoming. I am a writer and a game designer, but I'm not successful enough yet to be able to give up my day job. I graduated high school by the skin of my teeth and dropped out of college three times, so my day jobs usually ain't that nice.

Politically, I am something of a Technocrat-- according to the definition of government by skilled professionals and the definition used by Technocracy, Inc. (http://www.technocracy.org), depending on whether we are talking about near-term policy issues or long-term goals.

Religiously... used to be able to answer this one cleaner. I am an eclectic pan-Germanic Heathen, with very strong spirtual influence from Daoism and Hermeticism and ethical influences ranging from Confucius to Nietzsche to the modern Transhumanist movement. This makes much more sense in practice than it does on paper, and I plan on distilling and re-synthesizing it until a coherent spiritual philosophy emerges.

I enjoy talking about political theory and issues, moral philosophy, games and amateur sports, miltary science and the martial arts, and geek culture. I especially enjoy civilized debate on any issue which interests me, and I am looking forward to getting into such discussions here.

[Zedrow]

I'm Zedrow.

I've seen most here at USPO in the past, and I respect their opinions, which is why I decided to follow. I post more questions than answers, and they are sincere questions, not intended to be leading in any way.

After looking through the threads for a while I know I will find a lot of information here that fills in the gaps for me.

I'm an engineer who has interests in almost everything (expect psychology, so I may be at a disadvantage here, lol) and I'm very open to other opinions or points of view. I'm not religious at all, and after reading many posts from people like Doc I find that I tend to see things more as a Libertarian than anything else, not because I was turned into one but because he provided the best explanation of what one was.

Nice site Michael, and good people here.

[Michael]

A hearty welcome to both Zedrow and Korimyr the Rat. We hope you both enjoy our humble discussion forum. :)

[Americano]

A hearty welcome to both Zedrow and Korimyr the Rat. We hope you both enjoy our humble discussion forum. :)

Humble????

[The Drunk Guy]

Humble????
I caught that, too. It should be more like, "Welcome to the collection of the world's greatest egos."
:angel:

[Michael]

I caught that, too. It should be more like, "Welcome to the collection of the world's greatest egos."
:angel:
I think not. ;)

I think that those with truly large egos would tend to avoid posting at discussion forums as that exposes them to critique and bubble-bursting and no great ego can stand for that (troll-like behavior is the exception of course - they are oblivious to the critiques).

Ergo, I'd expect to find more moderate egos posting in a forum - seeking knowledge or learning (or the company of fellow cynics).

I will perhaps agree that "humble" might not be the best word to describe our little forum here, though I should hope we fall short of 'pretentious'. :D

[Americano]

I think not. ;)

I think that those with truly large egos would tend to avoid posting at discussion forums as that exposes them to critique and bubble-bursting and no great ego can stand for that (troll-like behavior is the exception of course - they are oblivious to the critiques).

Ergo, I'd expect to find more moderate egos posting in a forum - seeking knowledge or learning (or the company of fellow cynics).

I will perhaps agree that "humble" might not be the best word to describe our little forum here, though I should hope we fall short of 'pretentious'. :D

Pretentious is acceptable in the right circumstance.

[Donkey]

Confident? ;)

[john]

Hi, I'm john.
I'll be your new forum smartass.

Fearless Leader contacted me through another forum.
Thanks.

[Dominick]

Hi, I'm john.
Welcome. :)


I'll be your new forum smartass.
There's some serious competition for that award :D

[partofme]

Hi, I'm john.
I'll be your new forum smartass.

Fearless Leader contacted me through another forum.
Thanks.

Welcome aboard. :D

[Americano]

Hi, I'm john.
I'll be your new forum smartass.

Fearless Leader contacted me through another forum.
Thanks.

Fresh meat is always welcome.

[Michael]

Hi, I'm john.
I'll be your new forum smartass.

Fearless Leader contacted me through another forum.
Thanks.
You might say that a hooka-smoking caterpillar gave you a call... :smoke:

And it is very good to see you after all these years. This place seems to be a bit short of clever smartass types, so I'm sure you'll fit. :D

[The Aussie]

I'm The Aussie. Hero of all forums world wide.
I'd like to give it a go here, but the forum won't accept my usual Avatar. It says that it won't accept animated avatars.
How can this be an animated avatar. It is a photo.

[partofme]

I'm The Aussie. Hero of all forums world wide.
I'd like to give it a go here, but the forum won't accept my usual Avatar. It says that it won't accept animated avatars.
How can this be an animated avatar. It is a photo.

That's odd. You might want to send a private message to Dominick.

[The Aussie]

That's odd. You might want to send a private message to Dominick.

Thanks mate, nice one. I'll wait until a guru walks past and they might manually fix it for me.

[Dominick]

I'm The Aussie. Hero of all forums world wide.
I'd like to give it a go here, but the forum won't accept my usual Avatar. It says that it won't accept animated avatars.
How can this be an animated avatar. It is a photo.
:welcome:
I'll have a look into your problem.

Edit : Fixed. Damn nice one by the way.

[The Aussie]

:welcome:
I'll have a look into your problem.

Edit : Fixed. Damn nice one by the way.

Ripper tune! Bloody hell an Admin that does stuff for the members! What next?

[The Drunk Guy]

Ripper tune! Bloody hell an Admin that does stuff for the members! What next?
Just the tip of the iceberg, pal. These are some primo characters. Happy to call them all friends.

[Margot]

Hi. Most of you know me, or at least know of me, and I figure you are probably already aware of this fact (we're all very knowledgeable people here).
For those of you who don't know me, know this: I live in a garden of chrysanthemums (yellow and white) and I have a tendency to lurk in the shadows of discussion forums and not say a word.

[Michael]

Hi. Most of you know me, or at least know of me, and I figure you are probably already aware of this fact (we're all very knowledgeable people here).
For those of you who don't know me, know this: I live in a garden of chrysanthemums (yellow and white) and I have a tendency to lurk in the shadows of discussion forums and not say a word.
Glad to see ya Freya! ;)

It has been a while. We look forward to your occasional non-lurking fits of posting! :D

Lurkers are nice, but active posters are much better!

[Dominick]

Hi. Most of you know me, or at least know of me, and I figure you are probably already aware of this fact (we're all very knowledgeable people here).
For those of you who don't know me, know this: I live in a garden of chrysanthemums (yellow and white) and I have a tendency to lurk in the shadows of discussion forums and not say a word.
:welcome:
Yes, most of us know of you or at least of your illustrious heritage ;)
How's that anarchism study of old going ?

[Margot]

:welcome:
Yes, most of us know of you or at least of your illustrious heritage ;)
How's that anarchism study of old going ?

I relinquished my claim to any and all real intellectual pursuits when I became an English major. The only things I study any more are semantics and commodity fetishism in early 20th century American novels. I have a promising future in retail...

[Michael]

I relinquished my claim to any and all real intellectual pursuits when I became an English major. The only things I study any more are semantics and commodity fetishism in early 20th century American novels. I have a promising future in retail...
:rofl:

Or stand-up comedy!

:rofl:

[Dominick]

I relinquished my claim to any and all real intellectual pursuits when I became an English major. The only things I study any more are semantics and commodity fetishism in early 20th century American novels.
Indeed, school is the most effective way to destroy the intellectual curiosity and omnivorousness of a young mind. But everything is still an opportunity to learn. I for instance didn't realize there were "early 20th century American novels". ;)

[Evangeline]

Hi, maybe I know some of you from other message boards. Micheal spotted me elsewhere and invited me here. I'll just post a litttle bit and you can enjoy the mystery and make your best guesses.

:D

Don't tell, Michael!

[Americano]

Hi, maybe I know some of you from other message boards. Micheal spotted me elsewhere and invited me here. I'll just post a litttle bit and you can enjoy the mystery and make your best guesses.

:D

Don't tell, Michael!

Welcome. No clues?

[Evangeline]

Welcome. No clues?

I guess a clue is - I don't recognize your name, but I do recognize some others.

[Michael]

Welcome Evangeline! :)

Nice Condi avatar you got there!

Welcome. No clues?
You're going to like Evangeline, I know it! :D

[Evangeline]

CONDI!?!?

How DARE you!

LOL

[partofme]

Hi, maybe I know some of you from other message boards. Micheal spotted me elsewhere and invited me here. I'll just post a litttle bit and you can enjoy the mystery and make your best guesses.

:D

Don't tell, Michael!

Millie? Is that you?

[Dominick]

Hi, maybe I know some of you from other message boards. Micheal spotted me elsewhere and invited me here. I'll just post a litttle bit and you can enjoy the mystery and make your best guesses.

:D

Don't tell, Michael!
Mrs. M ? :angel:

[Evangeline]

Mrs. M ? :angel:

Another clue - I don't recognize your name either.

And no, not Mrs M.

Holy crap

[partofme]

I did guess JHC but you said you are going to see The Dead tomorrow night and I looked that up and they are playing in California and she is in Florida or at least it says she is on her profile in another forum.

[Americano]

There's a thread on Louisiana/Vitter and I can't imagine anyone but someone from Louisiana being interested in either of those subjects.

[Margot]

I did guess JHC but you said you are going to see The Dead tomorrow night and I looked that up and they are playing in California and she is in Florida or at least it says she is on her profile in another forum.

Nope. I keep close tabs on JHC, and she's sitting right here in FL being all not in California. Not her, lol.

[Michael]

There's a thread on Louisiana/Vitter and I can't imagine anyone but someone from Louisiana being interested in either of those subjects.
I like to keep tabs on Vitter's re-election campaign - its quite colorful actually! ;)

Its possible he could be going down in 2010.

[Evangeline]

This is fun!

I keep tabs on all wacky Republican goings-on.

[Donkey]

Nope. I keep close tabs on JHC, and she's sitting right here in FL being all not in California. Not her, lol.
Stalker! :lol:

[Michael]

Another clue - I don't recognize your name either.

And no, not Mrs M.

Holy crap

That would be War On Ignorance from USPO, in case you are curious.

Didn't like the Mrs M or condi jokes eh?

[SMadsen]

Another clue - I don't recognize your name either.

And no, not Mrs M.

Holy crap

Ummm, Samantha?

[Evangeline]

Ummm, Samantha?

HAHA!!!! You win!

Dominick is War on Ignorance?

Awesome. I love you guys.

