Are lefties bullies?

JerrySeinfeld · July 30, 2008

This topic is intended to discuss the idea that left wing people are bullies with fascist tendencies.

It is also mostly a topic aimed at those of us conservative minded thinkers.

Question: As a conservative, have you ever found yourself in a situation where some lefty (or usually a gruop) was blathering on and on about the "conventional wisdom" being jammed down our throats by the left wing media? And in that situation, have you ever found yourself disagreeing but somewhat afraid to voice your thoughts because of the viciousness with which people shout down your "minority" ideas?

I believe in civil unions instead of gay marriage.

I also support our troops and the Afghan and Iraq wars. I like GW Bush. I hate carbon taxes, and I think the Climate Change issue may be the biggest trojan horse for socialism perpetrated on human kind in our history. But to soften it, at a party I would probably just say I'm not that concerned about climate change.

Have any of the other conservatives felt ostracized, attacked or bullied by those in disagreement? Isn't that fascism, if it happens alot?

Think of things like political correct speech. Doesn't PC essentially imply "this is how we all talk now". That sounds like a bit of a creepingly fascist concept, doesn't it?

Ben Stein put it best when he said "I used to go (to hollywood parties), and people would make cruel fun of me and bait me and want to start arguing with me, and who needs that crap?"

I find this to be a fairly common thing.

Thank goodness there are sites like this where we can exchange ideas, because in the real world I see alot of bullying by the left wing.

I have a friend who owns a T-Shirt which says "Conservative" in big letters on the front. He mentioned that the other day he was in a 7-11 store and a girl with a "rainbow" patch on her backpack (gay symbol) snickered "that's just sickening" as she walked past - as if it's ok for her to wear her politics on her sleave but not ok for him.

Yet during elections, conservatives fair very well, and in fact are in power in both Canada and the USA (for the time being).

So why are we so silent when being harassed by lefties? Are they less mature? Are they more volatile? Shouldn't we all start speaking up and being more proud of OUR views the same way they are of theirs?

I for one am giong out to buy a Ronald Reagan TShirt today!!!

Lefties love to watch Colbert and Stewart, who do a brilliant job of ridiculing conservatives (and even sometimes the odd democrat), but shouldn't we be standing up and having some fun with them too? I mean, just look at most lefties. There is MORE than enough material to work with.

Heck, just the other day I heard someone like Sheryl Crow or someone was having their house fitted with special plumbing that would allow them to recycle and drink their own poo and pee. Yuo can't make that stuff up!!!

Anyway, as a conservative, have you ever experienced this bullying?

Discuss.

AngusThermopyle · July 30, 2008

They try to bully.

Most that I've met tend to be simpering wimps and pussies though so it's pretty hard to bully from a position of wimpiness.

As soon as they realize they've crossed the line and are in peril of having their teeth shoved so far down their throat they have to reach up their arse to brush them, they tend to fade like a bad dream.

JerrySeinfeld · July 30, 2008

They try to bully.
Most that I've met tend to be simpering wimps and pussies though so it's pretty hard to bully from a position of wimpiness.

This is pretty true. Plus since they usually take positions from conventional wisdom (example environmentalism or the Iraq war), they haven't done their research, which makes them a pretty easy opponent in a debate.

The other thing that works against us as conservatives in social situations is that conservatives take their positions from rational thought which requires explanation, whereas lefties tend to be emotional "feel gooders", which is why the jokes on Joen Stewart and Colbert go over so well - they often aren't based upon fact or reason, but it feels good and right at the time - kind of like one night stands and mcdonalds.

madmax · July 30, 2008

Anyway, as a conservative, have you ever experienced this bullying?
Discuss.

Shut Up Wanker :lol:

Ok, bullying is not something that is left wing, right wing, or party specific. There are definitely leftwing bullies out there. You might view them as fascists but Stalin is a better model.

Get into any group and occassionally someone will want to dominate the activity or discussion and push people into their thinking.

To think that the left is immune from having bullies is like saying the right doesn't have bullies who attack the left.

A bully is a bully.

Now P*$$ off.

Luckily Maple Leaf is a pretty open playground.

JerrySeinfeld · July 30, 2008

Shut Up Wanker
Ok, bullying is not something that is left wing, right wing, or party specific. There are definitely leftwing bullies out there. You might view them as fascists but Stalin is a better model.

Get into any group and occassionally someone will want to dominate the activity or discussion and push people into their thinking.

To think that the left is immune from having bullies is like saying the right doesn't have bullies who attack the left.

