Say Something Nice About Your Opponent.
TheWizard
Join Date: 2002-12-11 Member: 10553Members, Constellation
Join Date: 2002-12-11 Member: 10553Members, Constellation
in Discussions
Judging by the comments that are flying back and forth in this discussion forum I would like to suggest a challenge.
<b>Say something genuinely nice about your opponent</b>
Really look hard into things they have done or said and find something that you respect, admire, or like. You can pick the opponent you want to comment on but I would suggest that it be focused on the presidential candidates. In addition, don't repeat something that someone has already mentioned try to keep it fresh.
One condition: You cannot temper your positive comment with a negative one. Positive comments only.
I'll start with two.
1.
John Kerry has been consistant in his constant struggle to keep our soldiers out of harms way. I feel that he has a true concern for both our soldiers and the civilians caught in between. There are times I disagree with his decisions but I respect the value which he places on human life.
2.
His decision the other day to not contest the election results in Ohio marked him as an honorable man. It shows that he means what he says and I respect that. He had the option of using those 3000 lawyers at his disposal to discredit the election of Bush or even overturn the results. He did not and I thank him for his respect of the US over his personal ambitions.
<b>Say something genuinely nice about your opponent</b>
Really look hard into things they have done or said and find something that you respect, admire, or like. You can pick the opponent you want to comment on but I would suggest that it be focused on the presidential candidates. In addition, don't repeat something that someone has already mentioned try to keep it fresh.
One condition: You cannot temper your positive comment with a negative one. Positive comments only.
I'll start with two.
1.
John Kerry has been consistant in his constant struggle to keep our soldiers out of harms way. I feel that he has a true concern for both our soldiers and the civilians caught in between. There are times I disagree with his decisions but I respect the value which he places on human life.
2.
His decision the other day to not contest the election results in Ohio marked him as an honorable man. It shows that he means what he says and I respect that. He had the option of using those 3000 lawyers at his disposal to discredit the election of Bush or even overturn the results. He did not and I thank him for his respect of the US over his personal ambitions.
Comments
1. I agree'd with alot of what he said, unfortuanetly he changed what he said every day. He really swayed me when he spoke of the war and that he didn't think we had done everything else before declaring war, I see that he cares for people, soldiers, everyone, he had alot of nice points.
~ DarkATi
<b>BathroomMonkey</b>
Though we fall on opposite ends of the political spectrum sometimes. You take the time to read my posts and generate a thought out response. I have seen you agree with my positions as well and I respect that immensly often in these debates people become so polarized that I could say 'the sun is hot' and someone would try to contradict me. I enjoy sparring with you as it is much more challenging and entertaining to debate with someone who knows what they are talking about.
<b>BathroomMonkey</b>
Though we fall on opposite ends of the political spectrum sometimes. You take the time to read my posts and generate a thought out response. I have seen you agree with my positions as well and I respect that immensly often in these debates people become so polarized that I could say 'the sun is hot' and someone would try to contradict me. I enjoy sparring with you as it is much more challenging and entertaining to debate with someone who knows what they are talking about. <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
Awwwww, well color me flattered. <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/smile-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile-fix.gif' /><!--endemo-->
In terms of this forum, I'd definitely have to give you (with Spooge a close second) the award for making me say, "Huh-- I never thought about it that way before . . . " most often. As you say, though we disagree a fair amount of the time, I certainly respect your positions as they're always intelligent and well stated, and driven by a broad, informed perspective. I don?t simply come here to argue; I come to be informed and (hopefully) evolve. Our interactions have helped me shape my opinions more sensibly, for which I?m very grateful.
And George Bush?let?s face it, he?s probably a Hell of a guy to hang out with. Probably a lot more fun when he drank, but still . . .
<b>Nadagast</b>
Someone that I respect for his beliefs, although they oppose my own. He looks at facts and I look at facts as well, yet we see different things. It is a strange thing but I respect him for actually seeking after truth unlike many people who just drop out of the game of life and never pursue truth higher than, "Me Tarzan, You Jane."
~ DarkATi
<b>BathroomMonkey</b>
Though we fall on opposite ends of the political spectrum sometimes. You take the time to read my posts and generate a thought out response. I have seen you agree with my positions as well and I respect that immensly often in these debates people become so polarized that I could say 'the sun is hot' and someone would try to contradict me. I enjoy sparring with you as it is much more challenging and entertaining to debate with someone who knows what they are talking about. <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Awwwww, well color me flattered. <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/smile-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile-fix.gif' /><!--endemo-->
In terms of this forum, I'd definitely have to give you (with Spooge a close second) the award for making me say, "Huh-- I never thought about it that way before . . . " most often. As you say, though we disagree a fair amount of the time, I certainly respect your positions as they're always intelligent and well stated, and driven by a broad, informed perspective. I don?t simply come here to argue; I come to be informed and (hopefully) evolve. Our interactions have helped me shape my opinions more sensibly, for which I?m very grateful.