[SMadsen]

:) Welcome to the forum, Evangeline

[Evangeline]

:) Welcome to the forum, Evangeline

Thank you :D It's great to see the familiar names again. USPOL was the first forum I posted on. I thought it was the biggest and the best and when I was banned I was kinda depressed. Mrs M and MattLarson really pushed my buttons and made my head explode. Now though, I'm on a bigger board. I think it's better because just about 24 hours a day it's hopping with like 50 people, at the least, posting. You can post and a second later there can be 3 more posts right after yours. www.politicalforum.com (http://www.politicalforum.com) if your interested. I've invited two people here, from there, so far. I don't think they registered yet.

I like this board a lot though. As partof me said somewhere, it's great for bringing down the blood pressure after dealing with some of the kooks, elsewhere. And Michael has encouraged the best and the brightest here (I don't include myself in that description) and I really like learning from you guys.

[Americano]

Thank you :D It's great to see the familiar names again. USPOL was the first forum I posted on. I thought it was the biggest and the best and when I was banned I was kinda depressed. Mrs M and MattLarson really pushed my buttons and made my head explode. Now though, I'm on a bigger board. I think it's better because just about 24 hours a day it's hopping with like 50 people, at the least, posting. You can post and a second later there can be 3 more posts right after yours. www.politicalforum.com (http://www.politicalforum.com) if your interested. I've invited two people here, from there, so far. I don't think they registered yet.

I like this board a lot though. As partof me said somewhere, it's great for bringing down the blood pressure after dealing with some of the kooks, elsewhere. And Michael has encouraged the best and the brightest here (I don't include myself in that description) and I really like learning from you guys.

Banned from USPOL. You passed on the American Flag being tattooed on your right shoulder and an accepted Jesus image on your left forearm?

[partofme]

Thank you :D It's great to see the familiar names again. USPOL was the first forum I posted on. I thought it was the biggest and the best and when I was banned I was kinda depressed. Mrs M and MattLarson really pushed my buttons and made my head explode. Now though, I'm on a bigger board. I think it's better because just about 24 hours a day it's hopping with like 50 people, at the least, posting. You can post and a second later there can be 3 more posts right after yours. www.politicalforum.com (http://www.politicalforum.com) if your interested. I've invited two people here, from there, so far. I don't think they registered yet.

I like this board a lot though. As partof me said somewhere, it's great for bringing down the blood pressure after dealing with some of the kooks, elsewhere. And Michael has encouraged the best and the brightest here (I don't include myself in that description) and I really like learning from you guys.

I may check that out.

[Evangeline]

Banned from USPOL. You passed on the American Flag being tattooed on your right shoulder and an accepted Jesus image on your left forearm?

LOL! Yeah. I got a lotta heat for saying Christians believe in fairy tales. So much for turning the other cheek. They came after me ferociously. Never forgot it and brought it up every chance they could. Pete let me come back - with the caveat that one wrong move and I'm outta there again. So I posted a bit and one of the best mods (I couldn't believe it!!!) came after me personally, not posting about the topic, but taking a jab at me instead. I replied that I was surprised and I expected much better from him! And that got me re-banned, for life. So that's that! They really didn't plan on giving me another chance. It was only a matter of time before they found an excuse to boot me out.

Did you get banned from there too?

[Evangeline]

I may check that out.

Are you a mod now, at USPOL? If so, how is there any time to post elsewhere?

:shrug:

[Greendruid]

LOL! Yeah. I got a lotta heat for saying Christians believe in fairy tales. So much for turning the other cheek. They came after me ferociously. Never forgot it and brought it up every chance they could. Pete let me come back - with the caveat that one wrong move and I'm outta there again. So I posted a bit and one of the best mods (I couldn't believe it!!!) came after me personally, not posting about the topic, but taking a jab at me instead. I replied that I was surprised and I expected much better from him! And that got me re-banned, for life. So that's that! They really didn't plan on giving me another chance. It was only a matter of time before they found an excuse to boot me out.

Did you get banned from there too?

I wish more Christians believed in fairy tales - it'd make my life a lot easier! Perhaps they'd stop trying to make our kids around here participate in Christmas concerts in public school. Say what you like, I still envy the enshrining of a separation of church and state that my country lacks.

[partofme]

Are you a mod now, at USPOL? If so, how is there any time to post elsewhere?

:shrug:


I'm a mod but not a very active one. Things are so repetitive there now that it's mainly my entertainment when really bored these days.

[Evangeline]

I'm a mod but not a very active one. Things are so repetitive there now that it's mainly my entertainment when really bored these days.

Well congrats! I'll never get picked to be a mod anywhere. I'm way too opinionated and emotional and disgusted by the right. Right wing mods hate me right away. Oh well!!

[Americano]

LOL! Yeah. I got a lotta heat for saying Christians believe in fairy tales. So much for turning the other cheek. They came after me ferociously. Never forgot it and brought it up every chance they could. Pete let me come back - with the caveat that one wrong move and I'm outta there again. So I posted a bit and one of the best mods (I couldn't believe it!!!) came after me personally, not posting about the topic, but taking a jab at me instead. I replied that I was surprised and I expected much better from him! And that got me re-banned, for life. So that's that! They really didn't plan on giving me another chance. It was only a matter of time before they found an excuse to boot me out.

Did you get banned from there too?

No, I left on my own when I understood the core posters were a soft version of Stormfront brimming with stark xenophobia.

[henryporter]

Thank you :D It's great to see the familiar names again. USPOL was the first forum I posted on. I thought it was the biggest and the best and when I was banned I was kinda depressed. Mrs M and MattLarson really pushed my buttons and made my head explode. Now though, I'm on a bigger board. I think it's better because just about 24 hours a day it's hopping with like 50 people, at the least, posting. You can post and a second later there can be 3 more posts right after yours. www.politicalforum.com (http://www.politicalforum.com) if your interested. I've invited two people here, from there, so far. I don't think they registered yet.

I like this board a lot though. As partof me said somewhere, it's great for bringing down the blood pressure after dealing with some of the kooks, elsewhere. And Michael has encouraged the best and the brightest here (I don't include myself in that description) and I really like learning from you guys.

I hope you don't come to regret that invitation.:angel: May I ask who was the other? A bunch of us came from Political Hotwire and I'm curious if your other choice was one of them. I'm assuming I'm one of the ones you mentioned above. If so I'm honored to be so selected.

[henryporter]

"Who are you?"

So sayeth the caterpiller...

I'll be up front, I'm not who I say I am.

Politically I'm a liberal and I frequently take extremely liberal positions when bickering with the righties. In fact, fiscally I'm pretty moderate. Socially liberal except I'm ambivilent regarding abortion. I hold a BSN and MA degrees. I'm an educator (adult ed-my real job) and a certified death investigator (deputy coroner). I already own all the guns I need (no hand guns) and I haven't bought a single bullet since Obama was elected. I was invited here by one of the other members, enticed by the offer of sanctuary in a bitter world. As time goes by I'll offer more.

[Evangeline]

I'll be up front, I'm not who I say I am.

Politically I'm a liberal and I frequently take extremely liberal positions when bickering with the righties. In fact, fiscally I'm pretty moderate. Socially liberal except I'm ambivilent regarding abortion. I hold a BSN and MA degrees. I'm an educator (adult ed-my real job) and a certified death investigator (deputy coroner). I already own all the guns I need (no hand guns) and I haven't bought a single bullet since Obama was elected. I was invited here by one of the other members, enticed by the offer of sanctuary in a bitter world. As time goes by I'll offer more.

I'm glad you joined Henry! Not everyone here agrees with us (you and I agree on a lot I've noticed). But a lot of the posters here are really smart and I like to learn. Welcome!

[Daktoria]

Hey y'all.

Finishing up my jr. year at college while chasing my economics and finance degrees, I'm a former politics and news junkee who dropped interests in both areas after feeling burned out from the same sorts of stories everyday. A disaster here, a technology there, a market here, an arrest there. Cynicism was an unavoidable result from being spoiled by information overload, but along with it came an implosion in my memory which keeps me from remembering where everything I learned has come from. I was originally planning on going to law or grad school, but my growing hatred for citing sources when writing papers and reading hundreds of them when critiquing what I read has just completely exhausted me.

I've posted on forums like this one for several years now, and I've undergone a drastic shift in positions over the journey. Originally a democratic socialist when I entered high school, I've flipped around between liberal democrat, geolibertarian, anarchist, syndicalist, paleoconservative, neoconservative, anarcho-capitalist, and plenty of other labels that I can't rattle off the tip of my tongue right now since the memories are planted in some random crevice in my brain which I don't care to dig up right now. Regardless, my current position is a mesh of plenty of ideas, and rather than go through an endless list of labels, I'll just call myself an independent to keep it brief.

There is one pet peeve of mine which I feel I should get off my chest though since I'm finding it to be more and more pervasive on online forums - attention deficit ad hominem attacks. I'm not talking about the trolls who just call you names and claim that the reason you can't understand them is because you're just blind, deaf, and dumb. I can handle those guys. What I'm talking about are the "empirical" deconstructivists who pick your proposition apart either line by line or ignore entire sections altogether and have no regard for intuitive, holistic, dynamic perspectives of the world. Yes, there are pseudo-intellectuals out there in the world and tests need to be administered to distinguish the visionaries from the con artists, but reliance upon absurdity to embarrass an opponent via popular appeals, appeals to pity, or appeals to authority completely undermine the ultimate premise of debate which is to discover truths and expose falsehoods. Absurdity's OK when you want to persuade a person that he's going onto a tangent that's distracting from either his own objectives or your shared objectives, but it's pointless to participate on an online debate forum for fun when you have to compete in that forum's internal politics just to be respected.

IRL, humanity and ingenuity are the two principles which garnish my respect and I hold the same benchmark for the net. Cliques are a liability that no online community should be willing to endure (although public teams are fine when official competitions are taking place) since they only subdivide the community's solidarity. I just hope you guys here feel the same way.

[Thomas Paine]

Hi. I'm Thomas Paine, aka Tumbleweed. I got an invite to the forum so I decided to check it out. I'm an Independent who leans Liberal on most social issues and Conservative on most fiscal issues, but since there are very few fiscal conservatives in our government I tend to support more Democrats than Republicans.

I live in northern Maine, in the U.S., just a few miles from Canada. I'm registered on quite a few forums so I may have crossed paths with a few members here. I usually have an opinion on a wide range of topics so I'll jump in where the opportunity presents itself.

[Michael]

I hope you don't come to regret that invitation.:angel: May I ask who was the other? A bunch of us came from Political Hotwire and I'm curious if your other choice was one of them. I'm assuming I'm one of the ones you mentioned above. If so I'm honored to be so selected.
I believe that Thomas Paine (aka Tumbleweed) is the other, though I'm only guessing.

