Hi...My Name is Funkenstein; and I'm a Recovering Republican.

[Dr_Funkenstein]

A few of you have already warmly greeted me, but I wanted to take this opportunity to introduce myself.

Up until this year, I was a card carrying Republican. I'm a fiscal Conservative, and a social Independent...or Liberal...or hell, a damn realist.

My conversion came after a constant stream of Republicans refusing to do what's right.

*I spell polytician with "poly" in it on purpose. Poly, as in, "Pol(l)y wanna cracker...we're all smart enough to figure that one out.

*I believe in an actual Government of the people, by the people, and for the people...that pretty much eliminates both parties.

*I believe our government should be financially responsible. I think most of us are fiscal conservatives. Think about it; you don't spend YOUR money on useless shit, but we all sit by and watch "our" gov't spend our money on...useless shit.

*I believe marriage should be viewed as what it actually is: a legal contract between consenting adults. Religion has NO place in a legal contract. If I want to start a business with 4 other guys, what the hell's the difference? Besides, the 'traditional' definition of marriage is not going to stop "Bubba" from railing his cousin anyway. (this made me a bit unpopular with my Republican "friends".

*I'm an atheist. I don't need a magical father-figure to bestow a guilt-ridden moral guide upon me. Right is right, and wrong is wrong. (also unpopular with my old 'brothers')

*I think both parties' polyticians are the same...they look out for themselves, and whomever pads their pockets. I also think we tolerate it because we don't want the "other guy" to win, and we don't want to split the vote. But, I think eventually we will all get so sick of the bull shit, we will actually take a chance and vote for REAL leaders. I hope I'm still alive when/if it happens.

*If you're a Republican, and morally superior...don;t act like it, LIVE IT. If you're a Democrat, and concerned about the environment, don't get off your pricvate jet, to park your fleet of SUV's in front of your energy sucking mansion.

*Global warming: does it really matter if we're doing it or not? Live responsibly, conserve, reduce, reuse, recycle...again, doing the right thing because it's the right thing to do.

*I believe fighting global terrorism is important, like fighting the war on drugs. However, I'm pretty sure my neighbors a few houses down smoke weed...and I don't recall any mortars landing in the street...get my drift? I don't remember tanks rumbling down the streets of St. Louis in front of crack houses.

*I think education should be viewed as a vital resource...not a goddamn competition. (I'm a teacher)

*I would challenge anyone to rattle off things that the gov't does well. War = botched. Immigration = politicized, and gang raped. Taxes = ridiculously unfair. Social assistance programs = those that NEED can't get, those that WANT do get. Elections = $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ for the win. I could go on for days.


I hope I am not viewed as an outsider, as I still hold some conservative ideals. All I want is for elected people to what is right, because it's right. I think that makes me a true progressive.

[Whoa_Nelly]

1. Welcome, Dr. F.!

:hi:

[SeattleGirl]

2. Welcome to DU, Dr_F

Pretty much all the issues you cite shouldn't be Republian or Democratic; they should matter to everyone, regardless of party affiliation. (What a dreamer I am, eh?).

:hi:

[Dr_Funkenstein]

3. Exactly...

They should matter to everyone. Now, when will we start voting accordingly? I respect a few Republicans, and a few Democrats. I have more respect for Indy's even if I don't agree with a single thing they say. We are heading towards revolution. I will be on the side of those who have principles...those who are willing to do what's right, whether I agree with them or not.

[wildhorses]

4. okie dokie

welcome...have fun

[Wapsie B]

5. From another recovering Republican a hearty welcome!

:hi:

I stood by the GOP for years, through the Watergate era and beyond. But Iran-Contra turned the corner for me. It made me start really questioning things on the right.

[u4ic]

6. Welcome to DU, doctah!

:toast:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

7. My dear Dr_Funkenstein!

Welcome to DU, and to it's living beating heart, the Lounge!

I think you will fit right in ...