And George Bush?let?s face it, he?s probably a Hell of a guy to hang out with. Probably a lot more fun when he drank, but still . . . <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
Oh Boy! I smell a group hug coming! <!--emo&:p--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/tounge.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tounge.gif' /><!--endemo-->
And while BM has a habit of making me go, "wuzzah huh?", I have to give my props to Nem who has had me flipping through my bookshelf and as many sites as I could google well passed my bedtime just so I could have something to reply.
I know some people miss having that crazy German posting here but I sure don't. I need the sleep. <!--emo&:D--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/biggrin-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='biggrin-fix.gif' /><!--endemo-->
You have.......... nice.. hair.
Oh Boy! I smell a group hug coming! <!--emo&:p--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/tounge.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tounge.gif' /><!--endemo-->
<!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
I know-- let's get into an all out brawl over the earned income tax credit before the sincerity in here kills us <i>all</i>.
Already the bush voters are feeling regretful. <!--emo&:p--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/tounge.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tounge.gif' /><!--endemo-->
/me extends appreciation towards Wizzard, a Civilian, and anyone else he's battled with. Zel and moultano to a lesser extent.
Already the bush voters are feeling regretful. <!--emo&:p--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/tounge.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tounge.gif' /><!--endemo-->
/me extends appreciation towards Wizzard, a Civilian, and anyone else he's battled with. Zel and moultano to a lesser extent. <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
Not regretful, but acknowledging that the opposing side is capable of being presidential.
The fact that they didn't choose to be as such until after it was over, however, leaves me with no regrets.
Pepe: While we are frequently at loggerheads, I do find your tenacity admirable. The concept of loyalty is a rarity now and it's nice to see that it's still around, even if it's around in my opponents.
For typically being on my side of the ball, and always being respectful when you aren't. I'm guessing you created this forum out of what I said in the other forum. I appreciate deep thinkers such as yourself, and I'm happy to have people such as yourself, bathroom monkey, CWAG, and others with us on the forums. The world wouldn't be the same without you!
Can you feel the love? <!--emo&:D--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/biggrin-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='biggrin-fix.gif' /><!--endemo-->
For typically being on my side of the ball, and always being respectful when you aren't. I'm guessing you created this forum out of what I said in the other forum. I appreciate deep thinkers such as yourself, and I'm happy to have people such as yourself, bathroom monkey, CWAG, and others with us on the forums. The world wouldn't be the same without you!
Can you feel the love? <!--emo&:D--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/biggrin-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='biggrin-fix.gif' /><!--endemo--> <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
Actually I think I missed what you said in the other forum.
One of the main reasons I created this thread was to give everyone a chance to pause and think about the other side. Too often we find ourselves getting caught up in our own rhetoric and forgetting that we are actually talking about another human being. I hoped it would put a bit more of a person behind the avatar's we hide behind.
it is also a good technique to use when discussing someone. You really never run across someone who is so completely evil that you cannot say something nice about them. It helps to try and think why they came to those beliefs and not just why you <i>think</i> they came to those beliefs.
Watching the forums recently I was really getting worried that we would work ourselves to a fevered pitch and lose the sense of respect that we have traditionally held for each other. It is part of the reasons why I remain on this discussion forum. Too often I see people yelling <b>at</b> each other when they should be discussing <b>with</b> one another.
As for the forum I like pretty much everyone here, the people and the good discussions are what keep me coming back, not to mention I learn allot here.
My favorite opponent would have to be Eviscerator we had some nice long debates awhile ago, and I don't think we share a single viewpoint, but I still liked the guy. <!--emo&:p--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/tounge.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tounge.gif' /><!--endemo-->
Why thank you… *sniff* <!--emo&;)--><img src='http://www.natural-selection.org/forums/html//emoticons/wink-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='wink-fix.gif' /><!--endemo-->
I have to say the same about you, you are certainly one of the people on here that I have learned things from and I always find our discussions enjoyable.
That being said I hope this topic doesn’t hinder us (and anyone else in here) later on when we need to bash the crap out of each other on whatever issue. <!--emo&:p--><img src='http://www.natural-selection.org/forums/html//emoticons/tounge.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tounge.gif' /><!--endemo-->
All conservatives on this board: I really enjoy having someone around to argue with. Its a great change from the idiotic republicans at my school. You actually make me think instead of saying "Bush Bush Bush!!!!" or "Shut up your French lover". You make me actually analyze my ideas and have actually made me slightly more conservative.
