Words that make me stop listening because I know the person has no cogent argument: racist, homophobic, sexist, intolerant, xenophobic, bigoted, islamophobic.
I'd be thrilled if you'd provide some further explanation, Mr. Lonergan. Do you really think intolerance and bigotry no longer exist in today's society? Do you honestly immediately tune out arguments that may present an opposing viewpoint?
I agree with JakeLonergan. While I recognize that Affirmative Action served a purpose, I believe it's time has passed. Our country - for better or worse - a melting pot of many different cultures. If we hold ourselves out to the world to be a country that treats all people equal, then we should treat all people equally. But, I believe that "racism" has become the cry of those who fail to achieve a goal for other reasons that they do not want to face or that they completely ignore.
When you point the finger bigotry at someone, there are three pointing back at you...the comical ironic hypocrisy of calling someone a bigot is that the accusation instantly makes the accuser a bigot
Well, williebence, get ready to feel that Chris Matthews-esque thrill. Remember, you asked for it.
Of course I know there is intolerance and bigotry in the world. I was very clear that I am intolerant of the words I listed above. That would be an example of intolerance to preserve my sanity. Mayhap you missed that part as I may not have been as succinct in my wording as I attempted to be. Bigoted? Yes, but only against Windows in any manner or form. ;)
I was also pretty clear that I no longer feel the need to waste my time listening after someone uses those words. So, yes, I tune them out. By definition of the statement, though, you would/should have understood that I do listen when a reasonable arguement is presented. Those words are adjectives and the users of those words are biting back with the ad hominem attack which, again, sends up the red flare telling me they have no real argument. Example: "I voted for Prop 8 in Cali, defining marriage as being between one man and one woman." "Well, you're just homophobic!" There is no rejoinder, I know I'm dealing with a drooling idiot. I immediately tune out. See how that works?
My apologies to Cobrapilot and all you who made terrific comments here. If you wish I will delete this. We can do that, right? I suggested it months ago so I hope it's here even if I don't see it on my iPad.
I'll start by stating my position: I am of the opinion that affirmative action does not work and should be eliminated.
For me the paradox of aa is that it seeks to create a world in which differences are not a factor, but in order to do so, it necessarily accentuates those differences.
It was interesting to read the third alternate opinion, arguing that aa on the basis of income level may work. Typically however, this applies to matters of education and grants and does not address hiring practices.
As a Libertarian party supporter, that last opinion was remarkable to me in its similarity with the LP's issues plaform on affirmative action.
It will be interesting to see what the citizens of OK decide.
That's interesting. I was registered Libertarian for many years but decided I wanted to vote in our primaries for a candidate who might actually win. That is no longer true since California has switched to an open primary system. NEVER let anyone sell you on that idea. In my congressional district this year we have Dem v. Dem, Sherman v. Berman (and that's how much difference there is between them). What a wonderful two party system this state has!
Pin it! 
9 comments
Login to comment →
JakeLonergan 12 years, 2 months ago
Words that make me stop listening because I know the person has no cogent argument: racist, homophobic, sexist, intolerant, xenophobic, bigoted, islamophobic.
Also annoying: natural, sustainable, devastated.
Reply
williebence 12 years, 2 months ago
I'd be thrilled if you'd provide some further explanation, Mr. Lonergan.
Do you really think intolerance and bigotry no longer exist in today's society? Do you honestly immediately tune out arguments that may present an opposing viewpoint?
Reply
LSUTigersFan 12 years, 2 months ago
I agree with JakeLonergan. While I recognize that Affirmative Action served a purpose, I believe it's time has passed. Our country - for better or worse - a melting pot of many different cultures. If we hold ourselves out to the world to be a country that treats all people equal, then we should treat all people equally. But, I believe that "racism" has become the cry of those who fail to achieve a goal for other reasons that they do not want to face or that they completely ignore.
Reply
High_Binder 12 years, 2 months ago
+1 to what Jake/LSU said.
Reply
Cody 12 years, 2 months ago
I don't think people should be treated equally. I believe people should be treated equitably.
Reply
Joshua_Gregory_Marshall 12 years, 2 months ago
When you point the finger bigotry at someone, there are three pointing back at you...the comical ironic hypocrisy of calling someone a bigot is that the accusation instantly makes the accuser a bigot
Reply
JakeLonergan 12 years, 2 months ago
Well, williebence, get ready to feel that Chris Matthews-esque thrill. Remember, you asked for it.
Of course I know there is intolerance and bigotry in the world. I was very clear that I am intolerant of the words I listed above. That would be an example of intolerance to preserve my sanity. Mayhap you missed that part as I may not have been as succinct in my wording as I attempted to be. Bigoted? Yes, but only against Windows in any manner or form. ;)
I was also pretty clear that I no longer feel the need to waste my time listening after someone uses those words. So, yes, I tune them out. By definition of the statement, though, you would/should have understood that I do listen when a reasonable arguement is presented. Those words are adjectives and the users of those words are biting back with the ad hominem attack which, again, sends up the red flare telling me they have no real argument. Example: "I voted for Prop 8 in Cali, defining marriage as being between one man and one woman." "Well, you're just homophobic!" There is no rejoinder, I know I'm dealing with a drooling idiot. I immediately tune out. See how that works?
My apologies to Cobrapilot and all you who made terrific comments here. If you wish I will delete this. We can do that, right? I suggested it months ago so I hope it's here even if I don't see it on my iPad.
Reply
Cobrapilot 12 years, 2 months ago
I'll start by stating my position: I am of the opinion that affirmative action does not work and should be eliminated.
For me the paradox of aa is that it seeks to create a world in which differences are not a factor, but in order to do so, it necessarily accentuates those differences.
It was interesting to read the third alternate opinion, arguing that aa on the basis of income level may work. Typically however, this applies to matters of education and grants and does not address hiring practices.
As a Libertarian party supporter, that last opinion was remarkable to me in its similarity with the LP's issues plaform on affirmative action.
It will be interesting to see what the citizens of OK decide.
Reply
JakeLonergan 12 years, 2 months ago
That's interesting. I was registered Libertarian for many years but decided I wanted to vote in our primaries for a candidate who might actually win. That is no longer true since California has switched to an open primary system. NEVER let anyone sell you on that idea. In my congressional district this year we have Dem v. Dem, Sherman v. Berman (and that's how much difference there is between them). What a wonderful two party system this state has!
Reply