I look forward to hearing more from you!

Have fun ......

:hi:

[Dr_Funkenstein]

8. Fitting In

I hope so, but I do still have some conservative tendencies...which makes it EASY to leave the Republican party. From what I've seen, I think everyone here just wants the same things I do, even if we differ on some issues.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

10. You shouldn't have any problem...

If you treat other posters with respect, then you should expect them to do the same back to you...

Everyone here has different ideas!

We Democrats tend to be fiercely independent on many issues!

Trying to get us to agree is rather like herding cats...

At least some of the time, anyway!

[The Straight Story]

9. Welcome, my view on your musings

I think the govt does some things well - even when it is not them doing it. Roads for example, private companies build them, but they provide the funding for them.

I used to be a repug as well :)

The government is supposed to be a way we can leverage the power of the people collectively to make things better for us all as a whole. Problem is though, no one seems to agree on what that means, what course we should chart to get there, and then big money/business gets involved and sees themselves as a huge block of voters and have more influence.

The system is not broke, the people running it are.

*I'm an atheist. I don't need a magical father-figure to bestow a guilt-ridden moral guide upon me. Right is right, and wrong is wrong. (also unpopular with my old 'brothers')

Right is right is a bendable definition, you can be an atheist and feel abortion is wrong, or feel it is just fine. Who decides and on what moral ground do they do it on? With religion people have it codified, and if they themselves agree with that then they choose to follow it - I say this because I feel 'religion' is another way to say 'I believe X is right, Y is wrong, and I ain't changing my belief' - of course within all that there are degrees of liberalism and interpretation so there are variations.

If you believe 'right is right' that does not really define anything :)

*I think education should be viewed as a vital resource...not a goddamn competition. (I'm a teacher)

We totally agree on that! Our people are our strength, each of us. Education should be free all the way past college. Hell, war is free (ie, we all chip in for it) and it destroys, education is the ONE thing that can save this planet, find cures, get us into space before the sun burns out, etc.


*I think both parties' polyticians are the same...they look out for themselves, and whomever pads their pockets. I also think we tolerate it because we don't want the "other guy" to win, and we don't want to split the vote. But, I think eventually we will all get so sick of the bull shit, we will actually take a chance and vote for REAL leaders. I hope I'm still alive when/if it happens.

They can ACT the same at times, but there is enough of a difference to side with one over the other. Dems are more progressive and care about a larger number of people (not just the rich people).

They sure as hell are not perfect, check GD and see :) We have a better chance of making America better with dems than repubs.

[Dr_Funkenstein]

11. I forgot abortion

Abortion is WRONG...YOU'RE ALL GOING TO HELL!!!!!!!!

That kind of crap still makes me giggle. Personally, I am pro-life. P E R S O N A L L Y. My wife is 7 months preggo with our first child. Abortion would never be an option for us, even if the Dr. said there were serious problems. That being said, if Bobby and Suzy, or just Suzy seek that option...what the hell involvement do I have? I have no say in what they do. Do I think they made the wrong choice...who cares! It's their choice.

As far is the right is right thing...personally, I think it defines exactly what it is. Some cultures allow a man to beat his wife...to them it may be justified, but right IS right...wrong IS wrong. I'll agree it's not prescriptive, but generally, we all know what is right, and what is wrong.

[The Straight Story]

12. On abortion - with a dash of religion and such

I break it all down like this:

Tier 1
Religion/belief system

What I believe is morally right is between me and my god. I live my life the way I want, freedom of religion and choice. Jesus did not tell his followers to overthrow Rome and institute new laws, he told them to go and preach the good news. And those that followed it, good for them, those that didn't, forget em and move on. Not 'if they don't agree make laws to make em live that way' - be in the world, not of it. All personal decisions.

Tier 2
Church/group affiliation

You are baptist (as an example) and they don't like gay marriage. You support it. They kick you out of church. That is fine with me because of freedom of association, no one is forcing you to be a member, and if you agree to be a member you abide by the rules of that org, change it, or leave it.