Btw, I'm the one who invited Evangeline over here, and she's invited you, and that's good enough for us! :)

Welcome aboard, I'm sure you'll find this place to be rather less crazy and chaotic than PH or PF - we're a friendly bunch here with a good range of political opinions - though, we do have a slight shortage of hardcore right-wingers and conspiracy theorists... ;)

[Michael]

I hope you don't come to regret that invitation.:angel: May I ask who was the other? A bunch of us came from Political Hotwire and I'm curious if your other choice was one of them. I'm assuming I'm one of the ones you mentioned above. If so I'm honored to be so selected.

Hi. I'm Thomas Paine, aka Tumbleweed. I got an invite to the forum so I decided to check it out. I'm an Independent who leans Liberal on most social issues and Conservative on most fiscal issues, but since there are very few fiscal conservatives in our government I tend to support more Democrats than Republicans.

I live in northern Maine, in the U.S., just a few miles from Canada. I'm registered on quite a few forums so I may have crossed paths with a few members here. I usually have an opinion on a wide range of topics so I'll jump in where the opportunity presents itself.
Welcome Thomas Paine, with a username like that, you get respect right off the top because I just love the oriignal Thomas Paine!

And I'm sure you'll find a wide range of topics here to interest you. If you don't, please feel free to start some new threads!

I think you'll find that there is quite a few of us 'social liberal, fiscal conservatives' at this forum.

[Michael]

Hey y'all.

Finishing up my jr. year at college while chasing my economics and finance degrees, I'm a former politics and news junkee who dropped interests in both areas after feeling burned out from the same sorts of stories everyday. A disaster here, a technology there, a market here, an arrest there. Cynicism was an unavoidable result from being spoiled by information overload, but along with it came an implosion in my memory which keeps me from remembering where everything I learned has come from. I was originally planning on going to law or grad school, but my growing hatred for citing sources when writing papers and reading hundreds of them when critiquing what I read has just completely exhausted me.

I've posted on forums like this one for several years now, and I've undergone a drastic shift in positions over the journey. Originally a democratic socialist when I entered high school, I've flipped around between liberal democrat, geolibertarian, anarchist, syndicalist, paleoconservative, neoconservative, anarcho-capitalist, and plenty of other labels that I can't rattle off the tip of my tongue right now since the memories are planted in some random crevice in my brain which I don't care to dig up right now. Regardless, my current position is a mesh of plenty of ideas, and rather than go through an endless list of labels, I'll just call myself an independent to keep it brief.

There is one pet peeve of mine which I feel I should get off my chest though since I'm finding it to be more and more pervasive on online forums - attention deficit ad hominem attacks. I'm not talking about the trolls who just call you names and claim that the reason you can't understand them is because you're just blind, deaf, and dumb. I can handle those guys. What I'm talking about are the "empirical" deconstructivists who pick your proposition apart either line by line or ignore entire sections altogether and have no regard for intuitive, holistic, dynamic perspectives of the world. Yes, there are pseudo-intellectuals out there in the world and tests need to be administered to distinguish the visionaries from the con artists, but reliance upon absurdity to embarrass an opponent via popular appeals, appeals to pity, or appeals to authority completely undermine the ultimate premise of debate which is to discover truths and expose falsehoods. Absurdity's OK when you want to persuade a person that he's going onto a tangent that's distracting from either his own objectives or your shared objectives, but it's pointless to participate on an online debate forum for fun when you have to compete in that forum's internal politics just to be respected.

IRL, humanity and ingenuity are the two principles which garnish my respect and I hold the same benchmark for the net. Cliques are a liability that no online community should be willing to endure (although public teams are fine when official competitions are taking place) since they only subdivide the community's solidarity. I just hope you guys here feel the same way.
Welcome Daktoria! :)

I think you'll find that ad hominen and attention deficit-challenged posters are mighty few and far between at this forum where we take our debates and discussions a bit more seriously.

As for forum cliques, I understand exactly what you are saying here - I've encountered that problem myself many times at other forums - that's part of the reason that I've set up this forum in the first place. Many of us here are 'refugees' from other larger forums that have turned increasingly toxic and uncivil over the years.

I think you will find that this forum is an oasis of civility and meaningful debate and discussion. Indeed, I've had a quick look at a couple of your posts and they are excellent quality that I look forward to replying!

[drgoodtrips]

What I'm talking about are the "empirical" deconstructivists who pick your proposition apart either line by line or ignore entire sections altogether and have no regard for intuitive, holistic, dynamic perspectives of the world.

Maybe you don't like it because you're afraid.

(Just kidding. Welcome :) And, I agree with you. Responding to someone where they've broken two paragraphs you've written into 12 points for response, all of which they seem to miss, is aggravating.)

[Americano]

I believe that Thomas Paine (aka Tumbleweed) is the other, though I'm only guessing.

Btw, I'm the one who invited Evangeline over here, and she's invited you, and that's good enough for us! :)

Welcome aboard, I'm sure you'll find this place to be rather less crazy and chaotic than PH or PF - we're a friendly bunch here with a good range of political opinions - though, we do have a slight shortage of hardcore right-wingers and conspiracy theorists... ;)

I remember Tumbleweed from a couple of forums. Welcome.

[henryporter]

I believe that Thomas Paine (aka Tumbleweed) is the other, though I'm only guessing.

Btw, I'm the one who invited Evangeline over here, and she's invited you, and that's good enough for us! :)

Welcome aboard, I'm sure you'll find this place to be rather less crazy and chaotic than PH or PF - we're a friendly bunch here with a good range of political opinions - though, we do have a slight shortage of hardcore right-wingers and conspiracy theorists... ;)


I do remember Thomas Paine from PH.

TP I was sorry when you decided to leave PH because I learned a lot from what you had to say so I am pleased you are here. You may remember me as 2lane.:ummm:

[Donkey]

So many noooobies!


(ok like three, but sweet!)

[The Drunk Girl]

Hello! I have heard a lot about most of you (don't worry, it all has been good). My real name is Amber and I "belong" to "The Drunk Guy." He says that I am a paranoid schizo and that I over analyze everything. Oh! And, one time I ate a taco and spent a week beating myself up because I got tacos instead of burritos. Unfortunately, afterwards I attempted suicide. But, luckily for you that last part was just for laughs.

Now, to the part where Chet doesn't dictate my every word...

I am a miserable student/certified nursing assistant who enjoys beers and long walks on the beach. Wait! Hasn't someone already said that?! (Sorry my schizo personality kicked in).

Although, I am miserable in some aspects of my life I am ready to move forward and enjoy the "finer" things in life. I am horrible with words and expressing myself, so please excuse me in advance for that. Also, I am totally random and eclectic and demanding, so please excuse that as well. :D

-Amber

[henryporter]

Hello! I have heard a lot about most of you (don't worry, it all has been good). My real name is Amber and I "belong" to "The Drunk Guy." He says that I am a paranoid schizo and that I over analyze everything. Oh! And, one time I ate a taco and spent a week beating myself up because I got tacos instead of burritos. Unfortunately, afterwards I attempted suicide. But, luckily for you that last part was just for laughs.

Now, to the part where Chet doesn't dictate my every word...

I am a miserable student/certified nursing assistant who enjoys beers and long walks on the beach. Wait! Hasn't someone already said that?! (Sorry my schizo personality kicked in).

Although, I am miserable in some aspects of my life I am ready to move forward and enjoy the "finer" things in life. I am horrible with words and expressing myself, so please excuse me in advance for that. Also, I am totally random and eclectic and demanding, so please excuse that as well. :D

-Amber

Well, as long as you're hot then the rest... Forgive me in that I am completely superficial, no depth whatsoever. And welcome, or as much of a welcome as a person with only about 5 more posts than you is allow to offer.

[Evangeline]

Hi Mr Paine and Drunk Girl! I'm glad you joined Tumbleweed! And Drunk Girl, I think you're only the 3rd girl here, including me. Am I right boys? So it's nice to have another person with ovaries. ;)

[wphelan]

Hi Mr Paine and Drunk Girl! I'm glad you joined Tumbleweed! And Drunk Girl, I think you're only the 3rd girl here, including me. Am I right boys? So it's nice to have another person with ovaries. ;)

Hmm...I might say there's five of you that are active. Well, semi-active. Perhaps more if you count the total stragglers.

But hey, it's not like I'm counting.*







*Actually I am.

[Thomas Paine]

Welcome Thomas Paine, with a username like that, you get respect right off the top because I just love the oriignal Thomas Paine!

Hi Michael. Thanks for the welcome. I see that the forum seems to be fairly new so good luck with your endeavor. I like your choice of emoticons. :cool:

Thomas Paine seems to be one of the least known or mentioned figures
from the founding father's era, but one that I find very interesting.

I remember Tumbleweed from a couple of forums. Welcome.
Hi Americano. Thanks for the welcome. Your user name doesn't ring a bell so I may know you as someone else, or as they say. the first thing to go is the mind. :)

I do remember Thomas Paine from PH.

TP I was sorry when you decided to leave PH because I learned a lot from what you had to say so I am pleased you are here. You may remember me as 2lane.:ummm:

Hi Henry. Sorry, but I'm not that Thomas Paine. I am a member as PH, but this is my first time using this name. The forum software wouldn't let me register as Tumbleweed because of the word "weed" I presume, which has happened on a few other forums as well. Sorry for the mixup.

Hi Mr Paine and Drunk Girl! I'm glad you joined Tumbleweed!
Hi Evangeline. Thanks for the invite. :cool: I was looking to expand my horizons so to speak because of all the drama going on over there, so your timing was perfect. A lot of posters who I shared common points of view with got banned, which took some of the pleasure out of posting there. I needed a breath of freah air. :)

[Michael]

Welcome to The Drunk Girl! :)

This is a veritable wave of newbies!!!

And for those counting, you will notice there there a fair number of females here amongst the regulars in addition to Evangeline, there is bug, MCMFM23, and Sucre as well as several others who aren't quite as active (TheSister, JHC, Helene) and one or two more that belong to that category of those who register, but never post.

And don't pay no mind to wphelan... he tries hitting on all the girls here! :D

Hi Michael. Thanks for the welcome. I see that the forum seems to be fairly new so good luck with your endeavor. I like your choice of emoticons. :cool:
Yes, we've only just past the six month mark here.