1. He's one hell of a politician. Consider his impressive election record; a senator for 20 years, winning every election except for one (now two), his first one.
I'm majoring in political science and may one day be a politician myself. To me Kerry is an idol of sorts as he has tact and politcal cunning.
Btw, his elections always followed this pattern:
- He goes into the final election with the polls going "OMG he's gonna lose"
- At the few final weeks things always turn around
- He wins
Kept this way for 20 years, a record like that had me a tad worried against Bush.
2. Kerry is smart, but I think he may be too smart for the American public. I respect him for this as I understand what it means to be misunderstood.
1. He's one hell of a politician. Consider his impressive election record; a senator for 20 years, winning every election except for one (now two), his first one.
I'm majoring in political science and may one day be a politician myself. To me Kerry is an idol of sorts as he has tact and politcal cunning.
Btw, his elections always followed this pattern:
- He goes into the final election with the polls going "OMG he's gonna lose"
- At the few final weeks things always turn around
- He wins
Kept this way for 20 years, a record like that had me a tad worried against Bush.
2. Kerry is smart, but I think he may be too smart for the American public. I respect him for this as I understand what it means to be misunderstood. <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
Kerry is way too smart for president, that's why it looks like he flipflops all the time, because he understands issues logically, he doesn't just sort of have a strong feeling about them, he understands them and sees somewhat of a middle path to them. In american politics you just have to be able to do what you say, doing the right thing or the smart thing is not usually required at all.
Because he can so thoroughly confuse me by having a view very contradictory to that of my own and yet make so much sense. His arguments are always thought provoking and skillfully laid out, and are a real pleasure to grapple with. At the same time he once or twice really scared me with his views.
I'm sure this is true of other people on the boards who express themselves intellegently and have a standpoint different to mine, but Marine01 has made more of an impact in the short time I've been here, which could probably be attributed to the Australian Elections falling within that time.
Thanks for making me rethink my standpoints. You've even changed my mind on one or two issues, which (I think) is a rarity on the discussion forum <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/smile-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile-fix.gif' /><!--endemo-->
wizard@psu
You have changed my opinion about Republicans tremendously. But outside of politics we have a lot more in common that either of us care to admit, and even when we are discussing politics I often agree with you.
reasa
Excellent debater. Even though sometimes your opinions can be shockingly biased or closeminded <!--emo&;)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/wink-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='wink-fix.gif' /><!--endemo--> , you help me keep an openmind to those with enormously different viewpoints which is important. So thank you. I could say the exact same thing about Marine01. To be honest when ever I see one of you come onto a thread about politics I get this "oh no. here comes the uber conservative squad" feeling as I know youa re about to say something that will erk me but at same time it really is good to have diversity. Who's Eviscerator? <!--emo&???--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/confused-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='confused-fix.gif' /><!--endemo-->
Swiftspear
Yet another stong conservative we have in the discussion forum, but I have not forgotten how you complimented my family. Again like reasa it's good to have people with largely different political views.
CWAG
Arrogant? Yeah. A bit extreme? Sure, but only as much as our extreme conservatives, lol. Do I miss your presence? You bet. If you can refrain from the arrogance then it'd be awesome to have you back. Diversity is important.
Forlorn
The trolling, the always having to get the last word in, the closeminded & highly biased comments, and the exclusive attitude it really annoying and erksome. But every once in a while (usually in other NS forums) when we aren't talking about politics you'll shock me with something that is just so right-on and true. You're wrong about a hell of a lot and sometimes I wonder if you are purposely trying to get attention by going against the flow and creating a major arguement, but I have to admit I've seen a few comments as of late (in particualr about community interaction stuff) that is just "wow" because it is so right-on and is totally different than your usual chatter. I just wish you'd do more of those "wow" things and less of those annoying four. In all of that you are in important character on the NSF and it wouldn't be the same without you. Just like how it isn't the same without CWAG.
Alkiller
You like to shoot down my ideas a lot but we also agree on a whole lot. I've come to enjoy the amusing "FAQ police" job you seem to have taken on and you are doing a good job of it. (to the point where you now have several immitators) So rock on.
Conclusion:
Overall my biggest quarry with this Discussion forum is that is is strongly conservative. As a neutral I often come off as a liberal by contrast. Bathroom Monkey seems to be the only regularly active liberal, socialist, or whatever in this forum and I wish we had more balanced diversity. It would make for much cooler and deep discussions and I wouldn't have to feel like I need to defend the liberal point of view all the time.