A bully is a bully.

Now P*$$ off.

Luckily Maple Leaf is a pretty open playground.

I agree that both sides have bullies (can you say Rush Limbaugh or Bill O'reilly?)

But in my experience in social situations, it seems alot easier for people to discuss their politics if it happens to be left wing-oriented.

Especially when it comes to GW Bush or the war. I find that people who support GW Bush or the War or are anti gay marriage or anti abortion have to keep their mouths shut in alot of social/business situations, whereas I hear people on the other side proudly espousing their views in parades and shit all the time.

Wild Bill · July 30, 2008

I've noticed this attribute for years! I think it stems from taking the easy path to win dominance for your own thiniking. By this I mean it's easier to claim to be in the majority and to shut up any opposition with ad hominem attacks.

Stewart and his ilk are a good illustration of the difference between being right and being articulate. You can speak well and be very good with quick humour. If you are deft enough no one notices that your arguments are a little thin.

I think it also has a streak of righteousness to it. Demonizing those who disagree with you demonstrates your dedication. Of course, the universe doesn't care about your dedication. It works its own way and the most we can do is learn to understand it. Still, righteous dedication can often impress the ignorant and get them to follow you.

Perhaps we should have a spin-off to this thread. Are "leftwing" thinkers less practical, or dare I say, less intelligent?

Intelligence is perhaps not the best term. Some lefties are geniuses at fooling themselves. I'm searching for a term that means less "one to one" or congruent to reality.

M.Dancer · July 30, 2008

I'm a simpering bully...

Carinthia · July 30, 2008

I notice that the six replies here are all from "right wingers". Hmmmm, wonder where all the left wing bullies are? :rolleyes:

M.Dancer · July 30, 2008

I notice that the six replies here are all from "right wingers". Hmmmm, wonder where all the left wing bullies are?

I am not a right winger.

guyser · July 30, 2008

I am not a right winger.

I know , they put you in goal since you couldnt skate.

AngusThermopyle · July 30, 2008

I notice that the six replies here are all from "right wingers". Hmmmm, wonder where all the left wing bullies are? rolleyes.gif

Hmmm, who says I'm right wing? For instance I support the right of gay people to marry. I think Canada's stance on Marijuana is ridiculous. I think people deserve equal treatment no matter what race or origin. Does that make me right wing?

I just don't support the left wing habit of spouting garbage constantly and labeling anyone who disagrees with them, labels such as racist or right winger for instance.

Your post does illustrate perfectly the feeble minded response of the left to any who do not march in lockstep with them though.

guyser · July 30, 2008

Hmmm, who says I'm right wing?

Carinthia did.

I just don't support the left wing habit of spouting garbage constantly and labeling anyone who disagrees with them, labels such as racist or right winger for instance.

......"left wing habit of spouting garbage constantly"......methinks you might want to have a look at that one again.

Seems the pot just met the kettle.

Your post does illustrate perfectly the feeble minded response of the left to any who do not march in lockstep with them though.

To quote you, but with a change of one word..."Hmmm, who says she is left wing?"

eyeball · July 30, 2008

QUOTE(M.Dancer @ Jul 30 2008, 02:08 PM)
I am not a right winger.

I know , they put you in goal since you couldnt skate.

:lol:

August1991 · July 30, 2008

I notice that the six replies here are all from "right wingers". Hmmmm, wonder where all the left wing bullies are?

This forum (depends on the time of day) tends to have more right-wing types than left wing-types. I also suspect that many right wing types have to be quiet in real life and so they tend to overdo it on an Internet forum.

It seems to me that your view of this will depend where you live, and how extreme your own views are. If you live in San Francisco or Boston or Toronto or in Montreal (like me), you're going to feel uncomfortable if you have vaguely right wing views. If you live in rural Alberta or rural Texas, you'll feel uncomfortable if you have vaguely left wing views. I'll add in that young people tend to be more left and they tend to want to proselytize/change the world.

I agree with you, Jerry. There's a holier-than-thou, religious tinge to the North American Left that gets up my nose.

guyser · July 30, 2008

This forum (depends on the time of day) tends to have more right-wing types than left wing-types. I also suspect that many right wing types have to be quiet in real life and so they tend to overdo it on an Internet forum.

Why would one have to be quiet for expressing their views? Seems like the far left wing, which by the way is very fringe, is the circle you run in.

