I am a liar and a demagogue - Page 5

DanS · March 7, 2004, 17:49

Anyway, back to the original point of the thread, Spiffor, you need to develop a thick skin if you want to participate in politics to any degree. Good luck!

Imran Siddiqui · March 7, 2004, 17:50

Oh lord... this thread has turned fun. I especially like Ned called Skywalker a lefty. Hell, Fez called me a commie (basically)

.

Spiffor · March 7, 2004, 18:03

Quote:

Originally posted by DanS
Anyway, back to the original point of the thread, Spiffor, you need to develop a thick skin if you want to participate in politics to any degree. Good luck!

Yep, I know that, and this campaign has helped me develop such a skin, even though it was quite a mellow one. I expect much worse kicks if I ever become an important politician. And actually I fear much more being betrayed by my own than attacked by my opponents (which is just expected).

I guess I'll completely get over this one when I'll definitely consider this guy as a sectarian opponent, and not as a former comrade.

MichaeltheGreat · March 7, 2004, 18:08

Quote:

Originally posted by Imran Siddiqui
Oh lord... this thread has turned fun. I especially like Ned called Skywalker a lefty. Hell, Fez called me a commie (basically)

.

You are. And a carpetbagger to boot.

DanS · March 7, 2004, 18:08

I would consider him more as a potential ally who currently is not living up to his potential.

Politics has a lot of big egos involved. So you should develop a way for yourself to operate in that environment without considering everyone a potential sectarian opponent.

Imran Siddiqui · March 7, 2004, 18:09

You're so mean

Spiffor · March 7, 2004, 18:22

Quote:

Originally posted by DanS
Politics has a lot of big egos involved. So you should develop a way for yourself to operate in that environment without considering everyone a potential sectarian opponent.

This is bound to be difficult and an embittering experience. I know one should separate friendship and politics, even though I'd expect something else from activists, with whom there is no competition.

My political behaviour is fueled by my belief to be absolutely right (I mean, in trying to make a humane society where mankind is more important than either profit or dogma, I don't believe to be right in every detail). So, even though I don't have that much ego regarding my person, I have quite a bloated 'ideological ego'. I fully expect to be clashes with others, both in ideas or behaviours.
What I don't really know to expect is how to reconcile absurd rivalry with common aims.

Az · March 7, 2004, 19:26

bloody hillarious.

So, I still don't understand how a free healthcare system is abused.

Ming · March 7, 2004, 20:26

I see a bunch of people tossing around personal insults... I wouldn't suggest you continue unless you don't like posting...

Sava · March 7, 2004, 20:29

Quote:

You should be an angry, hateful liberal like him.

Quote:

Just kidding, Sava. We all love you.

but dude, I AM an angry, hateful liberal (although PLATO says I'm conservative)

Ming: better late than never, eh?

** runs away

Kuciwalker · March 7, 2004, 20:30

Sava is a Canadian

run for your lives!!!!

EDIT: Ming, that doesn't count as a personal insult, right?

Provost Harrison · March 7, 2004, 20:57

I've got to say though Spiff, this does seem reminiscent of the clandestine nature of some of these communist groups. It's like The Life Of Brian when they are at the amphitheatre

Ned · March 7, 2004, 22:46

Quote:

Originally posted by Azazel

bloody hillarious.

So, I still don't understand how a free healthcare system is abused.

Azazel, I think Spiffor gave you some good examples. I could also cite my own wife and her "practices." But, I wont' get into that.

The abuse of the Medical system here is Kalifornia is legendary. It is a major reason why we are in a budget crisis.

Spiffor · March 8, 2004, 03:57

Quote:

Originally posted by Provost Harrison
I've got to say though Spiff, this does seem reminiscent of the clandestine nature of some of these communist groups. It's like The Life Of Brian when they are at the amphitheatre

Yep, their ability not tu unite despite being very small groups made me think so as well

Az · March 8, 2004, 04:53

welfare, yes, not medicine.

Ned · March 8, 2004, 11:33

Just to clarify, Azazel, our MediCal system here in California is "free Healthcare" and is liberally and grossly abused . When no one cares about fraud, waste and mismanagement, and outright crimes are ignored, minor abuse quickly becomes more like pillaging.

So much for assuming that people will always act honorably.

Spiffor · March 9, 2004, 12:41

I felt this thread would be a fine one to blog on my campaign.

I just spent four pretty hectic days, trying to write my last fliers before it is too late, taking pics for the billboards, and get them printed. Every open day since last friday, I went to the Printing shop, one hour from home, to get things arraned for myself and for the Commie candidate in the neighbouring town.

It is now all right, and I should go back there tomorrow morning for the last time, since everything should be printed by then

I have seen the printed billboards, and they look great. I'd never thought I could be that cute

I sure hope many girls and old women will simply vote for this young stud who looks so hot and so serious at the same time

Yesterday, I had a debate with three other candidates: two fellow leftwingers (we are 5 left-wing candidates in my diehard right-wing city

) and the right-wing mayor, who is also most likely to win.

Despite being much younger than them, I handled myself in the debate quite well, save for the moment I was really confrontational (too agressive = don't look confident enough).

The mayor handled himself much better, however, being in position of authority and knowledge. Especially since he holds the contested position since 12 years. Also, being the only envoy of the right wing, he spoke more than any of us.

The debate turned out quite polite, and rather consensual, without being too dull. Since the debate was organized by an association promoting citizenship, we spoke of the role of this elected position, more than of the bones of contentions between politicians - we all emphasized the fact that this position is close to the citizens' daily lives without speaking of our differences too much. Fortunately, the Green candidate could speak against the polluting constuction project all other parties favor (mine included).

My former comrade "friend" didn't show up, which relieved me greatly: since the debate was well advertized and right next to his home, I really feared he'd bring up our sect-quibbles in front of the audience. I'm damn glad it didn't happen, and I'm glad to notice he's not as sectarian as I expected