Liberal Elitists?

[Steve]

You'll get to where I am at in a couple days if you walk fast. I am going east as well.

RR, ......I wouldn't walk to far or to fast east, as there is one hell of a bunch of liberals out here......

if you get to my house stop in for coffee, if you miss it, I am 1/4 mile from the ocean. so just turn around,.... and stop in any ways....because I think I am the last conservative between here and the beach......

 

[Mike]

Hey, I resemble that remark. Virginia is a nice conservative state :nod: :nod: :sure:

Yea and I saw your "conservative" governor on TV right after the "State of the Union" speech.

He "IS" pretty conservative for a liberal though! :lol: :lol: :lol:

 

[Mike]

Yeah, I thought Kaine came across quite moderate as the choice by the Dems for the rebuttal. Religious, anti abortion (and anti death penalty because he is consistent), nice family man, and so on.

I used him as a counter example to the stereotype of "liberal" that folks here like to tease us "liberals" with.

Just give him a few years more in politics. He'll be leaning so far left his right shoe will fall off. He's got that "liberal" look.

 

[Mike]

You don't happen to know a guy in the pentagon up there by the name of Myers do you? He may have retired by now.

 

[theHiredMansWife]

this is part of some of the teasing and baiting that goes on here, and not probably intended to be mean although it appears that way.

I disagree. Much as I've enjoyed this board, I have to say it's one of the meanest I've ever frequented, at least so far as the "hot" topics go. And yeah, I can usually tell the difference between teasing and just trying to outright be mean. Most of it is good natured teasing, but a lot of it is just plain nastiness. It's rather embarassing, given the supposed demographic of the board... :?

Too much polarized garbage going around.

I agree. My brother is in Boston and my aunt in LA.... (Which is how I've known for a long time I'm not much of a liberal. lol)

 

[kolanuraven]

Don't blame the young here for not being ' socialized"......I see it as a lot the older ones not socialized.

The old theory " If I don't know about it....must be bad for ya and not true to boot"

 

[Soapweed]

this is part of some of the teasing and baiting that goes on here, and not probably intended to be mean although it appears that way.

I disagree. Much as I've enjoyed this board, I have to say it's one of the meanest I've ever frequented, at least so far as the "hot" topics go. And yeah, I can usually tell the difference between teasing and just trying to outright be mean. Most of it is good natured teasing, but a lot of it is just plain nastiness. It's rather embarassing, given the supposed demographic of the board... :?

Too much polarized garbage going around.

I agree. My brother is in Boston and my aunt in LA.... (Which is how I've known for a long time I'm not much of a liberal. lol)

Most ranchers are by nature, a stubborn people, or else they would have been long gone from the land. Ranching is a hard life, but it brings out the best in a person. It also forms lifelong opinions, and tradition enters in probably more than in any other occupation. We are what we are. What you see is what you get.

Just because you are comparing yourself to your brother who lives in Boston, and your aunt in Lousianna, and coming up with the fact that "you are not much of a liberal" really doesn't mean anything. I can compare myself to Dan Mortenson and Cody Ohl, and come to the conclusion that I'm not much of a cowboy. Compared to the nation as a whole, I probably am a cowboy.

How do you compare on the "liberal" scale in the community in which you live? My guess is you're pretty much "leaning to the left."

This is just something to think about, and I'm really not trying to be mean. :???: :? :wink:

 

[Maple Leaf Angus]

Soapweed, I think that there is something to what you said. All I've known is farming and the stuff that we daily contend with in the businesses of farming or ranching gives us a whole different perception of the realities of life and living.

Those who have never had to face the direct, harsh impact of weather, disease, large-scale disasters, politics,etc., cannot learn the same life lessons that we have. If a factory worker, civil servant, sports figure or public employee has a bad day or makes a mistake, they still get a paycheck.

You make a "mistake" or misjudgment on the land, well the consequences are yours to bear alone.