It seems to me that your view of this will depend where you live, and how extreme your own views are. If you live in San Francisco or Boston or Toronto or in Montreal (like me), you're going to feel uncomfortable if you have vaguely right wing views. If you live in rural Alberta or rural Texas, you'll feel uncomfortable if you have vaguely left wing views. I'll add in that young people tend to be more left and they tend to want to proselytize/change the world.

To some degree where you live it matters. But I dont think feeling uncomftable is a fair assessment. When I am with my Albertans cousins( in Alta), I have no problem discussing politics and I am usually the lone Lib voter, although I didnt the last time I voted. Some discussions are funny, as in the gay marriage discussion, some are serious. When all is boiled down, most of us are centrists with minor variations. Same as here.

I agree with you, Jerry. There's a holier-than-thou, religious tinge to the North American Left that gets up my nose.

Funny, I would bet you have that backwards.

Edited July 30, 2008 by guyser

August1991 · July 30, 2008

Funny, I would bet you have that backwards.

Perhaps "religious" tinge is the wrong word. Leftists tend to be self-righteous. They ride bicycles and look down on anyone in a car, let alone an SUV.

CANADIEN · July 31, 2008

It seems to me that your view of this will depend where you live, and how extreme your own views are. If you live in San Francisco or Boston or Toronto or in Montreal (like me), you're going to feel uncomfortable if you have vaguely right wing views. If you live in rural Alberta or rural Texas, you'll feel uncomfortable if you have vaguely left wing views. I'll add in that young people tend to be more left and they tend to want to proselytize/change the world.

Hear hear.

From my experience, bullying is neither a right wing nor a left wing phenomenum. It is a non-discrimanting character flaw.

BubberMiley · July 31, 2008

Most that I've met tend to be simpering wimps and pussies though so it's pretty hard to bully from a position of wimpiness.

Nothing more simpering and wimpy than someone who cries "bully" just because someone disagrees with him.

Wild Bill · July 31, 2008

Rush Limbaugh is not totally my cup of tea but once in a while he does come out with something I can't help but agree.

He once said "A Liberal defines free speech as the freedom to agree."

I had just checked out of a political forum where I had been rudely and crudely insulted for not adhering to leftwing orthodoxy when I heard Rush say this on the radio. I immediately thought "How appropo!".

Years later after I had a very unpleasant experience as a newbie on "babble.com" it sunk in as to just how right he was.

Fortunata · July 31, 2008

Perhaps "religious" tinge is the wrong word. Leftists tend to be self-righteous. They ride bicycles and look down on anyone in a car, let alone an SUV.

I ride a bicycle. I own an SUV. I guess that puts me squarely in the middle.

M.Dancer · July 31, 2008

I ride a bicycle, boldy. I have never driven a car, I support the mission in Afghanistan, I am pro choice and personally opposed to abortion, believe in freedom from religion and religious freedom of expression. I believe in reasonable limits. I look down on conspicuous consumption not individual achievement. I choose Timex over a Rolex. I would support a targetted strike on Iran if needed. I believe that taxes are best in the hands of government. I believe, contrary to the collective wisdom, instead of resting on the seventh day, God created salesmen to ensure that no matter what, come war, pestilence, meteor showers, cataclysmic floods...someone would be there arrange the sale and transport of necessaries from motivated seller at point A to satistfied custumer at point B. I believe in public heathcare. I believe our taxes are better in the hands of doctors than in the hands of government. I believe sponsorships should be a growing source of revenue for governments. I ndorse multiculturalism. I wish my kids could watch the Friendly Giant. I have met Mr. Dress Up, Helene (chez helene). I watched Don Messers's Jubilee at my parent's feet. My first social date with my wife was a ceilidh at a pub. I do not like ersatz european micro brewery beer. I like baked beans and sushi, but not together. More octors should be taught to analzse farts. I think making the trains running on time is a pretty basic and essential election promise. I was somewhat dispappointed to find out that Train Spotting wasn't really about train spotting. I have a hard time feeling for sympathy for heroin smugglers caught in Thailand. The minature train ride at centre island is sad. Recently someone I know tried to kill themselves. I have two cats, which I would wiillingly give to someone who liked cats, if I was allowed. I love America, but it's Americans that frustrate me. I turned down a new bicycle because I didn't want a bike that would out live me. I have not voted conservative since the 80s. I always vote at elections, rain or shine.

AngusThermopyle · July 31, 2008

To quote you, but with a change of one word..."Hmmm, who says she is left wing?"

Well I have to admit you're right about that. I did make an assumption based on nothing more than the perception created by the lone post.