Hi Henry. Sorry, but I'm not that Thomas Paine. I am a member as PH, but this is my first time using this name. The forum software wouldn't let me register as Tumbleweed because of the word "weed" I presume, which has happened on a few other forums as well. Sorry for the mixup.
Actually, the reason is that we already have an (inactive) member registered with the username of Tumbleweed.

There are no banned words here. :)

[Americano]

Hello! I have heard a lot about most of you (don't worry, it all has been good). My real name is Amber and I "belong" to "The Drunk Guy." He says that I am a paranoid schizo and that I over analyze everything. Oh! And, one time I ate a taco and spent a week beating myself up because I got tacos instead of burritos. Unfortunately, afterwards I attempted suicide. But, luckily for you that last part was just for laughs.

Now, to the part where Chet doesn't dictate my every word...

I am a miserable student/certified nursing assistant who enjoys beers and long walks on the beach. Wait! Hasn't someone already said that?! (Sorry my schizo personality kicked in).

Although, I am miserable in some aspects of my life I am ready to move forward and enjoy the "finer" things in life. I am horrible with words and expressing myself, so please excuse me in advance for that. Also, I am totally random and eclectic and demanding, so please excuse that as well. :D

-Amber

Welcome Amber. Though I am a little distressed to hear the Southern US states are again allowing ownership of people.

[partofme]

Hello! I have heard a lot about most of you (don't worry, it all has been good). My real name is Amber and I "belong" to "The Drunk Guy." He says that I am a paranoid schizo and that I over analyze everything. Oh! And, one time I ate a taco and spent a week beating myself up because I got tacos instead of burritos. Unfortunately, afterwards I attempted suicide. But, luckily for you that last part was just for laughs.

Now, to the part where Chet doesn't dictate my every word...

I am a miserable student/certified nursing assistant who enjoys beers and long walks on the beach. Wait! Hasn't someone already said that?! (Sorry my schizo personality kicked in).

Although, I am miserable in some aspects of my life I am ready to move forward and enjoy the "finer" things in life. I am horrible with words and expressing myself, so please excuse me in advance for that. Also, I am totally random and eclectic and demanding, so please excuse that as well. :D

-Amber


Why hello there. I've heard so much about you. Suicide is always good for a few chuckles. :D

[The Drunk Girl]

Welcome Amber. Though I am a little distressed to hear the Southern US states are again allowing ownership of people.

Do you know how many times I have had to tell people that my name is Kunta Kinte instead of Toby?

[The Drunk Girl]

Thank you all for the warm welcome :)

I look forward to getting to know everyone

[Michael]

Thank you all for the warm welcome :)

I look forward to getting to know everyone
We look forward to you staying alive! :D

I'm sure you'll find this place to be a fun and friendly place. We like a mixture of the serious and the not-so-serious here. ;)

[The Drunk Guy]

Welcome Amber. Though I am a little distressed to hear the Southern US states are again allowing ownership of people.
Whatever! It's effin awesome. What's shitty is that the property taxes are so fuckin' high on her, I can only afford the one. I may splurge for a new one next year after I get my tax refund, though.


:D

[partofme]

Whatever! It's effin awesome. What's shitty is that the property taxes are so fuckin' high on her, I can only afford the one. I may splurge for a new one next year after I get my tax refund, though.


:D

I'll take the one with the perty mouth.

[Americano]

Whatever! It's effin awesome. What's shitty is that the property taxes are so fuckin' high on her, I can only afford the one. I may splurge for a new one next year after I get my tax refund, though.


:D

Two at a time. You are a brave soul and obviously wealthy.

[Evangeline]

Hmm...I might say there's five of you that are active. Well, semi-active. Perhaps more if you count the total stragglers.

But hey, it's not like I'm counting.*







*Actually I am.

OK, some of them have gender neutral names then?

[The Drunk Guy]

OK, some of them have gender neutral names then?
I started to use Susie Rottencrotch, but I'm a dude. Figured I'd leave it for some sweet little lady.;)

[Evangeline]

I started to use Susie Rottencrotch, but I'm a dude. Figured I'd leave it for some sweet little lady.;)

What in the world does Drunk Girl see in you?!?!

:shrug::confused::ummm:

[wphelan]

And don't pay no mind to wphelan... he tries hitting on all the girls here! :D




Dude, you're totally exposing my game. I won't deny it though. :cool:

[Americano]

What in the world does Drunk Girl see in you?!?!

:shrug::confused::ummm:

As owns her, that's a superfluous question.

[Michael]

What in the world does Drunk Girl see in you?!?!

:shrug::confused::ummm:
A shared interest in drunkeness perhaps? :rofl:

[The Drunk Guy]

A shared interest in drunkeness perhaps? :rofl:
That's funny....we were drinking when she decided to sign up. :D

But, besides the booze, I'm witty, charming, deep, intelligent, rebellious, and hung like a pony. :cool:

[Americano]

That's funny....we were drinking when she decided to sign up. :D

But, besides the booze, I'm witty, charming, deep, intelligent, rebellious, and hung like a pony. :cool:

And you own her, which requires zero personal attributes other than keeping the taxes current.

[The Drunk Girl]

I'll take the one with the perty mouth.

I have a perty mouth AND I can squeal like a pig :rules:

[Americano]

I have a perty mouth AND I can squeal like a pig :rules:

I can envision wphelan already composing a reply.

[Evangeline]

....and hung like a pony. :cool:

OK that explains it then...

[Lance]

Where are all the white women at?

[Americano]

Where are all the white women at?

You miss that craigslist feature?

[TheStripey1]

the tiger strrrrrrrrrretches after awakening from his slummmber... and then yawns...

is it morning already? :rolleyes:

dayum... :eek: time flies...

I AM TheStripey1, peace tiger. I'm a recovered republican and a Viet Nam vet. Although I lean left on some issues, I am NOT a liberal and altho I lean right on other issues, I am NOT a conservative. I consider myself to be a centrist and my political party unafilliated independant.

But since I am staunchly anti-GOP, you will find me swinging from the left side of center more often than not. Looks around... uhhhhh, is this a righty board? a lefty board? or a combo of both?

Anyway, I have lots of hot button issues that interest me so I imagine that I'll be making your acquaintence on the boards soon...

[TheStripey1]

note to any right wingers who may inhabit this board...

take a long look at my avatar for it epitomizes how I feel about you and your obstructionist party... the party of no ideas and no morals.

flexes claws...

[partofme]

I remember you. :)

[Michael]

the tiger strrrrrrrrrretches after awakening from his slummmber... and then yawns...

is it morning already? :rolleyes:

dayum... :eek: time flies...

I AM TheStripey1, peace tiger. I'm a recovered republican and a Viet Nam vet. Although I lean left on some issues, I am NOT a liberal and altho I lean right on other issues, I am NOT a conservative. I consider myself to be a centrist and my political party unafilliated independant.

But since I am staunchly anti-GOP, you will find me swinging from the left side of center more often than not. Looks around... uhhhhh, is this a righty board? a lefty board? or a combo of both?

Anyway, I have lots of hot button issues that interest me so I imagine that I'll be making your acquaintence on the boards soon...
Good to see you around Stripey! :)

I think you might find this forum is a bit short on the 'hard-core rightwing' variety, but we do have some rather decent moderate ones. We do try for a nice 'centerist' balance on the whole.

Welcome aboard and make yourself at home. :)

[TheStripey1]

Thanks, Michael... I purrfurr centrist boards to the winger types, be they right or left, as I just can't stand partisan mods running roughshod over their opposition...

ok with you if I invite a few friends here, too?

waves to partofme...

[Birdzeye]

Well, you can thank Stripey for my being here. :D

[partofme]

Well, you can thank Stripey for my being here. :D

Welcome. :)

[Michael]

ok with you if I invite a few friends here, too?


Well, you can thank Stripey for my being here. :D

Indeed. Stripey's friends are welcome too!

And welcome to Birdzeye! Hope you like our "not-so-humble" forum. :)

(I got in trouble for calling this forum "humble" before) :D

[Birdzeye]

Looks good so far!

[Donkey]

Well, you can thank Stripey for my being here. :D
I recognize you from somewhere, don't remember which forum.


(I got in trouble for calling this forum "humble" before) :D
Perhaps because the raging dearth of humility. ;)

[Daktoria]

note to any right wingers who may inhabit this board...

take a long look at my avatar for it epitomizes how I feel about you and your obstructionist party... the party of no ideas and no morals.

flexes claws...

Eh wut?

Maybe you belong here then:

http://modernwhig.org/WHO ARE MODERN WHIGS?

Established in 1833, the Whigs are one of America's oldest mainstream political parties. We were the original party of Abraham Lincoln and four other U.S. Presidents.


Revived by Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, the grassroots movement has quickly attracted tens of thousands of members. We represent moderate voters from all walks of life who cherry-pick between traditional Democratic and Republican ideals in what has been called the Modern Whig Philosophy.
This includes general principles of fiscal responsibility, strong national defense and bold social progression.

ISSUES


The Modern Whig Party relies on common sense. The organization is the fastest-growing advocate for such issues as fiscal responsibility, strong national defense and bold social progression. We see the value of independent thinking and the danger of being limited to one distinct ideology. Since 1833, we have carried the mantle of America's middle-of-the-road party.
Not exactly MY cup of tea, but since you're a vet, you should fit right in with this party.:party::party::party::party::party: :party::party::party::party::party:

[Evangeline]

Why would Stripey prefer the Whigs over the Democrats?

[Michael]

Why would Stripey prefer the Whigs over the Democrats?
Because whigs rule! :D

Stripey does say he's not enamored of either party. And because the people who are attracted to that type of political party tend to fit the profile of how Stripey describes himself in his intro. I'm just speculating here of course.

The Democratic party also has a long history of being very corrupt (in Congress in particular - Murtha's a good example there) and not standing up for principles unless it is politically convenient for them.

Indeed, I've occasionally described myself as a "old school whig" (just to see the reactions) though my reference there is to the British whig tradition - it is the original political name for liberalism, so it is a noble political calling.

The American version of Whiggism has not much of a noble history. This is a new 're-launch' of the party as far as I can see.

[SMadsen]

Indeed, I've occasionally described myself as a "old school whig" (just to see the reactions) though my reference there is to the British whig tradition - it is the original political name for liberalism, so it is a noble political calling.
:thumbsup:

[aaronssongs]

"Who are you?"

So sayeth the caterpiller...


Hi, I'm Aaronssongs. Black, gay, liberal Democrat. Some folks worst nightmare. Conservatives' Bane. Opinionated. Intellectual. High strung.
Political and News Junkie. Obama supporter. Hope that doesn't run anybody off.