Tier 3
Government

The role of government is to ensure we all have as many freedoms as possible to be able to live our lives the way we want. From faith to sexuality. Government is there to pool our resources to defend us so that we can live free from the shackles of any one ideology.

Without it, we cannot be free to practice the things we desire.

If you don't like what is in schools, you can homeschool, etc and so on.

Choice - to live your life your way and me to live mine my way.

I can believe in my god and live to please said god without making others do the same, and I like the freedom to be able to do that. Once we start taking away freedoms, we all lose.

[Dr_Funkenstein]

14. BINGO!!!

Well said.

[Skittles]

13. gawd how I f***ing DESPISE that FISCAL CONSERVATIVE bullshit

please educate yourself on how conservatives have NEVER been FISCAL CONSERVATIVES

[Dr_Funkenstein]

15. "I"

am a fiscal conservative. I would challenge anyone to show how ANY polytician has been fiscally conservative.

(Balancing the budget is really just number-play)

[Skittles]

16. an example

liberals would like to invest more money in preventing wayward children from becoming hardcore criminals, while "fiscal conservatives" think this is bullshit but think nothing of coughing up tons of moneys for PRISONS

[La Lioness Priyanka]

34. seconded and thirded

also being hostile to poor people is not very nice.

[yellowdogintexas]

80. Skittles: you forgot to KICK THEIR ASS!

or is it just too early in the morning?

And btw,how are you?

[Orsino]

17. Rural electrification, interstate highways, Social Security, fighting fires,

Do you want to have to call an insurance company and get pre-approved for your next fire?

[Dr_Funkenstein]

19. Nope

???

[unpossibles]

24. I would say that is in response to the "what have they ever done right" thing

I look at things like taxes as a "necessary evil" in the sense that even though I don't like paying them, I see them as my admission ticket to America and the things that make this a great country.

I see the programs which help Americans as benefiting me, even if indirectly. For instance, I do not want children, but I gladly pay for educational programs because I strongly believe in education. The chain is only as strong as the weakest link, you know?

And in a similar vein, I have no problem with the idea of welfare because desperation is not a good motivator. Someone with "nothing to lose" will be even more dangerous to those who do have something to lose. I've lived in poor neighborhoods all my life, and while I have seen people abuse the system(s), I've met far more people who were desperately trying to get off welfare and get a good job. We waste more on wars and corporate welfare imo.

FEMA used to work well before it was strangled by the people who believe in no government. I have an idea: if someone thinks that there should be no government or that government is bad, then they should (A) not run for office and (B) start a new Anarchist State somewhere and see how long they last without the regulations that government provides.

Private business is no more inherently efficient or honest, since both government and business are only as good as the people who run them. In fact, a proper government of the people (with a working press which doesn't vilify information and education) will be far-better regulated and honest than a private company which is un- or deregulated (Enron, anyone?).

Welcome to DU.

[Dr_Funkenstein]

25. Government Isn't Bad

It's the idiots that run it. We need a government for a lot of core things...I just don't need some douche bag in a blue suit to tell me what I'm supposed to believe, or what I need to do.

I also agree that education is key. Every statistic on the books proves that quality of life increases with education level. As a teacher, it's difficult to get little Johnny to do squat, when his parent(s) never finished middle school, and have no job(s).

This brings me to where we will disagree somewhat: Desparation CAN be a good motivator, if the foundation is laid for that person to strive for something. I was laid off from a 6-figure job a couple of years ago. At the time, my wife could only find a position making $9/hour. *I have a BS, and she has 2 BS degrees. Instead of getting crazy, I set myself back in line with what I was originally going to do, and became a teacher.

[Orsino]

32. It's not even the idiots that run it.

Well, not entirely. It's the money we've allowed to buy it.