CANADIEN · July 31, 2008

Rush Limbaugh is not totally my cup of tea but once in a while he does come out with something I can't help but agree.
He once said "A Liberal defines free speech as the freedom to agree."

I had just checked out of a political forum where I had been rudely and crudely insulted for not adhering to leftwing orthodoxy when I heard Rush say this on the radio. I immediately thought "How appropo!".

Years later after I had a very unpleasant experience as a newbie on "babble.com" it sunk in as to just how right he was.

And I have met my share of people on the rght end of the spectrum who fit that label as well. And people at the far right end of the spectrum who scream "you violate my freedom of expression" everytime someone dares to take exception to what they say.

Carinthia · July 31, 2008

Well I have to admit you're right about that. I did make an assumption based on nothing more than the perception created by the lone post.

Your assumption is correct. A leftist I am, a bully I'm not. I never ride a bike and I drive a Cavalier. I do run a social program funded by the Feds, so that should put me in good standing with all the other lefties around here though.

WIP · July 31, 2008

This topic is intended to discuss the idea that left wing people are bullies with fascist tendencies.

"that left wing people are bullies!" You don't even use a qualifier like: some or a few or even most -- no you're demagoguing right from the start, since you are labeling an entire group that you consider leftist! Now who's the fascist?

It is also mostly a topic aimed at those of us conservative minded thinkers.
Question: As a conservative, have you ever found yourself in a situation where some lefty (or usually a gruop) was blathering on and on about the "conventional wisdom" being jammed down our throats by the left wing media? And in that situation, have you ever found yourself disagreeing but somewhat afraid to voice your thoughts because of the viciousness with which people shout down your "minority" ideas?

Do you live in North Korea? Otherwise, I have to wonder where you are finding these vicious lefties that you are afraid to disagree with!

I believe in civil unions instead of gay marriage.
I also support our troops and the Afghan and Iraq wars. I like GW Bush. I hate carbon taxes, and I think the Climate Change issue may be the biggest trojan horse for socialism perpetrated on human kind in our history. But to soften it, at a party I would probably just say I'm not that concerned about climate change.

Have any of the other conservatives felt ostracized, attacked or bullied by those in disagreement? Isn't that fascism, if it happens alot?

Well, those are all stupid ideas, but I don't understand why your knees turn to jello rather than say that you don't believe the earth is getting warmer! If you spoke up for yourself, you wouldn't be throwing around words like fascism to characterize people who strongly disagree with you!

Think of things like political correct speech. Doesn't PC essentially imply "this is how we all talk now". That sounds like a bit of a creepingly fascist concept, doesn't it?
Ben Stein put it best when he said "I used to go (to hollywood parties), and people would make cruel fun of me and bait me and want to start arguing with me, and who needs that crap?"

Is that what turned Ben Stein into a creationist imbecile?

I find this to be a fairly common thing.
Thank goodness there are sites like this where we can exchange ideas, because in the real world I see alot of bullying by the left wing.

I have a friend who owns a T-Shirt which says "Conservative" in big letters on the front. He mentioned that the other day he was in a 7-11 store and a girl with a "rainbow" patch on her backpack (gay symbol) snickered "that's just sickening" as she walked past - as if it's ok for her to wear her politics on her sleave but not ok for him.

Did it not occur to you that this girl would be subject to worse verbal and even physical attacks in some areas if they recognize what the symbol means?

Yet during elections, conservatives fair very well, and in fact are in power in both Canada and the USA (for the time being).
So why are we so silent when being harassed by lefties? Are they less mature? Are they more volatile? Shouldn't we all start speaking up and being more proud of OUR views the same way they are of theirs?

I for one am giong out to buy a Ronald Reagan TShirt today!!!

Lefties love to watch Colbert and Stewart, who do a brilliant job of ridiculing conservatives (and even sometimes the odd democrat), but shouldn't we be standing up and having some fun with them too? I mean, just look at most lefties. There is MORE than enough material to work with.

Heck, just the other day I heard someone like Sheryl Crow or someone was having their house fitted with special plumbing that would allow them to recycle and drink their own poo and pee. Yuo can't make that stuff up!!!

Anyway, as a conservative, have you ever experienced this bullying?

Discuss.

Yes indeed, conservatives run Canada and the U.S. -- and look what a great job they've done!

As far as fascism goes, it uses emotional appeals to nationalism, race and religion. As Sinclair Lewis put it, many years ago: "When fascism comes to America it will be wrapped in the flag and carrying a cross."

http://www.answers.com/topic/sinclair-lewis