[partofme]

Hi, I'm Aaronssongs. Black, gay, liberal Democrat. Some folks worst nightmare. Conservatives' Bane. Opinionated. Intellectual. High strung.
Political and News Junkie. Obama supporter. Hope that doesn't run anybody off.

And you live in Texas. :eek:

Welcome aboard. :)

[aaronssongs]

And you live in Texas. :eek:

Welcome aboard. :)

Houston, to be exact. Thanks so much.

[Michael]

Hi, I'm Aaronssongs. Black, gay, liberal Democrat. Some folks worst nightmare. Conservatives' Bane. Opinionated. Intellectual. High strung.
Political and News Junkie. Obama supporter. Hope that doesn't run anybody off.
Welcome aaronssongs.

Opinionated intellectualism is definitely permitted here. Not so sure about dem 'black gay liberal democrats' though, but we'll make sure our posse of Montana militia folks stay out of your way just the same... ;)

[Americano]

Hi, I'm Aaronssongs. Black, gay, liberal Democrat. Some folks worst nightmare. Conservatives' Bane. Opinionated. Intellectual. High strung.
Political and News Junkie. Obama supporter. Hope that doesn't run anybody off.

Welcome.

Sounds like you would be a nightmare to the majority of your fellow Texans but you'll fit right in here.

[Americano]

the tiger strrrrrrrrrretches after awakening from his slummmber... and then yawns...

is it morning already? :rolleyes:

dayum... :eek: time flies...

I AM TheStripey1, peace tiger. I'm a recovered republican and a Viet Nam vet. Although I lean left on some issues, I am NOT a liberal and altho I lean right on other issues, I am NOT a conservative. I consider myself to be a centrist and my political party unafilliated independant.

But since I am staunchly anti-GOP, you will find me swinging from the left side of center more often than not. Looks around... uhhhhh, is this a righty board? a lefty board? or a combo of both?

Anyway, I have lots of hot button issues that interest me so I imagine that I'll be making your acquaintence on the boards soon...

Welcome. I also remember you from another board but can't recall which one.

[aaronssongs]

Welcome.

Sounds like you would be a nightmare to the majority of your fellow Texans but you'll fit right in here.

Oh, please don't get me started....how Texas went to McCain, I still cannot understand. The fact that we have another retard in the governor's office, Rick Perry, who is even talking about seceding from the union, should give you a clue as to how backwards and Republican a state Texas is.
I've been trying to escape for years, having grown up in Chicago, and returning here for high school and some college. Texas does have some pluses but the negatives are hard to ignore.
And Kay Bailey Hutchinson, loon that she is, seems to be the only viable alternative to Perry. I need a cocktail, this early.

[Michael]

I need a cocktail, this early.
A drunken black gay liberal democrat! Even better! :D

Now I know you will fit in here! For a minute there, I was a bit worried about that 'liberal democrat' label. :lol:

[aaronssongs]

A drunken black gay liberal democrat! Even better! :D

Now I know you will fit in here! For a minute there, I was a bit worried about that 'liberal democrat' label. :lol:

In the olden days, I used to do "more"....but, hey, I'm a recovering child of the '60's and '70's, who came into his own in the '80's. I found my life partner, a European, 7 years ago...and he wasn't having no "foolishness"....so, it's rum and coke, and vodka martinis. I bake a mean rum cake (mom's recipe)...so, gotta be moderate.

[Americano]

Oh, please don't get me started....how Texas went to McCain, I still cannot understand. The fact that we have another retard in the governor's office, Rick Perry, who is even talking about seceding from the union, should give you a clue as to how backwards and Republican a state Texas is.
I've been trying to escape for years, having grown up in Chicago, and returning here for high school and some college. Texas does have some pluses but the negatives are hard to ignore.
And Kay Bailey Hutchinson, loon that she is, seems to be the only viable alternative to Perry. I need a cocktail, this early.

I was raised in Texas and still have a lot of family there, so I'm very aware of the negatives.

[partofme]

Speaking of Texas.

http://www.theonion.com/content/news/texas_constructs_u_s_border_wall?utm_source=a-section

[Americano]

Speaking of Texas.

http://www.theonion.com/content/news/texas_constructs_u_s_border_wall?utm_source=a-section

Great closing line.

[The Drunk Guy]

In the olden days, I used to do "more"....but, hey, I'm a recovering child of the '60's and '70's, who came into his own in the '80's. I found my life partner, a European, 7 years ago...and he wasn't having no "foolishness"....so, it's rum and coke, and vodka martinis. I bake a mean rum cake (mom's recipe)...so, gotta be moderate.
Vodka martinis? You sure are classy. What do those run a drink? $7, $8? That's nut's. You should just shoot some coal-filtered shit and chase with King Cobra.

Economic hardship, bitches!

[aaronssongs]

Vodka martinis? You sure are classy. What do those run a drink? $7, $8? That's nut's. You should just shoot some coal-filtered shit and chase with King Cobra.

Economic hardship, bitches!


Uh, if it's more than $5, publicly, I don't buy it. A beer chaser? Sorry, not my style.

[TheStripey1]

Well, you can thank Stripey for my being here. :D

welcome aboard... :D

[TheStripey1]

Donkey answering Birdz...
I recognize you from somewhere, don't remember which forum.



Well Donkey, Birdz and I have been on a lot of foirums together, so purrhaps if you say where you've been, either of us or both can confirm... purrsonally, I think I've been on close to 60 boards... probably more...

so many boards, so little time...

[TheStripey1]

Eh wut?

Maybe you belong here then:

http://modernwhig.org/
WHO ARE MODERN WHIGS?

Established in 1833, the Whigs are one of America's oldest mainstream political parties. We were the original party of Abraham Lincoln and four other U.S. Presidents.


Revived by Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, the grassroots movement has quickly attracted tens of thousands of members. We represent moderate voters from all walks of life who cherry-pick between traditional Democratic and Republican ideals in what has been called the Modern Whig Philosophy.
This includes general principles of fiscal responsibility, strong national defense and bold social progression.

ISSUES


The Modern Whig Party relies on common sense. The organization is the fastest-growing advocate for such issues as fiscal responsibility, strong national defense and bold social progression. We see the value of independent thinking and the danger of being limited to one distinct ideology. Since 1833, we have carried the mantle of America's middle-of-the-road party.
Not exactly MY cup of tea, but since you're a vet, you should fit right in with this party.

Interesting... thanks I've met a few GWOT vets in real life, right nice guys and gals... patriotic too...

Hi, I'm Aaronssongs. Black, gay, liberal Democrat. Some folks worst nightmare. Conservatives' Bane. Opinionated. Intellectual. High strung.
Political and News Junkie. Obama supporter. Hope that doesn't run anybody off.

Happy to see you again, Aaron... welcome aboard

Welcome aaronssongs.

Opinionated intellectualism is definitely permitted here. Not so sure about dem 'black gay liberal democrats' though, but we'll make sure our posse of Montana militia folks stay out of your way just the same... ;)

:thumbsup: that's quite neighborly of you, Michael...

Welcome. I also remember you from another board but can't recall which one.

as I said earlier, I've been on quite a few... :angel: purrhaps it was from the same board that Michael was a damn fine moderator the name of which has fled my memory banks... was that fever?

[The Drunk Guy]

Uh, if it's more than $5, publicly, I don't buy it. A beer chaser? Sorry, not my style.
My drinking style is "Drunken Master." Yours would be "Crane."


:p

[aaronssongs]

My drinking style is "Drunken Master." Yours would be "Crane."


:p
Not getting it, Guy. explain.

[The Drunk Guy]

Not getting it, Guy. explain.
Your reference to "style" made me think of comparing "styles" of Kung Fu to "styles" of drinking.


In case you haven't figured it out, I'm the drunk guy. Literally, 60-75% of my posts are created while consuming large amounts of alcohol. What I say on here is mostly a combination of smart-ass tomfoolery and brilliant observation. Either way, it's mostly just for amusement. ;)

[Lance]

Your reference to \"style\" made me think of comparing \"styles\" of Kung Fu to \"styles\" of drinking.


In case you haven\'t figured it out, I\'m the drunk guy. Literally, 60-75% of my posts are created while consuming large amounts of alcohol. What I say on here is mostly a combination of smart-ass tomfoolery and brilliant observation. Either way, it\'s mostly just for amusement. ;)

You sir are an idiot.

Moderator's Note: Please refrain from insulting other members. That is uncivil behavior.

[The Drunk Guy]

You sir are an idiot.
You, shithead, are a racist, so stay the fuck away from me.

Moderator's Note: Please refrain from insulting other members, even in reply to a direct insult.

[Lance]

You, shithead, are a racist, so stay the fuck away from me.

Why do you say that?

[aaronssongs]

Your reference to "style" made me think of comparing "styles" of Kung Fu to "styles" of drinking.


In case you haven't figured it out, I'm the drunk guy. Literally, 60-75% of my posts are created while consuming large amounts of alcohol. What I say on here is mostly a combination of smart-ass tomfoolery and brilliant observation. Either way, it's mostly just for amusement. ;)
Ohhhhhhhhhh. Now I get it. LOL.

[aaronssongs]

Why do you say that?

Boys, boys.

[Evangeline]

Donkey answering Birdz...


Well Donkey, Birdz and I have been on a lot of foirums together, so purrhaps if you say where you've been, either of us or both can confirm... purrsonally, I think I've been on close to 60 boards... probably more...

so many boards, so little time...

You know eachother from USPOL. I was Samantha there.

And Aaronsongs! Great to see you here. You know me as ViolaLee from some other board. Welcome. I've missed you.

[Evangeline]

Why do you say that?

Perhaps because of your first post on this board, the racist post.

[aaronssongs]

You know eachother from USPOL. I was Samantha there.

And Aaronsongs! Great to see you here. You know me as ViolaLee from some other board. Welcome. I've missed you.
Thank you....it's good to be seen. Missed you back.

[Baron Von Esslingen]

Hot damn. A new forum. I see a lot of familiar faces... I wanted to register as Baron Von Esslingen but the lousy forum stipulations would not allow me that many letters. Where the hell is Vanna and can I buy a vowel?

[Evangeline]

Hi ECW!!

It's awesome that you guys are all joining this board.