It's almost a contrast between an attitude of entitlement and knowing that what I have from my farm at the end of the year, I have won by perservering against whatever adversity I have had to face. I know the real value of the rewards in this business. Therefore, it goes hard with many of us to see tax dollars being spent on supporting those are appartently all too content to sit back and be non-contributing takers and beneficiaries our socialistic society.

This is not to denigrate the efforts of those who receive a paycheck, but simply to contrast the risk/reward aspects of our different lifestyles.

 

[Faster horses]

Everyone has a choice of coming to this board or not. It is totally up to you. If I thought people here were mean (which I don't, opinionated perhaps, but not mean) then I wouldn't come here anymore. If you don't enjoy it, why bother? We aren't apt to change much.

I think we have helped anyone that has asked for help and been glad to do it. I think at times we think we have been 'intruded upon' and have tried to be tolerant until it goes on and on. Some stuff that has been brought to this board isn't anything ranchers and farmers would normally talk about which can be either positive or negative.

If I didn't enjoy this site immensly, I'd be darned if I would hang around. I have a lot of things to do, but because the input here is important to me I log in every day. Be darned if I would do that if I felt as HMW. My CHOICE would be to stay away, intead of telling folks how mean they are.

BTW, Soapweed, your reply was excellent, as usual.

And kudos to you Maple Leaf. Well done!!!!

 

[BBJ]

Everyone has a choice of coming to this board or not. It is totally up to you.
I couldn't agree more.

I joined these boards because I read the posts of a certain someone that I DISagreed with and I told that person "I plan on calling you on every post you make", well he/she obviously didn't hold as strong a beleif as I thought they did because he/she has apparantly cut and run. I considered not logging back on several times because of some of the ludicous statements some have made, but my beliefs wouldn't let me.

As far as people being mean on here.. :? .. in my opinion people say stuff on here that they normally wouldn't say to someones face, you have to take it for what it's worth and leave it at that, just someone elses opinion.

 

[the_jersey_lilly_2000]

I honestly dont think anyone on ranchers intentionally says things to be "mean" Like was previously stated, yeah sometimes the topics get heated, but I don't think it's meant in a mean way, people are just tryin to stress their points, and sometimes don't agree with one another, that's what' makes all of us individuals.
Ranchers in general, are "tell it like it is" folks, and maybe because we all have more or less spent alotta time on the ranch, dealin with daily ranch life, when talking about things, we just "spit it out" like we see it. I know I dont spend a whole lotta time worryin before I say somethin, Is this politically correct in todays world. NO, I say whatever it is I have to say, in my own words, and I'll be the first to admit, it dont always come out perdy. But just because that's the way I say things and view things, doesn't make me a mean person.
Soapweed and Faster horses, you both seem to have a better way of puttin yer thoughts into words than I do, good posts.

 

[theHiredMansWife]

Most ranchers are by nature, a stubborn people, or else they would have been long gone from the land.

Very true. But they also tend to be honest, welcoming and polite. And most I've known (which is quite a few over the years and in different areas...) would *never* talk to people the way so many around here do.

It's that basic question of, "Would my mom be ashamed of how I just said that?"

And my mom was big on that whole Golden Rule thing...

 

[BBJ]

Most ranchers are by nature, a stubborn people, or else they would have been long gone from the land.

Very true. But they also tend to be honest, welcoming and polite. And most I've known (which is quite a few over the years and in different areas...) would *never* talk to people the way so many around here do.

It's that basic question of, "Would my mom be ashamed of how I just said that?"

And my mom was big on that whole Golden Rule thing...

It's like I said people will say things one these type of forums that they normally wouldn't because we are not face to face.

If you are going to keep posting on boards like this you have to grow a thick skin and not let someones meanness get to you. I know you think I am one of those that has been mean to you but let me tell you it wasn't my intensions but sometimes, especially in politics, when someone doesn't see your point and you view theirs as totally absurd, things tend to get heated, not saying that it makes it ok just thats how it is.

