This is a question on how people are labeled based on their views

[wyliec]

Just as an example, if a person is conservative on one issue, is he/she supposed to be conservative on all other issues? That is just one label, I know there are more. Why do there have to be labels? I ask b/c someone mentioned that how could someone who is/was in the military be against a certain amendment. I was in the military for 20 years, and I can have my own opinion without being labeled or following the herd, can't I?

I didn't write this based on any specific amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

[Saluda]

My opinions on subjects vary. Don't like labels. And yes you can.

[blacklightning]

My opinions are my own. Definitely don't go 100% on either side. And what we all need to realize is that they are all just opinions. Some will be right and some will be wrong, but just like a$$ holes, we all have one.

[UtahPete]

I think when labels are used correctly as shorthand in a constructive conversation, they can be useful. But, not when they're used indiscriminately to mischaracterize broad swaths of the population. For instance when talking about human biology, it is both accurate and useful to talk about males vs females. But, when talking about intangibles, such as beliefs, it is neither accurate or helpful to assign broad characterizations about people based on their gender, race, country of origin, social class, voting preferences, public service, body type, level of education, etc.

Scientific surveys for marketing or other legitimate purpose are valid when used and understood by people trained in their use. Even then, remember that statistics don't necessarily lie, but they don't tell the whole story, they have a stated degree of accuracy and they cannot be applied to an individual, only loosely to a group of individuals.

So, assuming that anyone who served in the military, particularly in combat, supports the indiscriminate ownership and use by civilians of assault weapons, is simply wrongheaded. This is a very complex issue and so are people. My view on this issue has actually evolved over the years and my military service doesn't factor into my thinking at all. As for the 2nd amendment itself, everyone is entitled to make their own interpretation of that. American society's own view of that has changed drastically over the past 30 years and is still evolving.

[UtahPete]

I think labeling of people is a way for intellectually lazy people to simplify their world. As such, it is a valid survival mechanism for many, I think.

I am guilty of it sometimes. And, I'm usually pleasantly surprised to subsequently discover I was wrong in my assumptions.

[RayBJ]

My label is, "American Citizen". An old piece of paper gives me the right to state my own opinion on all topics and to keep & bear arms - among several others just as important. You are welcome to your personal opinions but I don't have to agree with them.
In the immortal words of Rodney King, "Can't we all just get along?".

[UtahPete]

It might be useful in this discussion to talk about instances where we were victims of another's prejudices.

I have a number of them, but perhaps the one most germaine to this particular thread was when I tried to cross the border into Canada a few years back. My wife and I and our two terrier mix dogs were doing an extended RV trip towing our travel trailer. We waited in a queue of other vehicles, most of which were waved through after a cursory look at passports, etc. But, when we got to the booth, we were directed to a holding area for an interview and thorough inspection of our vehicles and luggage.

We were held there for two hours, while being scrutinized thoroughly. At one point, after searching and finding nothing suspicious, they asked again if we were carrying any weapons. I responded that I didn't even own any weapons. One agent actually said, incredulously, he found it hard to believe I was from Utah and didn't own weapons. What about for hunting? I don't hunt. Based on his bigoted assumption that everyone in gun-crazy American west had to own and carry guns, we were delayed for two hours.

Here's the kicker, when they finally released us and we drove away, only then did I realize I'd brought with me and presented at the border my old, expired and canceled with holes punched through passport, not my new valid one. They should not have let me cross at all because of that but didn't even notice it because they were so obsessed with proving I had a gun.

[RICZ]

The herd stinks. Do your own thinking. We have problems today because too many now follow the herd for one reason or another.

[ARtraveler]

I do not lean in any particular direction. My answers on controversial subjects will vary, depending on the subject at hand. I like to say that I think for myself, and do not let anyone influence me.

I will also say that this appears to a "test" thread to see how the moderators react. The grid thread has been closed. Please see my comment....the very last one at this moment in the thread.

We will and do enforce the rules of the site.

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

IMHO , in today's world there is WaaaaaaaaaaY to much labeling which includes accusatory rhetoric etc, I'm a FREE speecher. Which today is often called a White supremacist, Racist, Hate monger etc. ... I really don't think I'm any of those. ... I'm also accused of being a Conservative - which is only partially true. I think I'm really an Independant. Because my vote will be cast to the person ( Male , Female, black, white, gay, straight, even trans.) ... who I consider Sane, Intelligent, & with the similar values to mine. My philosophy is we ALL need to be able to speak our Truth AND we ALL need to LISTEN .... So this a short look into my mind ..... Thank you ... Mike

[wyliec]

IMHO , in today's world there is WaaaaaaaaaaY to much labeling which includes accusatory rhetoric etc, I'm a FREE speecher. Which today is often called a White supremacist, Racist, Hate monger etc. ... I really don't think I'm any of those. ... I'm also accused of being a Conservative - which is only partially true. I think I'm really an Independant. Because my vote will be cast to the person ( Male , Female, black, white, gay, straight, even trans.) ... who I consider Sane, Intelligent, & with the similar values to mine. My philosophy is we ALL need to be able to speak our Truth AND we ALL need to LISTEN .... So this a short look into my mind ..... Thank you ... Mike

Thanks Mike,
I also consider myself to be Independent.

[UtahPete]

I like to think of myself as a progressive independent. How's that for a label?

In California, I was considered 'conservative', because I wasn't a knee-jerk liberal. And of course because I was one of those misfit baby-killers returned from Vietnam. And I defended the use of nuclear power for electrical power plants. And opposed draining Lake Powell and the Hetch Hetchy.