[Michael]

Hot damn. A new forum. I see a lot of familiar faces... I wanted to register as Baron Von Esslingen but the lousy forum stipulations would not allow me that many letters. Where the hell is Vanna and can I buy a vowel?
Welcome ECW! :wave:

Btw, we can adjust the username character limit. We just never had a reason to it before. If you like, I can change your username to the one you prefer. Just send me a pm saying so. :)

[Americano]

Hot damn. A new forum. I see a lot of familiar faces... I wanted to register as Baron Von Esslingen but the lousy forum stipulations would not allow me that many letters. Where the hell is Vanna and can I buy a vowel?

Welcome. I'll be interested in hearing your opinion on Texas requiring a mandatory pre-abortion ultrasound where the woman has to look at the image for 'educational' purposes.

[Leprechaun]

Hi all,
Just joined (headhunted by Michael). I'd like to get away from partisan politics (especially as I'm Irish so Rep. vs Dem politics is of no interest to me). I look forward to some good debates.
Do chara, Leprechaun.

[Michael]

Hi all,
Just joined (headhunted by Michael). I'd like to get away from partisan politics (especially as I'm Irish so Rep. vs Dem politics is of no interest to me). I look forward to some good debates.
Do chara, Leprechaun.
Hello Leprechaun! :wave:

Glad to see you. As you can see from our topic selection here, we have a wider range of topics than just "US politics" here. :)

[The Drunk Guy]

Hello Leprechaun! :wave:

Glad to see you. As you can see from our topic selection here, we have a wider range of topics than just "US politics" here. :)
Right, like US Entertainment and US News! :D

Anyhow, since you're Irish, what's your drink?

[Michael]

Right, like US Entertainment and US News! :D

First of all, about one-third of our regular members are non-US. I think it would be cool if the numbers were 50/50, but it is what it will be. I like the mixture of different cultures and viewpoints this brings. :)

And we do have a fairly active philosophy and political theory section which as a topic transcends national borders (somewhat) and that just happens to have been the topic that was being discussed where I met this interesting Irish fellow.

We also have a semi-lively literature section, semi-lively religion/morality section, semi-lively world politics section, a barely alive science section and of course, a very lively (and sociable) off-topic section! :D

As for non-US politics, there have been threads posted and some discussions of Canadian, British and European politics. Not as much as I'd like, but discussions of non-US political topics are certainly welcome here! :)

And there's always talk about booze. I'm a regular Guiness drinker myself. :drink:

Hmmm... we don't seem to have an 'official' thread for talking about drinking.... yet. :ummm:

[Dominick]

As for non-US politics, there have been threads posted and some discussions of Canadian, British and European politics. Not as much as I'd like, but discussions of non-US political topics are certainly welcome here! :)
There are European elections coming up this Sunday and nobody gives a damn. There's hardly a campaign and some countries expect a turnout of 10% !
The only interesting thing for me will be to see how big the fascists get.

[Greendruid]

There are European elections coming up this Sunday and nobody gives a damn. There's hardly a campaign and some countries expect a turnout of 10% !
The only interesting thing for me will be to see how big the fascists get.

Your fascists increase in size when elections near? Strange that - at least others could notice them more easily :D

[Baron Von Esslingen]

Welcome. I'll be interested in hearing your opinion on Texas requiring a mandatory pre-abortion ultrasound where the woman has to look at the image for 'educational' purposes.

No, you wouldn't. Trust me on this one.

[aaronssongs]

Hot damn. A new forum. I see a lot of familiar faces... I wanted to register as Baron Von Esslingen but the lousy forum stipulations would not allow me that many letters. Where the hell is Vanna and can I buy a vowel?
BVE,
Good to see you...this place is a lot better than that other place. No drama.

[Dominick]

Your fascists increase in size when elections near? Strange that - at least others could notice them more easily :D
They do actually. Ask anyone on the street whether they vote for one of these parties and almost everybody will say no. They only surface on anonymous occasions such as Internet polls, Internet forums and ... elections.

[Leprechaun]

Right, like US Entertainment and US News! :D

Anyhow, since you're Irish, what's your drink?
Bulmers of course (Magners to anyone outside of Ireland) but of course I'm 17 so ignore that......

There are European elections coming up this Sunday and nobody gives a damn. There's hardly a campaign and some countries expect a turnout of 10% !
The only interesting thing for me will be to see how big the fascists get.
I imagine Ireland would have a much higher turnout due to local and by-elections being held on the same day. The reason why noone is turning out is because people are disillusioned with Europe due to it's massive drift to the far right. Unfortunately however Lisbon seems more and more likely to be passed here in Ireland and it will be a sad day for Europe. In Ireland no fascist groups have sprung up (if you ignore Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael :lol:) and I hope the left will make ground although we don't have a genuine left, not since the 80s.

[Michael]

There are European elections coming up this Sunday and nobody gives a damn. There's hardly a campaign and some countries expect a turnout of 10% !
The only interesting thing for me will be to see how big the fascists get.
So long as the European Parliament is a toothless talking shop, it will be used for political grandstanding.

Everyone knows that the real power still resides with the component national governments, so the pan-Europe parliament just gets the symbolic protest votes. If the fascists were rising in national governments rather than the European Parliament, I'd be more worried.

[SMadsen]

There are European elections coming up this Sunday and nobody gives a damn. There's hardly a campaign and some countries expect a turnout of 10% !
Simultaneously with the EU elections we also have an issue on the ballot of successors to the crown, so we might expect a turnout as high as 10,5% ! :)

[SMadsen]

They do actually. Ask anyone on the street whether they vote for one of these parties and almost everybody will say no. They only surface on anonymous occasions such as Internet polls, Internet forums and ... elections.
Unfortunately, that's a recognizable pattern in Europe these days (or these decades to be more precise).

[Michael]

Bulmers of course (Magners to anyone outside of Ireland) but of course I'm 17 so ignore that......
Duly ignored. We don't have a license to serve here anyway... ;)

...In Ireland no fascist groups have sprung up (if you ignore Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael :lol:) and I hope the left will make ground although we don't have a genuine left, not since the 80s.

Curious phenomenum that was. How the 'genuine' left died during the 80s in a variety of countries (US and UK are my specific references here, but the pattern seems to be larger still).

[Zarquon]

I'm Zarquon, a recent high school graduate and I hope to start college next fall(missed the deadline this year), I intend to major in economics.
I came here from ars-regendi.com(the political simulation game), where michael is a fellow member of our alliance GSF.
I'd mostly post in politics, economics, and cinema related threads.

I'm interested in science, economics, politics, philosophy, and cinema; and I hope to
pursue these interests more thoroughly after getting my qualifications and a job first.

[The Drunk Guy]

I'm Zarquon, a recent high school graduate and I hope to start college next fall(missed the deadline this year), I intend to major in economics.
I came here from ars-regendi.com(the political simulation game), where michael is a fellow member of our alliance GSF.
I'd mostly post in politics, economics, and cinema related threads.

I'm interested in science, economics, politics, philosophy, and cinema; and I hope to
pursue these interests more thoroughly after getting my qualifications and a job first.
Glad to see you here. We can always use a quality poster that's as active as you are. :D

[Michael]

I'm Zarquon, a recent high school graduate and I hope to start college next fall(missed the deadline this year), I intend to major in economics.
I came here from ars-regendi.com(the political simulation game), where michael is a fellow member of our alliance GSF.
I'd mostly post in politics, economics, and cinema related threads.

I'm interested in science, economics, politics, philosophy, and cinema; and I hope to
pursue these interests more thoroughly after getting my qualifications and a job first.

Well, in the meantime, you may feel free to pursue these interests here! We're a talkative bunch and enjoy good discussions. :)

And I'm not just a member... I'd say I was a "leading member" of said alliance. Akeron is also a member here, and an economics major as well - though he and I don't seem to agree on much economics-wise. :D

Welcome aboard and don't be shy. No one bites. :)

[Donkey]

Welcome aboard and don't be shy. No one bites. :)
:angel:

[Americano]

Welcome aboard.

[Michael]

In case anyone is curious, MCMFCM23 has changed username to Margot. :)

[Margot]

In case anyone is curious, MCMFCM23 has changed username to Margot. :)

Thanks! Far less confusing, far more user friendly and generally just much more better!

[Arkady]

I am Arkady. I joined today. One of my mates, KSigMason is a member here. I'll have to drag him back, though! He's been a bit busy!

I'm a liberal. I hope that isn't a bad thing. I look foward to meeting you all and enjoying a debate or two.

[Michael]

I am Arkady. I joined today. One of my mates, KSigMason is a member here. I'll have to drag him back, though! He's been a bit busy!

I'm a liberal. I hope that isn't a bad thing. I look foward to meeting you all and enjoying a debate or two.

Greetings Arkady! :wave:

I suppose that ought to be a "Gday" on account of that Aussie location and all!

As for liberalism, I think that you would be fairly safe with that line of thinking around here. Not too many vehmently anti-liberals at this forum... :ummm:

Anyway, I'm sure you'll find plenty of topics and decent people to debate with - I'm rather inclined to the occasional debate myself. ;)

[Americano]

I am Arkady. I joined today. One of my mates, KSigMason is a member here. I'll have to drag him back, though! He's been a bit busy!

I'm a liberal. I hope that isn't a bad thing. I look foward to meeting you all and enjoying a debate or two.

Welcome. Are you a social conservative in the sense of Australian political liberals? Just curious.

[Arkady]

Welcome. Are you a social conservative in the sense of Australian political liberals? Just curious.

No idea what you mean, but I am a Labor supporter, if you are interested.

Julia Gillard for next PM!:p

[Zarquon]

No idea what you mean, but I am a Labor supporter, if you are interested.

Julia Gillard for next PM!:p
I think he knew that the Australian conservative party is called the Liberal Party(which they are in the Classical sense), and thus supposed that you were that sort of a' liberal' and that conservative or liberal mean different things in Australia then in the rest of the West.

Welcome to the forum btw.
How's Paul Rudd done so far?

[Michael]

Yes, I assumed that Arkady had used the term "liberal" in the North American sense of the term. :)

Seems bizarre that the same word means politically opposite things depending if one is standing in North America or Europe (or UK or Oz), but it does seem like people can and do work around this weird fact.

Liberalism is indeed a big tent.

[Daktoria]

But does the tent really exist or is it just a figment of our imaginations? =P

[Arkady]

@ Zarquon: It's Kevin, not Paul! And he is doing well, gearing up for an early election. He is still the prefered PM so it should be an easy victory.

@Michael: It is strange that the term 'liberal' means two different things depending on where you are! I tend to use the American term as most people I debate with are from the US.

I could never be a Liberal in Australia, though! It took us too long to get rid of Howard!