If you want honest, welcoming and polite maybe you need to visit something like the coffee shop. I agree with you about the honest, welcoming and polite thing but some people on here aren't "ranchers" or "farmers".

 

[Hanta Yo]

Soap, MLA, Jersey, good posts, and I agree with everything. I heard on the radio this morning, listening to Rush Limbaugh but Roger Hedgecock was on and he said (this is sooooo true and so eloquently put)

"Freedom is having to deal with being offended"

In other words, someone who is offended need not change things that interfere with someone else's freedom of speech. Most of us on Rancher's Net know the line between being "mean" and calling a spade a spade. If you heard sometimes what is said while working cows...especially if the day is NOT going well, your ears would be big time offended.

 

[TSR]

I'm just wondering when the day comes that we will all stand before our Maker, if He will ask us if we are a Liberal or a Conservative, a Democrat or a Republican.

It seems to me that he said that he will be asking us if we fed the hungry, clothed the naked, visited those in prison or even gave so much as a cup of cold water IN HIS NAME.

The litmus test is in how we respond to the needs around us without compromising either our or their personal responsibility.

I think that since most of us on this board are considered to be the world's wealthy, we are going to have to answer for how we used what we have.

Now you've really made some of the self righteous who post here mad I bet.

 

[TSR]

You're comparing today's "neo-conservatives" to traditional conservatives. (which is why there's a power struggle within the GOP, afterall)

For example, traditional conservatives tend to want gov't out of basically any aspect of their lives. Business, private, etc.
Ie, a traditional conservative would never go for that whole "protection of marriage" stuff because it would mean gov't intervention in private lives. A traditional conservative doesn't support the war in Iraq because #1 it's blowing money left and right (not a conservative value) and #2 conservatives are traditionally isolationists. "Nation building" is a liberal concept, afterall. And so on.

I think it's basically the difference between tradional conservative values for oneself vs. the more authoritarian version that says "I know what's right and by golly I'm going to make you do it my way too". And of course most people who consider themselves conservative fall somewhere in between the two, differing issues making them lean further toward one degree or the other.

Being conservative with your money, morality, etc makes you a conservative.

Oh dear...

I'm frugal, don't believe in excessive taxes, attend church and study my Bible, sent my kids to parochial preschool (it's not an option past that age around here), have been happily married for 9 years to the only man I ever dated, can hunt, fish, change my own tires and assorted other fend-for-oneself skills...


--Why RR, you've just declared me a conservative. :shock:

All this time I thought I was a moderate. :wink:

Aren't you glad that you've found out what you are? lol

 

[BBJ]

Sometimes the truth hurts. I find it funny how you never hear a liberal refer to themselves as one but conservatives will tell you thy are in a heartbeat. Why is that? :?

Is there something to be embarrased about?



:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

 

[TSR]

Soapweed, I think that there is something to what you said. All I've known is farming and the stuff that we daily contend with in the businesses of farming or ranching gives us a whole different perception of the realities of life and living.

Those who have never had to face the direct, harsh impact of weather, disease, large-scale disasters, politics,etc., cannot learn the same life lessons that we have. If a factory worker, civil servant, sports figure or public employee has a bad day or makes a mistake, they still get a paycheck.

You make a "mistake" or misjudgment on the land, well the consequences are yours to bear alone.

It's almost a contrast between an attitude of entitlement and knowing that what I have from my farm at the end of the year, I have won by perservering against whatever adversity I have had to face. I know the real value of the rewards in this business. Therefore, it goes hard with many of us to see tax dollars being spent on supporting those are appartently all too content to sit back and be non-contributing takers and beneficiaries our socialistic society.

This is not to denigrate the efforts of those who receive a paycheck, but simply to contrast the risk/reward aspects of our different
lifestyles.