[unpossibles]

37. I agree it can be - I put myself through school and worked my butt off

and I've had some real crap land on me here and there. But to someone who may not be as optimistic, they may be motivated to rob someone else or kill them for no reason if they feel desperate. True, it can always happen, but I figure getting rid of some of that would help.

And yes, I do feel education is a HUGE difference, and not just for students. Adults need to recognize that they too need to keep learning about their world.

Great article about scientific illiteracy in America:
http://observer.guardian.co.uk/review/story/0,,2115519,00.html

We take our young children to science museums, then as they get older we stop. In spite of threats like global warming and avian flu, most adults have very little understanding of how the world works. So, 50 years on from CP Snow's famous 'Two Cultures' essay, is the old divide between arts and sciences deeper than ever?
...
Given that science informs so much of our culture, and so many of us have such patchy knowledge, it is surprising that such embarrassments are not routine. It's half a century since CP Snow put forward the idea of the 'Two Cultures', the intractable divide between the sciences and the humanities, first in an article in the New Statesman, then in a lecture series at Cambridge and finally in a book. Back then, Snow, who was both a novelist and a physicist, used to employ a test at dinner parties to demonstrate his argument.

'A good many times,' he suggested, 'I have been present at gatherings of people who, by the standards of the traditional culture, are thought highly educated and who have with considerable gusto been expressing their incredulity at the illiteracy of scientists. Once or twice, I have been provoked and have asked the company how many of them could describe the Second Law of Thermodynamics. The response was cold; it was also negative. Yet I was asking something which is the scientific equivalent of: have you ever read a work of Shakespeare's?'
...
'Science is rather a state of mind,' Angier argues and, as such, it should inform everything. 'It is a way of viewing the world, of facing reality square on but taking nothing for granted.' It would be hard to argue that this state of mind was advancing across the globe. We no longer make and mend, so we no longer know how anything works.

[Maine-ah]

18. Doctor, doctor, give me the news......

welcome to DU! :hi:

[bigwillq]

20. Welcome to DU!

:hi:

[malta blue]

21. Hi Funkenstein - welcome to DU

Nice to meet you and I look forward to reading your posts.:hi:

[Dr_Funkenstein]

22. Only Because You don't Know Me.

;)

[mainegreen]

23. It's gonna be fun watching you in GD! Welcome to DU!

:toast:

[hfojvt]

26. anti-government and fiscal conservatism do not seem

progressive to me. However, a good portion of DU does not think I am progressive either. As a social liberal, you will probably fit right in, and GD often seems to hate Democrats even more than it hates Republicans.

Americans waste all kinds of money on useless sh*t, or even worse than useless - harmful sh*t. Look at how many are willing to shell out money for cigarettes and booze. Lottery tickets too.

Name something the government does well. Isn't that a classic Rush Limbaugh line? You should read more Franken, starting with "Rush Limbaugh is a big fat idiot". On page 14 he asks a number of conservatives to name something the Government has done well. They said - rural electrification, the interstate highway system, disseminating safety and health information, youth summer jobs program, public libraries, the GI bill, FDIC, head start, food stamps, the National Park system, the FAA, lighthouses, etc.

Nothing it does is perfect, but that does not make it useless, except when Republican crooks are corrupting it.

[nini]

27. welcome to DU

we'll straighten you out the rest of the way :D :hi:

[NC_Nurse]

28. Welcome to DU!

You will be an interesting new voice. :toast:

[matcom]

29. did you put this fucker in office TWICE?

I demand your eyes. Welcome will come afterwards

[Dr_Funkenstein]

43. Yes I did...

...but if you would, spare my eyes, and take my hearing. I'm a far better painter, than musician!

[matcom]

44. Then a serious question for you

The first time I can accept (not easily mind you but ok).

But the 2nd. I really want to understand what compells a "conservative" (former in this case) to have voted for him after the absolute and obvious disaster of the first 4 years.