[Michael]

I could never be a Liberal in Australia, though! It took us too long to get rid of Howard!
Yes, Australia seems to have a rather strongly entrenched "rightwing" like Britain and USA. I never understood how Canada managed to avoid having such entrenched rightwing political authority, given the otherwise strong similarity of English political culture across these nations.

And yes, I realize that Australia is moving slowly over to more moderate middle ground over the last few years - but Australia was pretty damn rightwing some ten or twenty years ago.

Btw, please feel free to create an "Australian Politics" thread in our Politics section. We do like to hear about what's going on in various countries. US politics seems to hog all the press all the time. :)

[drgoodtrips]

I woke up in a Soho doorway - a policeman knew my name.

[Michael]

I woke up in a Soho doorway - a policeman knew my name.

Care to share some more details for this colorful encounter? :ummm:

Like, why and/or how did you end up sleeping in a Soho doorway? That sounds like an interesting tale all on its own! :D

[Americano]

Care to share some more details for this colorful encounter? :ummm:

Like, why and/or how did you end up sleeping in a Soho doorway? That sounds like an interesting tale all on its own! :D

There's even a big hit song about it.

[Michael]

There's even a big hit song about it.

The plot thickens! :D

[Lasher]

Thanks! Far less confusing, far more user friendly and generally just much more better!
Not familiar with the double negative rule?

[Lasher]

*salutes*

YarrrRRrRRrRR!

imma pirate mateys. a seafarin' sailor from days gone by.

i'm not much of a poster, to be honest, but a few folks whom i used to avidly read and follow have made their way to this port.

imma here mostly to read.

me backround be in the fine arts, so most 'o the complicated stuffs often goes o'er me noggin.

i miss the coherence 'o the rabbit and americano on the good ship USPOL, so imma glad to see whar them two made landfall.

aye.

-MeadHallPirate
Pirate: That is SO-o-o-o-o-o CUTE!

[drgoodtrips]

Care to share some more details for this colorful encounter? :ummm:

Like, why and/or how did you end up sleeping in a Soho doorway? That sounds like an interesting tale all on its own! :D

Oh, I saw the thread title pop up, and I'd been listening to The Who that day. So, in cryptic fashion I posted the first few lines of the song and then promptly forgot that I had done that. :silly:

[Americano]

Not familiar with the double negative rule?

Are grammar police cruising the site?

[drgoodtrips]

Are grammar police cruising the site?

I wonder how they feel about talking about oneself in the third person...

[Michael]

Oh, I saw the thread title pop up, and I'd been listening to The Who that day. So, in cryptic fashion I posted the first few lines of the song and then promptly forgot that I had done that. :silly:

Clearly The Who ripped the title off from Wonderland. :D

Hooka-smoking caterpillers trump any mere rock'n'roller in my book. ;)

[Michael]

I wonder how they feel about talking about oneself in the third person...

Outside of royalty, that's a sign of mental illness... :shrug:

[Lasher]

Are grammar police cruising the site?
If not, they should be.

[Lasher]

Outside of royalty, that's a sign of mental illness... :shrug:
Source?

[Americano]

Outside of royalty, that's a sign of mental illness... :shrug:

According to social psychologists illeism is the definition. Often causing people to lash out at those involved in the narcissist act of referring to themselves in the third person. Identified as an unconscious carryover from parents using it on a child during its formative years to teach societal functions.

[Lasher]

According to social psychologists illeism is the definition. Often causing people to lash out at those involved in the narcissist act of referring to themselves in the third person. Identified as an unconscious carryover from parents using it on a child during its formative years to teach societal functions.
You are SUCH an intelligent dude, Americano! Lasher says to tell you that.

[Daktoria]

Lasher, do you know this guy? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIa0frPVGLQ)

[Lasher]

Lasher, do you know this guy? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIa0frPVGLQ)
No, is he a relative of yours? Why should Lasher know him? How long did you search for the video?

[The Drunk Guy]

Lasher, do you know this guy? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIa0frPVGLQ)
:rofl:

Ted seems like he would be an excellent universal overlord.

[Americano]

:rofl:

Ted seems like he would be an excellent universal overlord.

He needs a swastika on his forehead for serious consideration.

[Lily]

Lasher, do you know this guy? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIa0frPVGLQ)

Ted is off his meds. :eek:

[cassandrabandra]

I am new to this forum - but I see a lot of familiar names ... some of you may know me as Daisym ....

I am still the same, but in the last 18 months or so I have been wandering around a bit - spent a few months in Spain, a few in Turkey and also in a few places in Eastern Europe ...

I am back in Australia now and I am still much the same.

I will drop in from to time time - its good to see a place where intelligent discussion is the norm!

[Michael]

Greetings Daisy!!! :wave:

I'm so very glad to see you. And yes, I'm sure you will find several familiar names here - and even a couple who've changed theirs.

Anyway, 'tis good to see you back from your world-travels. I look forward to hearing about them. :)

Welcome aboard!

P.S. Hopefully some of your predictions may be believed around here. ;)

Btw, you don't know Greendruid, but I'm sure you will find his posts particularly interesting - he's a good friend of mine and a professor of anthopology.

[Donkey]

I am new to this forum - but I see a lot of familiar names ... some of you may know me as Daisym ....

I am still the same, but in the last 18 months or so I have been wandering around a bit - spent a few months in Spain, a few in Turkey and also in a few places in Eastern Europe ...

I am back in Australia now and I am still much the same.

I will drop in from to time time - its good to see a place where intelligent discussion is the norm!
Well hello! :)

[Americano]

I am new to this forum - but I see a lot of familiar names ... some of you may know me as Daisym ....

I am still the same, but in the last 18 months or so I have been wandering around a bit - spent a few months in Spain, a few in Turkey and also in a few places in Eastern Europe ...

I am back in Australia now and I am still much the same.

I will drop in from to time time - its good to see a place where intelligent discussion is the norm!

Hello Daisym! I recall a purge by the USPO neocon imbeciles that targeted you and anyone else not worshiping their WSJ/FOX gods.

[cassandrabandra]

Greetings Daisy!!! :wave:

I'm so very glad to see you. And yes, I'm sure you will find several familiar names here - and even a couple who've changed theirs.

Anyway, 'tis good to see you back from your world-travels. I look forward to hearing about them. :)

Welcome aboard!

P.S. Hopefully some of your predictions may be believed around here. ;)

Btw, you don't know Greendruid, but I'm sure you will find his posts particularly interesting - he's a good friend of mine and a professor of anthopology.

Thank you, and Donkey and Americano! It is good to see you guys here! You are still over at USPO Donkey - I have seen you there a few times when I have had a look ... I don't think I've seen Americano there lately!

I am older, maybe wiser (or maybe not!) and have had some interesting times. As always, I loved being in other places and felt like I wanted to stay forever.

The poverty in Romania and in Ukraine was worse than I expected, but there were a lot of things I loved about the people there. I am still at a loss to understand what Romania and Bulgaria are doing in the EU - although a friend's daughter says its to do with cheap labour and no tariffs - an advantage for some western European firms. I don't know if thats based on fact, or opinion only, and haven't looked into it.

Ukraine is an economic basket case, and I feel really sad - they are going to have even more tough times ahead.

Although I have friends in western Turkey in many ways I preferred parts of Eastern Turkey where it was far less touristy - but we really only visited there for a little while. mainly we stayed near Ephesus. Turkey seems to be doing well, but it is definitely not Europe. I found that even though Ukraine was poorer, there were aspects of it which were more like the west.

I really loved Russia - although we didn't stay there long, but staying there and in Ukraine I am pretty good on the Russian alphabet - I can sound out words even if I don't know what they mean!

Coming home - I feel like I need to be somewhere else again!

I am looking forrward to catching up with old friends and meeting new ones.

[Americano]

Thank you, and Donkey and Americano! It is good to see you guys here! You are still over at USPO Donkey - I have seen you there a few times when I have had a look ... I don't think I've seen Americano there lately!

I've given up posting on high traffic political forums. I still lurk on occasion but the preponderance of ignorance, mythical belief and dogmatic partisanship (all flavors) became very boring.

I am older, maybe wiser (or maybe not!) and have had some interesting times. As always, I loved being in other places and felt like I wanted to stay forever.

The poverty in Romania and in Ukraine was worse than I expected, but there were a lot of things I loved about the people there. I am still at a loss to understand what Romania and Bulgaria are doing in the EU - although a friend's daughter says its to do with cheap labour and no tariffs - an advantage for some western European firms. I don't know if thats based on fact, or opinion only, and haven't looked into it.

Ukraine is an economic basket case, and I feel really sad - they are going to have even more tough times ahead.

Although I have friends in western Turkey in many ways I preferred parts of Eastern Turkey where it was far less touristy - but we really only visited there for a little while. mainly we stayed near Ephesus. Turkey seems to be doing well, but it is definitely not Europe. I found that even though Ukraine was poorer, there were aspects of it which were more like the west.

I really loved Russia - although we didn't stay there long, but staying there and in Ukraine I am pretty good on the Russian alphabet - I can sound out words even if I don't know what they mean!

Coming home - I feel like I need to be somewhere else again!

I am looking forrward to catching up with old friends and meeting new ones.

[cassandrabandra]

I've given up posting on high traffic political forums. I still lurk on occasion but the preponderance of ignorance, mythical belief and dogmatic partisanship (all flavors) became very boring.

agreed. and frustrating. sometimes it is as if you have a radio station thats not quite on the right frequency, and you hear snippets of what is said - and its all interesting - but it gets drowned out by all this static.

In the end, its easier just to switch it off.

[Michael]

The poverty in Romania and in Ukraine was worse than I expected, but there were a lot of things I loved about the people there. I am still at a loss to understand what Romania and Bulgaria are doing in the EU - although a friend's daughter says its to do with cheap labour and no tariffs - an advantage for some western European firms. I don't know if thats based on fact, or opinion only, and haven't looked into it.

Ukraine is an economic basket case, and I feel really sad - they are going to have even more tough times ahead.

Although I have friends in western Turkey in many ways I preferred parts of Eastern Turkey where it was far less touristy - but we really only visited there for a little while. mainly we stayed near Ephesus. Turkey seems to be doing well, but it is definitely not Europe. I found that even though Ukraine was poorer, there were aspects of it which were more like the west.