<span style='color:orange'>My challenge to all of you is to be truely openminded and to avoid stereotypes. This goes especially for your Mr. Forlorn. <!--emo&;)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/wink-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='wink-fix.gif' /><!--endemo--> I'll be sure to jump on you if you are being overly biased or stereotyping either way but I really wish everyone would stop and think about it form the other persons point of view before posting. We are remarkably civil on this forum compared to the average public but we have much room to improve. Work on uniting rather than dividing. If you think you have absolutely nothing else in commmon with this person, know that all of us here are united by our love for the game Natural-Selection.</span>
Peace out guys,
<span style='color:red'><b>x5</b></span>
Wheeee was one heck of an astrowarrior ! Too bad you aren't around mate <!--emo&:(--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/sad-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='sad-fix.gif' /><!--endemo--> beta 8 is the funniest...
Wizard@psu "devil's advocate" has the courage to strive for a truly balanced stance , a very valuable point of view for this forum's debates. Can I even say he's my opponent ? I'm not sure...
Marine01 is the most fierce debater I've met on the web so far. He made me spend nights on google trying to get hard evidence for my points. If he were a communist , there wouldn't have been that many "Bush '04" sig pics around <!--emo&:p--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/tounge.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tounge.gif' /><!--endemo-->
Ok, screw it. I'm quitting my job, selling my car, and joining a frigging commune just to make you guys happy <!--emo&:p--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/tounge.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tounge.gif' /><!--endemo-->
Excellent debater. Even though sometimes your opinions can be shockingly biased or closeminded <!--emo&;)--><img src='http://www.natural-selection.org/forums/html//emoticons/wink-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='wink-fix.gif' /><!--endemo--> , you help me keep an openmind to those with enormously different viewpoints which is important. So thank you. I could say the exact same thing about Marine01. To be honest when ever I see one of you come onto a thread about politics I get this "oh no. here comes the uber conservative squad" feeling as I know youa re about to say something that will erk me but at same time it really is good to have diversity. Who's Eviscerator? <!--emo&???--><img src='http://www.natural-selection.org/forums/html//emoticons/confused-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='confused-fix.gif' /><!--endemo-->
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Heh thank you for your kind words, but I'm not sure if "uber-conservative" really fits me well.
I am conservative certainly with issues such as foreign policy and the economy, but you might be surprised to find I'm very liberal when it comes to domestic/moral issues. I'm pro-choice, and hardly religious at all, I won't go so far as to say no God exists, but I highly doubt it would be anything like the miserable ruler the 3 major religions have stuck us with.
I won't go so far as to support **** marriage, but I'm certainly not against it.
The looks I get from some people when they find out I'm pro-choice, but having known me as being conservative are so amusing. <!--emo&:p--><img src='http://www.natural-selection.org/forums/html//emoticons/tounge.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tounge.gif' /><!--endemo-->
I’ll never forget when one of my sisters friends, a big time religious girl, asked me about my thoughts on abortion, having known me as a conservative she obviously assumed this a safe topic of conversation. Well she flipped when I told her I was pro-choice, and I mean she went from civil discussion to "how he hell can you call yourself a conservative and be pro-choice!" and I didn’t even know her all that well. So I reacted like I always do when I'm surprised or intimidated, by being a smart ****. "Well I'm a rare breed of conservative, we only grow on the most delicate of bushes on the highest peaks of the Swiss Alps."
She was not amused.
Anyway...did I get off topic...better keep the topic flowing.
x5 your certainly worth mentioning for the fact that you are one of the fairest people on the forums, normally I write people off as a liberal or a conservative after just a few posts, maybe more, but it's normally not that hard to tell. You however do a great job of keeping fair. Take this how you want, but if I ever got stuck in court, I would want you to be my judge.
Yet another stong conservative we have in the discussion forum, but I have not forgotten how you complimented my family. Again like reasa it's good to have people with largely different political views. <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Interesting... I'd love to see your definition of conservitive, since pretty much every political orientation test I have ever taken has placed me as strong liberal. Granted I am Christian, but in my own circles I am constantly taking the liberal prespective of things. I'm acctually a little shocked that you even consder me an opponent, since nearly every thread I find myself agreeing with you in your ends, but clarifying something in your means to something I agree with more. (don't worry about it though, I'll get over it <!--emo&:p--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/tounge.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tounge.gif' /><!--endemo-->)
Anyways, Evidence:
<img src='http://swiftspear.0x01a4.com/Img/Politicalaffil.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />
From <a href='http://www.digitalronin.f2s.com/politicalcompass/' target='_blank'>this</a> test. (interestingly enough, the test places my political affiliation in almost exactly the same place they estimate Ghandi to be)
Ironically I would wager that you and I are alot more synonimous politically than me and Reasa are X5.
You were a funny guy.