View Poll Results: Have you changed your mind about a social issue as a result of what you have read or discussed on th
|
yes
|
|
16 |
26.67% |
no
|
|
44 |
73.33% |
|
|
09-07-2006, 08:43 PM
|
#1
|
Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: minnesota
Posts: 13,228
|
social issues
Quote:
Originally Posted by Texas Proud
WHAT.. you should know us better than that* *
And just like most discussions like this.... no minds are changed one iota.. just a good way to vent your opinions..* but I have to admit that there are some very good people on this board that have different views than me...* and I respect their view..*
|
Since coming to this forum, has anyone changed their mind one iota on a social issue? Or at least learned facts about the issue that you didn't know before that modified your thinking?* This thread was inspired by Texas Proud's comment above on the Rich get Richer, Poor get Poorer thread.*
__________________
.
No more lawyer stuff, no more political stuff, so no more CYA
|
|
|
|
Join the #1 Early Retirement and Financial Independence Forum Today - It's Totally Free!
Are you planning to be financially independent as early as possible so you can live life on your own terms? Discuss successful investing strategies, asset allocation models, tax strategies and other related topics in our online forum community. Our members range from young folks just starting their journey to financial independence, military retirees and even multimillionaires. No matter where you fit in you'll find that Early-Retirement.org is a great community to join. Best of all it's totally FREE!
You are currently viewing our boards as a guest so you have limited access to our community. Please take the time to register and you will gain a lot of great new features including; the ability to participate in discussions, network with our members, see fewer ads, upload photographs, create a retirement blog, send private messages and so much, much more!
|
09-07-2006, 09:16 PM
|
#2
|
Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ...
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Hooverville
Posts: 22,983
|
Re: social issues
I voted yes. I am not sure I could say that I have flipped on any issue, but I have definitely broadened my ideas, and I have become less sure that I really have enough information or insight to know what course of action might be best in many situations.
I am quite disappointed in what GWB has done to the Republican Party, and to our country, by first starting and then failing at this war in Iraq. Our military won the war, but lost the peace. Remind anyone of Viet Nam? I we stay the Repubs lose the next two elections at least, more of our troops get killed, we bankrupt our treasury, and every Muslim will hate us instead of just many or most Muslims.
OTOH, If we leave, Iran owns the Gulf and has a chokehold on Western economies. Who could resist them? Not the Kuwaitis, not the Saudis, not the Syrians.
We are essentially screwed, and it all started with big George going after "those weapons of mass destruction."
That still doesn't make me a Democrat, though if I could turn back the clock I would not have voted for the Bush Gang.
I skip a lot of posts, including most of the posts on politics and religion. Mainly I am looking for finance and financial planning related things. I have a number of investments that I found out about here. I also like practical knowledge like what cleaner to use or what diet is best, or tax and estate planning ideas, legal or medical tips, etc. Also, by looking into FireCalc I realized that for me at least the 4% SWR, 75/25 split is off the table at present. Previously I hadn’t really thought about it strategically
Another category I enjoy is affiliative banter and busting one another's chops, and that plus a little help from the moderater gang has caused me to change some ideas.*
Ha
__________________
"As a general rule, the more dangerous or inappropriate a conversation, the more interesting it is."-Scott Adams
|
|
|
09-07-2006, 09:21 PM
|
#3
|
Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Oahu
Posts: 26,860
|
Re: social issues
Quote:
Originally Posted by Martha
Since coming to this forum, has anyone changed their mind one iota on a social issue?
|
Yep. I'm a lot more inclined to favor a government/industry partnership on healthcare, with the govt stepping in for the most severe expenses & situations.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Martha
Or at least learned facts about the issue that you didn't know before that modified your thinking?
|
Ooh yeah. More than I wanted to know!
But I also see this board as the first place to ask "Does anyone know how to..."
__________________
*
Co-author (with my daughter) of “Raising Your Money-Savvy Family For Next Generation Financial Independence.”
Author of the book written on E-R.org: "The Military Guide to Financial Independence and Retirement."
I don't spend much time here— please send a PM.
|
|
|
09-08-2006, 12:07 AM
|
#4
|
Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Mesa
Posts: 3,588
|
Re: social issues
|
|
|
09-08-2006, 06:29 AM
|
#5
|
Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: DFW
Posts: 2,016
|
Re: social issues
I voted yes. Primarily about such things as pension issues and healthcare. And a big one is the work/retirement issue. I was very reluctant to retire. This is a Support Group that tells me you are not that bad and might be heroic.
