Thread: Sigh is America really hated because of me?

I think the whole guns killing thing is a barrier in languages.

I'm fed up with it too honnestly. I'm fed up with people in general...being so stuck on themselves and their worlds that they can't open their eyes to see others.

I'm tired of it, but there's just not much I as an individual can do.

I've gotten a recycling program reinstated here at my company. I'm now working on getting them to give incentives to employees for purchasing more fuel efficient vehicles/carpooling/using the mass transit systems.

I ride a motorcycle to work every day to cut down on congestion/smog/wear and tear on the roads.

I do a lot of things on my part that I believe help make the world a better place. however, I can't be brought to my knees when other people can't seem to get it through their thick heads that they need to be doing the same.

It's the same with the killing in other countries.

What about the genocide going on in Africa? the war on Aids? All of these things.

There's very little I as an individual can do to change any of it.

All that I can do is to try and lead my life as a positive influence on those around me.

For instance, my being hell bent on recycling anything and everything I can has now gotten my husbands family to do the same...now if only my mother were a little more open minded. now if only my husbands sister and her husband would see that driving an SUV is NOT any safer than a car, etc.

Getting into fights over the internet about the war will do nothing but upset everyone. Living your life to the point where you MIGHT be able to influence those around you is something completely different.

I'm all for DISCUSSING politics. I love a FRIENDLY debate. I love the thought processes, I love seeing new points of view. I love thinking through things rationally and playing the devils advocate. however, ARGUING is completely pointless, moreso on this topic.

Originally Posted by Wiredwrx

Oh, it's killing you hate.

Again, where were you and your country when Saddam and his sons were torturing and killing Iraqis, the Taliban were killing Afganis, the Palestinians were murdering Israelis, Somali warlords killing Somali civilians, The genocide is Serejevo, what is going on in the Congo etc.....

Probably sitting at home on the couch with a pistol in your hand thinking about suicide, complaining about the Americans and Bush.

I was living in Belgrade somewhat after American bombs dropped... I had serbian girlfriend back then. If u see bombed down building in next block each time u look out of the window or come out of apartment, or can still smell the stench of stiffs inside... insanity of it drives pacifist out of most people.

Originally Posted by Red GTi VR6

Living your life to the point where you MIGHT be able to influence those around you is something completely different.

I'm all for DISCUSSING politics. I love a FRIENDLY debate. I love the thought processes, I love seeing new points of view. I love thinking through things rationally and playing the devils advocate. however, ARGUING is completely pointless, moreso on this topic.

The reason for the second (arguing about this and other topics) is to accomplish the first (influencing those around you). While I admit it is very difficult, and rarely happens, so it is with your mother, yet you still continue to try, right.

Michael

Originally Posted by Red GTi VR6

however, ARGUING is completely pointless, moreso on this topic.

Is not.

Originally Posted by Wiredwrx

yet you still continue to try, right.

correct, but not in such a fashion that it's noticeable.

I believe people respond more to actions than by comments.

I believe that a lot of people think that recycling is nerdy, or that it's really not needed. I believe that if those around them act in a certain way, they will begin to act that way as well.

Arguing IS pointless. Debate is not.

Nothing good comes of argument.

Debate is quite the opposite...

or are you one of those people who can't tell the difference, much like my husband...lol

Originally Posted by edrex

I hate when my 2 favorite "Uber-debaters" are going at it (Wired and Perv) and I'm just not in the mood.

hehehehe, why u were out of micro popcorns?

Originally Posted by Red GTi VR6

correct, but not in such a fashion that it's noticeable.

I believe people respond more to actions than by comments.

I believe that a lot of people think that recycling is nerdy, or that it's really not needed. I believe that if those around them act in a certain way, they will begin to act that way as well.

Arguing IS pointless. Debate is not.

Nothing good comes of argument.

Debate is quite the opposite...

or are you one of those people who can't tell the difference, much like my husband...lol

Ahhh, the subliminal approach. How is that working so far.

I find it funny that people think they can tell the difference between arguing and debate. In essence there is no difference, except people like to think that debating is somehow nice, more cordial, and based in some sort of fact. It isn't. Think about it the next time you debate/argue with your husband. There are facts on both sides (though, yours are probably much older...the whole kitchen sink and all, I know cause my girl like to mention stuff that I didn't tell her the first date, but told her before we got serious ), and hopefully it isn't filled with anger and hatred, but it is still trying to get the other to see your position, and also to agree with it.

Michael

debating: when we got out of teh DaVinci Code - on the ride home, we debated it...we both took both sides, there was none of this, I believe this way so i will defend it bull**** going on. It was simply a logical discussion, a going back and forth, presenting thoughts and breaking them down.

arguing: if one of us had taken one side and stuck to it, not willing to budge and trying to prove to the other than one is right while the other is wrong.

catch my drift?

Originally Posted by Red GTi VR6

debating: when we got out of teh DaVinci Code - on the ride home, we debated it...we both took both sides, there was none of this, I believe this way so i will defend it bull**** going on. It was simply a logical discussion, a going back and forth, presenting thoughts and breaking them down.

arguing: if one of us had taken one side and stuck to it, not willing to budge and trying to prove to the other than one is right while the other is wrong.

catch my drift?

Yes, I catch your drift. That type of debate occurs when no one has a interest in the outcome, like in school debating, or in your case, where you are doing it just to have fun. Real life is not like that. You think it is arguing because the other side is not being open. The other side believes you are not being open. Your mom thinks you are nuts, you think she is killing the world. Are you arguing if you discuss it. I actually think you are debating it, just that you actually believe in the side you advocate.

According to your example, I sometimes "debate" on this site, but most times I argue, because I actually believe in my position. Doesn't mean I don't see the other side, and it doesn't mean I am closed minded, just means that I haven't heard a compelling reason to think otherwise.

Michael