Just something to think about. I've done both factory work and farm and by far farming is easier, at least it was when compared to my factory job and I say this will all respect to both occupations. Get on an assembly line moving at a rapid pace to make production and compare it to the toughest farm job- to me there is no comparison. Farming wins hands down. Also maybe not with cattle ranchers but row crop farmers in the US get quite a few subsidies from the government. MOST, with common sense, don't have to worry about that paycheck. JMHO

 

[theHiredMansWife]

It's like I said people will say things one these type of forums that they normally wouldn't because we are not face to face.

I think you're right, and that's a shame.

If you are going to keep posting on boards like this you have to grow a thick skin and not let someones meanness get to you.

I've been posting on boards like this for about 14 years. And no, you don't have to let someone's meanness "get to you." But at the same time, you don't have to sit idlly by like it's okay, either...

I know you think I am one of those that has been mean to you but let me tell you it wasn't my intensions but sometimes, especially in politics, when someone doesn't see your point and you view theirs as totally absurd, things tend to get heated, not saying that it makes it ok just thats how it is.

Actually no. In fact, I rather enjoyed the conversation on this thread.
I wasn't really thinking of anyone in particular, but rather the general allowance around here that nasty is okay, at least on "hot topics". I don't think it is, and said as much, that's all. like I said, that whole Golden Rule thing...
And I realize my complaint isn't going to change the board dynamic. I just wanted to voice it. Besides, like I said, it's not like people are rude in every topic, just the "hot" ones. But that really shouldn't be an excuse...

BTW, those are my last thoughts on the subject. I was simply disagreeing with reader's assesment and said as much. I wasn't really trying to get some big discussion going. Given how many people have posted excuses for why this sort of behavior is okay, it's obviously not going to change, anyway. I'll just continue to try to avoid people who can't seem to learn their manners...

Aren't you glad that you've found out what you are? lol

No, now I'm just really confused. In the same thread, I've been called both liberal and conservative...
:wink:

 

[Maple Leaf Angus]

Soapweed, I think that there is something to what you said. All I've known is farming and the stuff that we daily contend with in the businesses of farming or ranching gives us a whole different perception of the realities of life and living.

Those who have never had to face the direct, harsh impact of weather, disease, large-scale disasters, politics,etc., cannot learn the same life lessons that we have. If a factory worker, civil servant, sports figure or public employee has a bad day or makes a mistake, they still get a paycheck.

You make a "mistake" or misjudgment on the land, well the consequences are yours to bear alone.

It's almost a contrast between an attitude of entitlement and knowing that what I have from my farm at the end of the year, I have won by perservering against whatever adversity I have had to face. I know the real value of the rewards in this business. Therefore, it goes hard with many of us to see tax dollars being spent on supporting those are appartently all too content to sit back and be non-contributing takers and beneficiaries our socialistic society.

This is not to denigrate the efforts of those who receive a paycheck, but simply to contrast the risk/reward aspects of our different
lifestyles.

Just something to think about. I've done both factory work and farm and by far farming is easier, at least it was when compared to my factory job and I say this will all respect to both occupations. Get on an assembly line moving at a rapid pace to make production and compare it to the toughest farm job- to me there is no comparison. Farming wins hands down. Also maybe not with cattle ranchers but row crop farmers in the US get quite a few subsidies from the government. MOST, with common sense, don't have to worry about that paycheck. JMHO

TSR - after thinking about what you said, I sure couldn't argue with it. I have had very little experience with the kind of work you are talking about, but the little that I have done of it makes me mighty glad that I have had the opportunity to live and grow up on the farm.

It is so unfortunate that we cannot make a living from what we do on the farm. As far as government help, well that sure has changed here in the past few years. The well seems to have gone dry. Right now, there are some demonstrations starting up that are NOT coming from the farm organizations. They are being started by groups of neighbours who are fed up with delivering their products to the commercials for far below cost of production. 50 from here, 100 from there and all of a sudden you have 1000 guys that converge on the Ag. offices and they are ANGRY.What a pity.

So, yes, in a sense, farm work is easier, but it sure has no guarantees for success or equity with it.

And it's not like we are producing some silly little gizmo that world can do without!