__________________
Resist much. Obey Little. . . . Ed Abbey
Disclaimer: My Posts are for my amusement only.
|
|
|
09-08-2006, 06:30 AM
|
#6
|
Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ...
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 17,244
|
Re: social issues
Quote:
Originally Posted by Martha
Since coming to this forum, has anyone changed their mind one iota on a social issue? Or at least learned facts about the issue that you didn't know before that modified your thinking? This thread was inspired by Texas Proud's comment above on the Rich get Richer, Poor get Poorer thread.
|
WOW... started a poll...
I was being a bit dramatic... with the iota part... yes, most people will learn something on this board.. but will they 'change their mind'... ie, was against universal health care, now for it... was for defense, now against it... was for Clinton, Bush, etc.. (you pick).. now against... I doubt it..
I have learned a lot from this board... but also have kept my opinions the same...
But, it is you poll and we will see what happens...
|
|
|
09-08-2006, 06:33 AM
|
#7
|
Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ...
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 17,244
|
Re: social issues
Quote:
Originally Posted by Eagle43
I voted yes. Primarily about such things as pension issues and healthcare. And a big one is the work/retirement issue. I was very reluctant to retire. This is a Support Group that tells me you are not that bad and might be heroic.
|
When I made the quote... we were discussion the budget, universal healthcare and defense... I bet most people have learned things about pensions and investing and retiring.. that is what the board is all about!!!
So, like someone else said... bad results... so sorry..
|
|
|
09-08-2006, 06:40 AM
|
#8
|
Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ...
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 11,331
|
Re: social issues
Quote:
Originally Posted by sgeeeee
|
I voted no, because I can't think of a specific social issue I have switched on but, in retrospect, I probably should have voted yes. Various things I have read on this board made me re-think what I thought were no brainers. I have also noted a few times when I spouted off on some topic without thinking it through (probably reflected my basic thinking) and an insightful reponse straightened me right out.
Sorry though, I am still a lefty and want to see a universal health care program
__________________
Idleness is fatal only to the mediocre -- Albert Camus
|
|
|
09-08-2006, 06:49 AM
|
#9
|
Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: minnesota
Posts: 13,228
|
Re: social issues
Quote:
Originally Posted by Texas Proud
When I made the quote... we were discussion the budget, universal healthcare and defense...* I bet most people have learned things about pensions and investing and retiring.. that is what the board is all about!!!
So, like someone else said... bad results...* so sorry..
|
Not really, judging from both the comments and the votes.* I am encouraged.*
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nords
But I also see this board as the first place to ask "Does anyone know how to..."
|
Absolutely.*
Since coming to the board, I have become much more frugal and careful about shopping.
__________________
.
No more lawyer stuff, no more political stuff, so no more CYA
|
|
|
09-08-2006, 08:29 AM
|
#10
|
Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 4,005
|
Re: social issues
voted yes - I'm still a youngin in my formative years - hence I still have a little bit of "idiot" in me.
I don't know that I have flip flopped 180, but I feel like a number of issues were explained and examined in great detail, and I learned a lot from the discussions, sometimes leading to further surfing or reading to learn more about issues - universal health care, immigration, homosexuality, international poverty/relief, etc.
My underlying general take on the world hasn't changed a bit - laissez faire, let the markets do their job. Govt can step in where there is a market failure. My view of what constitutes a "market failure" may be a little broader now.
|
|
|
09-08-2006, 08:48 AM
|
#11
|
Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,450
|
Re: social issues
I voted yes also, although I would rather read discussions that are on money, how things work, and funny stuff ....I think discussions on stuff like health care end up running into political battles and troll fodder....
I really enjoyed Rich's recent input on the health care reform issues, though....
__________________
- Hurry! to the cliffs of insanity!
|
|
|
09-08-2006, 09:01 AM
|
#12
|
Full time employment: Posting here.
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 944
|
Re: social issues
I find that my thoughts on several topics have changed since I retired. I used to be very republican - as was my father. Now.....? I am looking forward to the next presidential race - I will be much more open.