In Utah and Arizona I'm a lib-tard snowflake. Oh, and heathen. Same person, same thought process, different hot-button issues.

My views haven't really shifted much in the last 30 years, because I consider each issue on its own merits, not what partisan politics demand. As Pop-eye used to say 'I am what I am'.

Actually all those labels were wrong. I'm just a 'contrarian'

[2dogs]

Ha, I reregistered years ago as a nondeclared, aka: as an independent. I think and feel along the same lines as BK, (well said Mike) and I don't care one way or the other who does or doesn't agree with it. I simply hop on my spyder and go wherever notion takes me. That's the way I live and that's the way I ride. If along the way I see that you need some help, I'll stop and gladly do whatever I can for you whether you are liberal, conservative, black or white, or red or yellow. After that, I'll be on my way.

[Lew L]

.

I'm from Mars, proud graduate of the University of Mars.

Marvin the Martian.jpg

I have a Illudium Q-36 explosive space modulator” that will put an end to all this earthly discord.


BTW----- I'm joking I have to say this as some here may actually take me seriously.

[UtahPete]

.

I'm from Mars, proud graduate of the University of Mars.

Marvin the Martian.jpg

I have a Illudium Q-36 explosive space modulator” that will put an end to all this earthly discord.


BTW----- I'm joking I have to say this as some here may actually take me seriously.

Good one, Lew

[BajaRon]

Dangerous territory. If I'm smart. I would just stick to sway bars! I'm smart today. Tomorrow? Well, I just can't say...

[canamjhb]

Dangerous territory. If I'm smart. I would just stick to sway bars! I'm smart today. Tomorrow? Well, I just can't say...

All I can/will say is.....

[Raven]

It might be useful in this discussion to talk about instances where we were victims of another's prejudices.

I have a number of them, but perhaps the one most germaine to this particular thread was when I tried to cross the border into Canada a few years back. My wife and I and our two terrier mix dogs were doing an extended RV trip towing our travel trailer. We waited in a queue of other vehicles, most of which were waved through after a cursory look at passports, etc. But, when we got to the booth, we were directed to a holding area for an interview and thorough inspection of our vehicles and luggage.

We were held there for two hours, while being scrutinized thoroughly. At one point, after searching and finding nothing suspicious, they asked again if we were carrying any weapons. I responded that I didn't even own any weapons. One agent actually said, incredulously, he found it hard to believe I was from Utah and didn't own weapons. What about for hunting? I don't hunt. Based on his bigoted assumption that everyone in gun-crazy American west had to own and carry guns, we were delayed for two hours.

Here's the kicker, when they finally released us and we drove away, only then did I realize I'd brought with me and presented at the border my old, expired and canceled with holes punched through passport, not my new valid one. They should not have let me cross at all because of that but didn't even notice it because they were so obsessed with proving I had a gun.

Pete, I used to work for a expedite company and somethings crossed the border six times a day.
I can say for a fact that there jerks working both sides of the border.
Sorry you got one of the idiots.

[Beanz1]

Each to his/her own, opinions are just that, opinions - yours or mine!

[UtahPete]

I've been thinking more on this topic. I think labels become toxic when used as epithets to marginalize and denigrate people for political purposes. It seems to me that as a society we had pretty much moved away from openly discriminating against other 'groups' of people until recently. It is now all too common to use demeaning labels to vilify those whose political beliefs don't align with our own, with the result we are a nation divided, not united.

[Woodenfish]

Just as an example, if a person is conservative on one issue, is he/she supposed to be conservative on all other issues? That is just one label, I know there are more. Why do there have to be labels? I ask b/c someone mentioned that how could someone who is/was in the military be against a certain amendment. I was in the military for 20 years, and I can have my own opinion without being labeled or following the herd, can't I?

I didn't write this based on any specific amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

In regards to the question that person may have certain libertarian feelings, be misinformed, unable to grasp the opinion fully with todays prejudice or could not care less either way. I on the other hand chose to be a strict Constitutionalist and it has served me well as I like to know all the rules of the game I’m playing in and am not afraid of the label as I can argue my point if needed and have something in black and white to back up my opinion that is inarguably concrete.

[UtahPete]

In regards to the question that person may have certain libertarian feelings, be misinformed, unable to grasp the opinion fully with todays prejudice or could not care less either way. I on the other hand chose to be a strict Constitutionalist and it has served me well as I like to know all the rules of the game I’m playing in and am not afraid of the label as I can argue my point if needed and have something in black and white to back up my opinion that is inarguably concrete.

With respect, I don't think there is such as thing as a strict Consitutionalist; I think you mean 'Constructionist.

Constructionist implies that at the time of its writing, the Constitution was a complete and final document guiding the ship of state. That would obviate the need for Amendments and the Supreme Court.

I am a revisionist, meaning that I believe the Constitution needs revision occasionally by the legislative process through the use of Amendments. A strict Constructionist would have to believe that Amendments are unnecessary because the Framers got everything right the first time in perpetuity. As I recall, they were kind of vague as to who qualified as a citizen, entitled to the rights and protections of the Constitution. Hence subsequent Amendments and Supreme court cases.

[UtahPete]

Each to his/her own, opinions are just that, opinions - yours or mine!

Agreed. So, what is your opinion about 'labels' applied to people?

[Woodenfish]

I understand what you’re saying UtahPete but I disagree and will stand by my statement as the Constitution is as written today and I don’t want to get drawn into a chop salad of words having variable meaning.

[UtahPete]

I understand what you’re saying UtahPete but I disagree and will stand by my statement as the Constitution is as written today and I don’t want to get drawn into a chop salad of words having variable meaning.

That's okay. This thread isn't about the Constitution anyway.