Was it because Limbaugh told you to? I mean hell, even my FATHER (ex CIA) voted straight Dem in '04.

Oh and welcome to DU :hi:

[stuntcat]

30. welcomes!

just so long as you give the slightest damn about pollution/water/air then you're a-ok in my book :)

[Dr_Funkenstein]

38. Yes

I'm a Science teacher with a degree in enviromental science...so it is very important to me!

[baby_mouse]

31. Hello...

DU has a quite a few folk with conservative ideals. I'm sure so long as you're patient with us screaming flamefest people (I'm one of them, I'm afraid), all should be well...

Your ideas certainly seem sound to *me* (except I don't buy the war on drugs thing, but that's for a different thread :-) )

[Inchworm]

33. Welcome to DU!

:hi:

[La Lioness Priyanka]

35. what conservative ideals do you hold? sorry, if i am suspect of someone

who could support the republican party till this year.

they have always been racist, sexist, and homophobic.

as a brown gay woman, i take exception to such crap.

glad you are coming around though.

[Dr_Funkenstein]

46. A Fair Question

However, I may be in the 1% of members who actually read all the rules, because I wasn't sure if I should join up. I had a good friend who used to frequent this site, and said that I would be booted out for my beliefs...this was a couple of years ago before I turned my back on the Republican party. Anyhoo, I'd rather not get into what beliefs I hold that may not fit in with the general consensus. Right now I'm questioning everything, so while I may think this today, I may think that tomorrow.

A quick story: Being a Texan, I was raised to mock gays...those of you from Texas, tell me it ain't the truth down here. I was a homophobe. I moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan. I started noticing, in my job at the time, that the only people I could depend on to get things done right, and right now, was a group of 3 friends. They seemed a little different to me, and I found out that the 3 of them were all gay. Bewildered, I started to spend some time with them, to pick their brains. Instead of using my management position to 'step on them', I focused on performance. Within a month, I realized that I was an idiot, and I had been taught wrong. A month after that, I went to a club with them and some other folks, and had a blast.

This is where it all began.

All that being said, and in response to "we'll straighten you out all the way", I'll say this: I never believed 100% of the Republican agenda, nor will I ever believe 100% of the Democratic agenda. I will, however, rest comfortably in between somewhere, and make up my own mind on every issue.

I voted for Bush in 2000 because I was supposed to. I voted for Bush in 2004 because I had no other viable options. This has led me to the core of where I'm at now. How many of you are like me in that you're tired of the 2-party bullshit? When will we get pissed off enough to give "the little guy" a real shot at the Office? IMHO, nothing will really change until we do.

PS: I voted for Kinky...he was the only one I believed would do what was right, because it was right. But very few took him seriously, because he wasn't Kinky (R), or Kinky (D)...that's the shit I'm talking about.


...and...I'm spent.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

49. kerry was a viable option and i dont believe in a third party

[matcom]

51. Kerry: War Hero (not a viable option)

:eyes:

[La Lioness Priyanka]

52. what you didnt believe the whole 'purple bandage' story?

geez!

[Left Is Write]

62. 56 million people thought Kerry was a viable option.

What was it about him that made you eliminate him in favor of W?

[bullwinkle428]

68. Were you totally sucked in by the whole bullshit story spun

by those Swift Boat lying bastards? I was certainly critical of Kerry for not responding quickly and forcefully when those attacks were made, but have very little respect for those voters willing to just accept all of those dirty lies at face value and not taking the time to learn as much as they could about that...

[Dr_Funkenstein]

69. Just Didn't Like Him

He didn't do anything for me...the swift boat thing didn't mean anything to me. I have a hard time answering that now...it seemed easier to explain at the time.

[bullwinkle428]

76. Were there any other Democratic candidates that you felt some

affinity for, that had dropped out somewhere along the way during the primary process? I know that Kerry was certainly not my #1 choice when the Iowa caucuses took place in January (he was probably #3 behind Clark & Dean), but I was still sufficiently fired up about the possibility of knocking * out of the White House once the general election rolled around...