__________________
Freed at 49. You only live once - live it
|
|
|
09-08-2006, 09:29 AM
|
#13
|
Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: San Francisco
Posts: 8,827
|
Re: social issues
Interesting to consider why people post their more extreme positions on a board like this.
Sometimes I think it is almost an invitation for others to change their mind - especially the radical rants that have no facts to back them up. Those posters might never admit it, but maybe their extreme views soften a bit, especially if folks don't rise to the bait.
Those who truly wish to persuade generally succeed by introducing new information to the debate, or weaving a tight logical argument that just makes sense.
__________________
Rich
San Francisco Area
ESR'd March 2010. FIRE'd January 2011.
As if you didn't know..If the above message contains medical content, it's NOT intended as advice, and may not be accurate, applicable or sufficient. Don't rely on it for any purpose. Consult your own doctor for all medical advice.
|
|
|
09-08-2006, 09:40 AM
|
#14
|
Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ...
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Texas: No Country for Old Men
Posts: 50,022
|
Re: social issues
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rich_in_Tampa
Interesting to consider why people post their more extreme positions on a board like this.
Sometimes I think it is almost an invitation for others to change their mind - especially the radical rants that have no facts to back them up. Those posters might never admit it, but maybe their extreme views soften a bit, especially if folks don't rise to the bait.
Those who truly wish to persuade generally succeed by introducing new information to the debate, or weaving a tight logical argument that just makes sense.
|
What!!!!?? You are full of beans, Doc. Where are your facts to back up your obnoxious rant? Any studies you can quote to "prove" the accuracy of our outrageous claim? Didn't think so.
I'm fed up with the ravings of you medical wing-nuts...
__________________
Numbers is hard
|
|
|
09-08-2006, 10:03 AM
|
#15
|
Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: San Francisco
Posts: 8,827
|
Re: social issues
:
Quote:
Originally Posted by REWahoo!
|
OK. That does it. I'm outa here. Y'all take care.
Aw, hell.
I'm baaaack.
__________________
Rich
San Francisco Area
ESR'd March 2010. FIRE'd January 2011.
As if you didn't know..If the above message contains medical content, it's NOT intended as advice, and may not be accurate, applicable or sufficient. Don't rely on it for any purpose. Consult your own doctor for all medical advice.
|
|
|
09-08-2006, 11:06 AM
|
#16
|
Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Mesa
Posts: 3,588
|
Re: social issues
|
|
|
09-08-2006, 08:53 PM
|
#17
|
Full time employment: Posting here.
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 927
|
Re: social issues
Sorry but I cannot vote yes or no in this poll. Sure, I have learned a bunch here and incorporate some of what I have learned into my retirement planning but it is not likely that anything I read here will have me changing my basic religous or political orientations. In the words of the immortal sage, Popeye The Sailor Man; "I am what I am".
jc
__________________
CW4, USA-(ret)
RN, BSN-(ret)
|
|
|
09-08-2006, 09:11 PM
|
#18
|
Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ...
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 17,244
|
Re: social issues
Quote:
Originally Posted by jclarksnakes
. In the words of the immortal sage, Popeye The Sailor Man; "I am what I am".
jc
|
Isn't it more like " I yam what I yam"
|
|
|
09-08-2006, 09:42 PM
|
#19
|
Full time employment: Posting here.
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 927
|
Re: social issues
Texas Proud,
...I say it EXACTLY like you wrote it. I had even written it out that way and changed it because I was not sure everyone would understand what I was saying. Great minds think alike....sort of....well sort of great minds.
jc
__________________
CW4, USA-(ret)
RN, BSN-(ret)
|
|
|
09-09-2006, 08:01 PM
|
#20
|
Recycles dryer sheets
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 228
|
Re: social issues
Yup, I've learned lots from this board, but I have not changed my political point of view. Nor do I want too. I do want to learn to quit arguing about issues, because it's clearly hopeless. I learn more from lurking.
I read somewhere that our inclination to be either conservative or liberal is probably inherited, along with most aspects of personality. I think if this is true, all political discourse is inherently futile. Politicians would have to give up persuasive speachmaking and turn to lying as their only remaining rhetorical tool. Or, duh, maybe I'm the last one in the country to realize this ...
|
|
|
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
» Recent Threads
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
» Quick Links
|
|
|