Thread: Politics and Religion

Originally Posted by jdurango

I think if people spent half as much time writing, calling or e-mailing their ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES as they do debating these topics on the internet (or anywhere for that matter) our country would be a much better place.....and maybe the voice of THE PEOPLE would finally begin to outweigh the voice of the lobbyists, fat cats, corporations and P.I.G.'s

I know that you and I have disagreed on several issues, but here at least, I agree with you 100%

I DO call and write my congressional representative and senator several times a year, and attend city hall meetings when I can, although not nearly as often as I would like.

I too wish that more people did.

When only a small and wrong thinking but loud minority call they representatives in government, our government is run by wrong-thinking politicians who represent the views of the few.

I have called, written, and visited my "representatives". Highly unsatisfying. Running for office, though, that was satisfying (no, I did not win). I got to meet thousands of people while petitioning for ballot access (about which thing do not get me started. Really. Because I will not stop.), and found that a lot of people really do want the same basic things, but have very different ideas about how to get there.

Of course, there are also nuts. Never petition alone....

If you like condescending arrogance, talk to a politician. I used to call and write and all I ever got in return was a bunch of condescending crap.

Originally Posted by nun2sharp

If you like condescending arrogance, talk to a politician. I used to call and write and all I ever got in return was a bunch of condescending crap.

Sadly, I've had the same experience most of the time. But, there is a bright side. In addition to being condescending and arrogant, I've found most politicians to be impatient and lazy.

They may talk to you like a third grader, but if enough people bend their ear on a subject, they will frequently listen because it's easier than having to deal with it.

Politics and religion are (as far as I know) only taboo in the states. Over here people have no problem discussing politics or religion in public at all.

Just a culture thing I guess.

Originally Posted by LX_Emergency

Politics and religion are (as far as I know) only taboo in the states. Over here people have no problem discussing politics or religion in public at all.

Just a culture thing I guess.

Europe is no different than the US ... you can discuss politics and religion only if you avoid certain opinions and topics. For example, in Europe it is a crime to state certain facts, even if they can be proved to be true, because they are defined as hate crimes.

When you have a real good point to make, the higher you aim, the more likely you'll be heard.
(Been quoted in the Bundestag more than once, hehehe)

Whether a public politcal discussion on an internet forum is recommendable -
I guess it depends what you want there.
It does have consequences, thats for certain.

Originally Posted by Chimensch

Europe is no different than the US ... you can discuss politics and religion only if you avoid certain opinions and topics. For example, in Europe it is a crime to state certain facts, even if they can be proved to be true, because they are defined as hate crimes.

Really? Which "facts" are you referring to?

Originally Posted by Chimensch

Europe is no different than the US ... you can discuss politics and religion only if you avoid certain opinions and topics. For example, in Europe it is a crime to state certain facts, even if they can be proved to be true, because they are defined as hate crimes.

name 3.

First of all....I never said "europe". I said over here. And since you're all the way in Italy....that's not exaclt over here is it?

Then the whole holocaust thing...that's not stating a fact...that's being an idiot. And yes, although I think it's wrong you can be punished by law for being a moron.

And further on it's not the stating of the "facts" as you call them which are punishable. It's the way in which the facts are stated. If I'd say to a friend of mine "I don't believe the holocaust happened" (don't worry I have no doubts about that whatsoever) no-one would call the police about that. In fact the police would be asking people why they were called.

However if I were to stand up in front of a large group of people and state: "The holocaust never happened, it's a jewish conspiracy to inspire sympathy for the jews" THAT would be called inciting hatred.

It's not the stating of facts that's illegal, it's preaching against other people that's not allowed.



As for whether it's an american thing or not....I can't really say. All I can say is that it's not a dutch thing in general.

Originally Posted by LX_Emergency

Politics and religion are (as far as I know) only taboo in the states. Over here people have no problem discussing politics or religion in public at all.

Just a culture thing I guess.

In Latin America those topics certainly are taboo among the casually acquainted so, not solely the USA, but perhaps the larger "Americas".

X