[Dr_Funkenstein]

77. I kinda liked Dean

But I still wouldn't have voted for any of the Democratic runners at that time. The only thing I really liked about Dean, is that he seemed pissed all the time...and I thought..."I'm pissed all the time". I liked seeing someone with an emotional investment. Bush is a guy who's gonna do what ever the hell he wants, you can agree with him, or get run over. Kerry was the kind that might do what someone wanted, as long as he was left plugged in over night.

Holy shape-shifting Christ...I just cracked myself up!

[La Lioness Priyanka]

83. sorry but oi just dont understand adults who vote bad policy in

because they dont get a warm fuzzy feeling about their politicians.

[buddhamama]

36. Welcome to DU, Dr.

:) :hi:

[baldguy]

39. Welcome

I'll tell you a secret: most good liberals are fiscally conservative - meaning gov't should only as big as it needs to be, taxes should be levied against those who can afford them, and we shouldn't spend more than we have.

Conservatives with a capital "C" are almost never conservative with a small "c".

[Dr_Funkenstein]

45. Good Call

If you noticed, and I think you did, I refered to as the group with a "C", and the ideology with a "c".

Your "secret" is no longer a secret to many, especially me these days. A couple of years ago, I would have told any one of you that ALL the left wants to spend everyone's money to make the government a giant, Socialist haven for the unmotivated. This, as you know, is how many on the right see you all. Through observation and experience (this is the way we learn things) I've noticed that is not the case with the left, as much as it is with some of the polyticians on the left. After paying attention (also how we learn), I noticed that my own party was worse than the ones I had spoken against. I could go into detail, but I'm sure you all are well versed on the "open-wallet" policy of the Republicans.

[deepthought42]

40. Bonjour!

Glad you're here! :hi:

I'm the Official Barista of the Lounge Losers, so if you need a cup of coffee, just find me! :donut:

I have to say I agree with alot of what you said above. :patriot:

So, enjoy! Just be sure to wear protection in GD. ;) :tinfoilhat:

[TheBaldyMan]

41. a big mothership welcome to the lounge

[Dr_Funkenstein]

47. That's What I'm talkin' About

Tear the roof off the mother...

[lizerdbits]

42. Welcome

Please pop in to the Atheist/Agnostic group and Science forum. You may also enjoy the Skepticism/Pseudoscience group. There's also an Environment/Energy group though I don't view that much.

:hi:

[Arugula Latte]

48. Welcome to DU.

"...both parties polyticians are the same..."

Maybe so, but the results they bring can be strikingly different. If Bushco's little 2000 Coup d'Etat had been exposed for what it was by a real media willing to report facts, we wouldn't be stuck with this fascistic rightwing Supreme Court for years.

[Connonym]

50. Welcome to DU

We're meant to evolve our beliefs as we gather new experiences in life. It just means we're paying attention. Hell, I voted for Ronald Reagan before I had my own internal revolution.

[Dr_Funkenstein]

53. Right

Although I thought Kerry was a Herman Munster-like option, I did get a little irritated with the Republicans for pounding home that flip-flopper bullshit...

[InvisibleTouch]

54. Welcome aboard!

Hang around, read, learn, and enjoy. You'll find a diversity of opinions here. Sometimes you'll say "Right on!" and sometimes you'll just shake your head, baffled. But overall, this is a great place to be, the best real news source I can think of, a very interesting gauge of prevailing opinion, and - if you're not careful - a massive time-sink! Don't take it personally if you run into a jerk, a troll, or someone just having a bad day; it's a big site, and the great majority of posters are wonderful. Also don't get too worked up about those predictions that everyone is absolutely certain of - they almost always turn out to be wrong. But it's always fun to speculate - and it's always nice to add one more voice to the conversation! :)

[Dr_Funkenstein]

56. I Gotta Tell Ya...

This site is so huge, I find myself spending a couple hours a day here...and can't even get out of the damn lounge!

One thing I'll note: When I was a Republican, I thought the left was a lock-step/group think bunch. The more I pay attention, I see that the right is kind of a "my way or the highway" crew. I still agree with some conservative ideals, but in the Republican party, you literally have to be 95% or better in agreement to be in "the gang". I'm seeing here that opinions are as diverse as the likely makeup of the members. Another site I used to frequent, a mountain bike site with a political forum, turned me off a bit. My Republican friends there would literally say the same thing over and over. When they found out that one of their online adversaries was battling a weight problem, they began and ended EVERY post or reply to him with a dig on his weight, and constantly implying he was gay. Although this guy was off the charts left, and I rarely agreed with him, I responded in a lengthy post about my past struggles with alcohol, weight, and transexual nazi eskimo midget porn...ok, not that last part. For about one day, everyone was nicer to him...and now when I check back, it's all the same. Do the Republicans not realize that isolationist tactics will earn them no friends? After standing up for him, he and I are able to have intelligent discussions about issues...isn't that more helpful and productive? He and I agree on about 2% of the issues, but I'd rather have a discussion with him.

[InvisibleTouch]

72. Sometimes I wish for a little more lockstep...

...here on the left, a little more group loyalty, a little less willingness to eat our own as soon as they waver from 100% accord with what we think they should do and be. At the same time, though, that's the price of individuality. It's a delicate balance sometimes.

BTW, love your Darwin icon! :)

[Dr_Funkenstein]

74. I'm a Darwin Fan

I enjoy the evolution chapter...although all references to humans have been removed. Honestly, the kids get the same information , so it's cool with me. Besides, it's not my place to make them believe, or disbelieve anything...it's my job to teach.

[TK421]

55. Welcome...and I agree with many of the things you wrote...

:hi:

[MissMillie]

57. Welcome!

we won't be an outsider until you do one of the following

profess to love Olive Garden or Cracker Barrel
say something bad about breastfeeding
tell us you bread your fried chicken w/ corn flakes

:silly:




Of course, until then we're glad to have you here.

[Dr_Funkenstein]

58. Uhhmmm...

what's wrong with breastfeeding? My wife is 7+ months preggo with our first, and plans to breastfeed. Her main motivation, though, is to get her ultra-toned, fitness-nazi figure back...so I can objectify her. ;)

[MissMillie]

59. there's nothing wrong w/ breast-feeding

that's just one of the flame wars that happens around here. I don't quite understand what the big deal is myself. I might understand it better if I bothered to read the stuff that happens in the flame war threads, but I usually don't bother.

[Arugula Latte]

60. There have been several threads on breastfeeding

Usually it stems from a story about someone suing someone else for preventing her from breastfeeding in public. 90 + percent of us know that breastfeeding is the reason breasts exists, it's not obscene, and people need to get over themselves when it comes to feeling squeamish about women providing the best nutrition to their babies in public (hell, I breastfed both my kids for more than two years each). Anyhow, there are always one or two numbnuts who chime in with "Well, it makes me uncomfortable. Why can't they just use a restroom?" or something ridiculous like that.

[Dr_Funkenstein]

66. I'm Pro-Breast

I'll leave it at that.

[Taverner]

61. Welcome aboard! Sounds like you're a Libertarian Leaning Dem

I'm like that in many ways

[Dr_Funkenstein]

70. I've been accused of being a Libertarian before...

Although honestly, I have no idea what the hell that really means.

[guitar man]

63. Welcome to DU!!

I was an Indy all the way up until '04 when I joined the Democratic Party in opposition to the Boy King*

I'm a (small l) social libertarian and a fiscal moderate. I don't think I hold 100% of the pure liberal viewpoints all the time, but I have had no problems here.