I really loved Russia - although we didn't stay there long, but staying there and in Ukraine I am pretty good on the Russian alphabet - I can sound out words even if I don't know what they mean!
Very interesting comments. The poverty of Ukraine/Romania doesn't surprise me at all. I'm quite interested in your comment about Turkey though - in way did you find it "definitely not Europe". I'm not trying to argue that Turkey is or isn't European, I'm just curious about the details of why this is so. Turkey is on my 'hot-list' of study countries right now. :)

I am looking forrward to catching up with old friends and meeting new ones.
Indeed - tis good to see you around. Btw, Margot here is JHC's daughter. ;)

[cassandrabandra]

Very interesting comments. The poverty of Ukraine/Romania doesn't surprise me at all. I'm quite interested in your comment about Turkey though - in way did you find it "definitely not Europe". I'm not trying to argue that Turkey is or isn't European, I'm just curious about the details of why this is so. Turkey is on my 'hot-list' of study countries right now. :)

OK - well there's a few things.

The first thing I notice, as a visitor, is that its more like an Asian, or Arab country in that people don't just let you be. They want to help, (or perhaps help you spend your money) and they seem convcinced you are there to buy from them.

Its definitely more "Muslim" than many east Asian Muslim countries. Everywhere you go the men are sitting in coffee houses and playing Tavla (backgammon), and the women tend to be less visible. They are there - you see more women working than in many parts of the Arab world, but the real social event for the women is the local markets. unlike the "tourist" markets, you get quite a few stallholders who are women, but its just like going to a souk. I have been to the local markets in Greece, spain, and in eastern Europe as well - and its different from the Turkish market.

Call to prayer, mosques a major part of every city. we were there at the end of spring, and every week there were processions as young boys went to get snipped. I was in Spain during Spanish Christmas, and also lent, and I have seen plenty of greek parades as well - these are different - more lik eprocessions I have seen in Morocco. but still different.

The position of women, the attitude of men to foreign women ... not what you usually encounter in Europe at all. the further east you go, the more we had to think about where to eat. we needed to see if there was a family room to eat in, otherwise we could embarras a restaurant/cafe owner if we went there for a meal (in more traditional places women are not served in the room where men congregate to discuss the day's events, politics or the football).

Working conditions ... even in Ukraine it seemed they had some idea of more regulation than exists in Turkey - reminds me of east asia and other developing economies - although Turkey is strong (relatively speaking) from an economic viewpoint.

EVERYBODY has a picture of Attaturk in their living room. Its like he's God. In Ukraine there were statues of Taras chevchenko in the west, and still statues of Lenin in the east, but you didn't have this hero worship thing happening - and you wouldn't criticize him either - just lik eyou wouldn't criticize the King of Thailand ...

Socially, its more collectivist in the way eastern countries are - and there is an element of this in Eastern Europe, but its different. I have to think about how I would describe that difference ... I'll speak to caitlin about it and get back to you.

There was also a kind of sloppiness about how they organised things. OK - Roman amphitheatres are everywhere - they must have been more popular than Macdonald's in the ancient world - but even in Ukraine heritage sites were better managed, making it easier for independent travellers to get more out of visiting them.

We had a friend who was originally from Serbia. As a nurse, she was pretty shocked with the health care system there, and the standards in a few areas, and we spoke to several Turks who were visiting family, but who now lived in other countries - UK, Australia and Germany. All of them felt that Turkey is very much still not European - one guy was sorting out some legal problem his mother had had after her husband had died. He said this would never have happened in the UK - but in Turkey the laws are not good and there is a lot of corruption (mind you - a czech friend had massive issues a few years ago - and said much the same thing about CZR, and Bulgaria, Romania and Ukraine are all corrupt to the nth degree).

The longer I stayed though the more comfortable I felt - and once I had made friends with a number of different people, a lot of the "differences" did not seem too bad. I felt pretty much accepted by people there, it was easy to make friends, and the people are far more welcoming than europeans generally are.

We talked a lot with Kurdish people - and got some interesting perspectives on that issue as well.




Indeed - tis good to see you around. Btw, Margot here is JHC's daughter. ;)

LOL - I figured that! and today I looked through this thread and it seems like there's a few other faces I know - I figured Evangeline was Sam (and yes Sam - I know you are Anita Miracle too! - it was your sig that gave you away). Great to see Partofme and wphelan and quite a few others as well!

no doubt I will catch up with everyone who makes an appearance here sooner or later.:)

[dilettante]

I am new to this forum - but I see a lot of familiar names ... some of you may know me as Daisym ....

I am still the same, but in the last 18 months or so I have been wandering around a bit - spent a few months in Spain, a few in Turkey and also in a few places in Eastern Europe ...

I am back in Australia now and I am still much the same.

I will drop in from to time time - its good to see a place where intelligent discussion is the norm!

Hi Daisy, it's nice to see you again.
It'll be nice to have you around here. :)

And Merry Christmas!

[cassandrabandra]

Hi Daisy, it's nice to see you again.
It'll be nice to have you around here. :)

And Merry Christmas!

Hi Dil - good to see you here, too - I seem to remember you could be very good at helping me to sharpen my mind!

A belated Merry Christmas to you too - as its already Boxing Day here. :)

[Evangeline]

I've missed you Daisy/Cass!!!!

Very happy to be conversing with you again.

:D

[Agent Zero]

Hi folks!:)

[Michael]

Hi folks!:)

:wave: Greetings Agent Zero! Welcome to the forum. :)

[Americano]

Hi folks!:)

Hi!

Whoooooo are you?

[cassandrabandra]

Hi folks!:)

Hi Zero

From what I've seen You've got a good head on your shoulders, so if you stick around, or at least pop in from time to time, you will be a real asset to the forum!

[Michael]

Hi Zero

From what I've seen You've got a good head on your shoulders, so if you stick around, or at least pop in from time to time, you will be a real asset to the forum!

You know of Agent Zero from another forum perhaps?


(I know the name from a series of stupid/hooky tv ads run by a discount furniture store up here - featuring Agent Zero and his archnemesis "Ivana Goshopping"). :lol:

[Evangeline]

Yay Agent Zero!

He is here from the other planet - politicalforum.com.

Glad you joined :D

[Agent Zero]

You know of Agent Zero from another forum perhaps?


(I know the name from a series of stupid/hooky tv ads run by a discount furniture store up here - featuring Agent Zero and his archnemesis "Ivana Goshopping"). :lol:

It's actually the nickname given to himself by Gilbert Arenas.

In case you haven't heard of him:

http://www.nba.com/playerfile/gilbert_arenas/index.html

[Donkey]

Wizards fan, eh?

[Agent Zero]

Wizards fan, eh?

Unfortunately.:rolleyes:

[Donkey]

Unfortunately.:rolleyes:
Heehee. As a Cleveland sports fan, I feel your pain. Except with the Cavs at the moment. But in general.

[The Drunk Girl]

It's actually the nickname given to himself by Gilbert Arenas.

In case you haven't heard of him:

http://www.nba.com/playerfile/gilbert_arenas/index.html

Mr. Arenas is in quite some trouble from what I hear. He had one really good standout year a few years back, but other than that he seems like nothing more than just the star/one of the stars on his team. Still a cool name, though :)

[Donkey]

Mr. Arenas is in quite some trouble from what I hear. He had one really good standout year a few years back, but other than that he seems like nothing more than just the star/one of the stars on his team. Still a cool name, though :)
I just heard about Arenas's issues today, actually, because somebody asked LeBron about it today (he refused to comment, which is good on him, I believe).

[cassandrabandra]

You know of Agent Zero from another forum perhaps?


(I know the name from a series of stupid/hooky tv ads run by a discount furniture store up here - featuring Agent Zero and his archnemesis "Ivana Goshopping"). :lol:

yes. He seems pretty cluey for someone who is still knee high to a grasshopper (think he's younger than Margot from memory ... but I could be wrong :))

LOL - and he's been here ... well AZ - take that as a compliment.:)

[Michael]

yes. He seems pretty cluey for someone who is still knee high to a grasshopper (think he's younger than Margot from memory ... but I could be wrong :))

LOL - and he's been here ... well AZ - take that as a compliment.:)

I believe Zarquon has the honor of being our youngest (regular) member. :shrug:

And yes, coherence, rationality and decent quality English spelling and grammar are always a pleasant surprise in the under-20 set! :D

[The Drunk Girl]

I just heard about Arenas's issues today, actually, because somebody asked LeBron about it today (he refused to comment, which is good on him, I believe).

LeBron is a good guy. At least from what I have seen so far. With the talent that he has, he obviously has to know how kickass he is, but he never let's it go to his head...he has fun and I think he is one of the few out there that really love the game.

[rstones199]

Hello all. Some may know me from other forums. Some may not.

I would consider myself a Republitarian (http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Republitarian).

From my avatar, you can see I am a numismatic. The best advice I can give to people now, is buy all the silver and gold you can before the US dollar collapses. Just my 2 (copper) cents :shrug:

[wphelan]

Hello all. Some may know me from other forums. Some may not.

I would consider myself a Republitarian (http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Republitarian).

From my avatar, you can see I am a numismatic. The best advice I can give to people now, is buy all the silver and gold you can before the US dollar collapses. Just my 2 (copper) cents :shrug:

Welcome! By numismatic do you mean you're more interested in coins and collections, or more in the history of money as a medium of exchange? I'm just curious because I've recently done some reading on the latter as part of broader reading of economics.

[justonemorevoice]

hahahhahaha, guess whos here too?

[rstones199]

hahahhahaha, guess whos here too?


wazzzzzzzzup!

[justonemorevoice]

wazzzzzzzzup!

us, apparently. lmao.

[Michael]

Hello all. Some may know me from other forums. Some may not.

I would consider myself a Republitarian (http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Republitarian).

From my avatar, you can see I am a numismatic. The best advice I can give to people now, is buy all the silver and gold you can before the US dollar collapses. Just my 2 (copper) cents :shrug:

Welcome to the forum. Like wphelan, I am also interested in the history of money as a method of exchange. We also have a few 'quasi-libertarians' around here as well. :)

hahahhahaha, guess whos here too?

I'm going to guess "you" are here too! ;)

And you are welcome as well! Cute avatar!

P.S. your username looks better now!

[rstones199]

Welcome! By numismatic do you mean you're more interested in coins and collections, or more in the history of money as a medium of exchange? I'm just curious because I've recently done some reading on the latter as part of broader reading of economics.

Thank you, It's good to be here. It's good to be anywhere. (Keith Richards) :shrug:

I'm interested in coins and collections. More recently, I'm into older gold coins and gold bullion coins. With the Yahoos up in DC, I see a collapse of the dollar in the next couple of years. We basically traded a credit bubble for a government bubble. 12 trillion and growing with no end in site. Not good. :thumbsdown: