quote:

Originally posted by Scoutmaster:

The term used in auditing (and I am sure other places) is "confirmation bias": select-process-distort-manufacture data to support what you already believe, or what you want others to believe.

During the founding era it was called pamphleteering - words designed to stir patriots.

So glad to hear that you folks are taking your lives back. That isn't the least bit sarcastic, it simply reflects my own success and ongoing struggle with it. I gave up on the news in the early 90s after seeing first hand how it gets edited to support whatever narratives are desired.

You will likely be shocked at how much better you feel and how quickly it happens.

Those who wish to continue resisting, understand that this is also a significant way of taking power from those you've been giving it to for far too long.

I can't step back from watching the news or reacting to politicians nationwide.

Politics is policy and that filters down to me eventually, if not right away. I can't sit by waiting for the news that Gov. Newsom is subject to recall when my signature on the petition will help push him to that point.

I'm disgusted by what the media has become and how politicians have done a number on us when telling us how great they are working on our behalf. I gave up the Republican party when McCain was running and I have no regrets. The Repubs ask for money and I tell them why it's not going to happen.

If I don't pay attention to what is happening as it starts to happen, it doesn't help to find out later.

quote:

Originally posted by Flashlightboy:
If I don't pay attention to what is happening as it starts to happen, it doesn't help to find out later.

Oh, gee, dad, tell me more about the big, complex adult world!

For fuck's sake, man Leave it to you. I swear.

There's nothing you- Flashlightboy- can tell me about this world, which would come as a revelation to me. You- Flashlightboy- do not illuminate the playing field. I have my own damn flashlight.

Yes, this is collectively our dilemma. Most of all to you and the mods of course, but also for all who read here as a place to learn and nourish the mind. Despite human nature and how funny or briefly satisfying it might be to just throw shit against our wall, it is your wall, ours to look at, and we should want a better view of the world.

I have read and learned to value the resources of this hive. If we stick to the who, what, when, how, and perhaps the why, I trust we'll learn about the world we wish to preserve. I came for the Sigs, and stayed for the company

Thanks Boss, you could not have been more clear or succinct. I hope that things are not as bad politically as your post would seem to indicate, but I fear that you are once again spot on.
In any case, I agree that it makes no sense to drive oneself crazy with politics.

We've endured a lot in the decades of collective discussion on this forum, thanks to the owners and mods. I've seen trends and waves. We endured the Obummer years, and I believe we collectively were able to help each other get through them. I've directly benefited from association with and interactions with members here. We lost some members when the necessity to get "political" arose a while back. As Americans, we simply had to be involved with politics. I feel like most members did so in disgust that it was even necessary. It would be an awesome world where conversations about our families, hobbies, jobs, and life didn't have to involve the nightmare that will unfold as the negative change has worsened. Post-inauguration, it's time that we re-evaluate and think before we post. This discussion was expected and necessary. Thank you for initiating it, and setting the pace.

Do we NEED to rail about the latest, most heinous occurrence in political injustice? Probably not. It's impossible though, to have some discussions completely devoid of political references. Taxes, jobs, education, hobbies...they'll all be affected. I personally feel persecuted (not here) for my beliefs, lifestyle, and past sacrifices. I'm not sure I expected that when I made the choices years ago that I did. I've found that controlling and properly directing my reactions to these events and harassment have been difficult. I've handled some situations better than others. Ultimately my decision in attitude and response to events, words, and choices around me, is up to me. This forum has always been a place where the leaders and members encouraged logical, measured responses and choices. A sounding board of experience mixed with passion and diversity. I've appreciated that, and we'll continue to see that here. It's the culture of the site, it's why I've chosen to be here, it's why I'm grateful I've been allowed to be here.

I have opinions about what measures, actions & safeguards are appropriate and potentially necessary moving forward for myself personally, my family, and my businesses and community. Where those intersect with others here for the stated purposes of the forums here, I look forward to the discussion and knowledge to be gathered. Avoiding unnecessary ranting and raving about situations we're all enduring or may endure can only benefit the general attitude of the forum. There are other platforms more appropriate for some of the venting of frustration we're all sure to experience in the times ahead. A couple of pages back another member shared advice regarding the next 100 days. Much of that seems sound to me. Let's let some dust settle, figure out where we stand, then carefully and logically plan measured actions if necessary. Plenty of very intelligent people here have been correctly predicting what we may see unfold in the coming months and years. Plenty of very intelligent people here have been urging everyone to prepare. We aren't rolling over and giving up, but we aren't going to tramp around like spoiled children throwing tantrums.