Welcome!! :hi:

[Burma Jones]

64. OK Dr. F, welcome to DU and here are some things my local Gov't does right

1. According to Forbes Magazine, we get an extremely good return on our education tax dollar: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/07/17/AR2007071701151.html

2. The Roads here are in excellent shape

3. We have many many very nice Parks

4. The Buses, many of them powered by natural gas, are free of charge on bad air days and they go almost everywhere

Of course, these are all state and local Government activities.

I would say that out Military can fight a war exceptionally well, it's just that the sleazy Chickenhawk scumbags that send them places don't know what the hell they're doing.

I also don't know what the hell Conservative and Liberal actually mean anymore. All I can see is delusional Fascists and equally delusional socialists. The rest of us just want the bullshit to end, and perhaps Steven Colbert is right, Reality has a Liberal Bias. I am tired of being marginalized because I think.

[Dragonbreathp9d]

65. Welcome welcome

Can I have a cracker, my stomaches a bit upset.

Good to hear you dont trust either party but you know what that means - you're now a wild-eyed liberal!

[Dr_Funkenstein]

67. The "L" Word

I wouldn't go that far...but then again, I've been bashing Liberals for so long...I scarcely know what one really is.

[guitar man]

71. Liberal

a "liberal" in the eyes of the current crop of right wing loonies is anyone who dares to oppose the boy king and his pet war. Also, that makes for a convienent scapegoat to try and blame all of Bu$h*s failures on.

[applegrove]

73. Welcome F.

:hi:

[HuskerDU]

75. Welcome Dr Funkenstein!

I remember a basketball player nicknamed Dr Dunkenstein! I think his name was Darrell Griffith.

Anyway welcome to DU! I was wondering when all of the republican BS was gonna skim a few conservatives away.

[Bryn]

78. Welcome to DU

:hi: please post more often. your posts are enjoyable.

[Dr_Funkenstein]

79. Bleh...Wait 'Til You Get To Know Me

...then you'll be calling for my head!;)

[yellowdogintexas]

81. Welcome, and just for the record, .....

is that Funkenstine or Funkensteen?

[Dr_Funkenstein]

84. It's All Funk, Baby...

<stine> It's the German pronunciation: "ei" = "i" sound.

I think only one poster has gotten the reference to George Clinton.

[reyd reid reed]

82. Hi

Post more...I already like you.

And...welcome.

[amitten]

85. Have you renounced the power of Jesus Bush over your life?

If so, you really have come around nicely.

Welcome to DU! :hi:


PS--I really do know some Republicans that act as though Bush is literally the second coming of Christ. Very, very scary.

[Dr_Funkenstein]

86. That's Odd...

Here in Texas, the vast majority of my friends are Repubs, and none of them really ever mention Bush at all.

I like to think of Bush as Darth Helmet, in SpaceBalls...he's not the one pulling all the levers...but he's the one pointing his finger.

[Orsino]

87. Look close, and you'll see...

...that his finger is held up by a wire. I think he's a total puppet, and just likes to puff out his chest as he reads his scripts.

He enjoys the feeling of power (far more than is healthy) and hates responsibility in any form. His current job, as he executes it, is therefore perfect for him--just terrible for most of the rest of us.

[Dr_Funkenstein]

88. HE'S the Puppet?

Damn near every polytician in Washington is a goddamn puppet!

[Orsino]

89. But * has never had to work a day in his life...

...with the possible exception of his grueling months in the Air Guard. He's never had to do much of anything, as Daddy's buddies have always saved him from the consequences of his own incompetency.

[amitten]

90. I'm in Austin. Guess the Repubs here are more...verbal.

Some clearly view Bush as some kind of "saviour" ordained by God.

And boy, did they go into a frenzy trying to get him re-elected!

[Dr_Funkenstein]

91. Viva Austin!

The Mrs. and I moved from San Marcos a little over a year ago. I miss the hill country.