The past year of political circus in this country felt necessary. I welcome an opportunity to prune as much of that out of my life as is smart and safe to do so. If each of us re-read our posts prior to clicking that "post now" button, we can help in setting a new tone for the forum. Perhaps one that can be a respite from the crazy and continue in the historical culture here of logical, measured responses that help.

Thanks interweb friends, I'm proud and grateful to be a small part of the discussion here.

quote:

Originally posted by icom706:
Farewell Para, you're still in recovery mode.

No, I am not in the midst of the recovery phases of some kind of trauma. As I stated, this is a permanent state of affairs. There's no transition or healing or recovery or overhaul or reassessment or long weekend with nutless wonders in some tree-huggers retreat.

This is a permanent state of affairs. Done. D-o-n-e. I have resigned my commission, though the army may yet continue on.

It's like- well, it's like this:



For years, I have stated at intervals in this forum the plain truth that I am patient with a thing until I am patient no longer, and then, I'll have no more of it. Well here we are. Despite the critical nature of the subject at hand and despite the possibility that I might somehow, some way still manage to do some good. I am just like Mr. Lewis in that clip: done.

"I wouldn't take the lease if you gave it to me as a gift"

I love that part. I've had the satisfaction of informing a few clients in that fashion. It feels very good. Some stresses aren't worth it, no matter what the perceived potential benefit.

Excellent illustration. He didn't get out of the oil business, he simply refused to be surrounded by idiots and ravel. The clatter of the panicked can be deafening and confusing.

I'll continue to maintain some optimism.

The Dems will lose more ground in the next election I am confident of that.

The sentiment that got Trump 70 Million + HONEST votes isn't going away.

If anything it will strengthen as the leftist policies reveal their failure.

---------------------------------------------

quote:

Originally posted by Balzé Halzé:
The country will become a three-ring circus the next few years

It has been that way for the last four years. It's been a total clown show. More Americans dead than were killed in WWII, because of inaction and bullshit politics. That alone should be enough.

I know, I know, 2A and guns and rights. But we at least have a president who can speak above a fifth grade reading level. I didn't vote for Biden, but it's likely he won't incite white nationalist terrorists to invade the Capitol building. Or something.

This opinion is unpopular here. But today felt like taking off one-size-too-small shoes I'd been wearing for 4 years. Not having to wake up every morning wondering what wacky shit our syphilitic narcissist in chief will burden us with. Hopefully this is the end of the Q nonsense as well.

quote:

Originally posted by billr:
This opinion is unpopular here.

Then what in the hell do you get out of posting it?

^^^^^ BILLR. WOW!

Congrats you’ve been propagandized. I hope you enjoy the everlasting fuck out of the next four years.

quote:

Originally posted by stickman428:
Congrats you’ve been propagandized. I hope you enjoy the everlasting fuck out of the next four years.

If we can't fix the voting system it will be forever. That simply has to be done.

flashguy

It is apparent Beijing Joebama MSM DNC Kool-Aid has been drunk in prodigious quantities by billr.

MSM is a hell of a drug.

quote:

Originally posted by Keystoner:

quote:

Originally posted by billr:
This opinion is unpopular here.

Then what in the hell do you get out of posting it?

Same as everyone else fellating that racist ass-clown and his indefensible actions, I guess. I'm very happy we're not saddled with his moronic nonsense anymore.

I can't think of one redeeming quality he has as a human, and it was a travesty that he was President. Hopefully America won't be permanently harmed because of him.

Well, as most if you know, I read some of the political threads here, but I have never immersed myself with politics. I don’t discuss politics in these threads because I usually have nothing to offer that hasn’t already been said. Many people have said I am ignorant because I don’t raise my blood pressure and get stressed over politics. That I, for the last couple of years had a single gun forum as my only source of news. I have taken shit from many over these two facts.

I sleep well. The only thing that wakes me up early, is my back aching, my wife kicking me in her sleep, or the dog needing to go outside. I don’t live a stressful life anymore. My job to many is stressful, however compared to my old job, it’s simple and enjoyable. One of my biggest stresses in life is what off road trail I plan to conquer over the weekend.

So I will continue to peruse the political threads, and acquire my news from the Sigforum. I’ll continue to not get stressed about things that I have zero control over. It’s the life I have lived for quite a while now.

Para...thank you for all of what you said. I just now logged onto the forum and watched no tv today. I just spent the day working on my tractor. As you said, I am sick of it all and refuse to participate in this charade. If I don't read here on the forum then I figure I didn't need to know it anyways.