The following is a dialog I had with a pessimistic 'conservative'. This woman believes that Obama will not allow elections in 2012 or 2010; that Obama will force all of his agenda through via executive orders; that Obama is about to call for martial law and that the sky is literally falling and doom is inevitable.
As you will see, I was kind at first and then later my patience wore thin. I cannot abide pessimism. It does motivate, and it won't get the job done.
THE TOPIC: Michael Savage - Socialist Obama to Push Executive Orders Against Will of Americans - (2/12/10) (I will read a NY Times story and comment on The Jimmy Z Monday Show, 15 February). We begin with my first post to her. Only her last name has been deleted to protect the pessimist. I have added emphasis to some of her more astounding comments.
TheJimmy ZShow
1 - They know the 'damage' they are doing. They never much liked our constitution. 2 - Mr. Obama talks a big game, but he knows that this threat is just that. I don't expect him to use this tactic much. 3 - If he does, he makes it that much easier for the conservative to beat him in 2012.
Fear not - little of his shenanigans are such that we cannot undo them. The question is - will we have a conservative president WILLING to undo it?
2 hours ago ·
Cathy -----
Your comments interest me - I don't always agree with them, but it then makes me think through what I know and how I feel about the situation at hand (and there are SO MANY at hand!!). :)
Frankly, I do believe BHO's threats are valid - he may not be able to carry them out well within our borders, but he is working quietly and steadily on gaining global support for overthrowing the United States and, therefore, being able to use military strength from other areas to subjugate us.
Second, I truly do not believe we will have elections in 2012, in which we can supposedly oust this loser and get someone who actually loves this country in there. BHO has NO intention of EVER being out of power, so he will do whatever it takes to rule out the possibility of losing an election. I'm not even sure we'll be able to vote this year. Even if we are the elections will be* so riddled with blatant and outright fraud and intimidation they will not be valid.
*[Note: "Will be"; not 'might be' or 'could be', but will be. She is convinced and she's out there convincing others with her extremist pessimism.]
Third, so far I have to admit I haven't seen a candidate I feel fully supportive of in that they do NOT cave in, they do NOT move to the center, they do NOT pander to special interests, and they do NOT, EVER, compromise the values the conservatives and Republicans hold dear and which we know work for our country.
[Not ONE?]
I'm sick to death of seeing the morality and decency bar lowered so far it's underground at this point, and I want to have a candidate (or several) who will never sell the ideals and principles of America down the road to or for anyone. So far Romney is the closest, in my mind, but there are issues with him as well. So, I keep looking and hoping top-notch people will step up to the plate.
[Out of all the potential candidates, she picks a RINO who ushered in State Health Care in Massachusetts and is pro gay rights. Wow.]
Appreciate the discussion and the level of respect, BTW - I've rarely had any problems on my page, which is great, and I enjoy discussing topics that, although we may not all agree on, we all feel strongly about, and we certainly all have the same, overarching goal - saving our country from the worst danger and destruction we have ever faced.
TheJimmy ZShow
Yes, Obama's threats are valid, in terms of what he could try, but the public outcry will temper their actions. Rahm and Obama are upset and frustrated. They are not going to pass everything they want by exec order - I'd bet against it.
He is working to make the US just another country. To say he is going 'overthrow' our government is too Alex Jonesy. The chances he will cut off elections in 2012 are slim and none. It makes the conservatives look bizarre and crazed to state such things with 'certainty'. It is not certain at all. And if it happens three years of worrying and convincing yourself and others that it is going to happen COULD create a self fulfilling prophecy.
Why wasn't there all this 'fraud' and such in Massachusetts? That election alone should give one hope, not dismay.
So far, what you have seen is the GOP standing firm against Obama, and this is great news. You are concentrating on the bad and not focusing on the good. I have a list on my blog page, related to the show page, that has a 'Toast List' and lists all the Democrat Senators who are in trouble.
I'll be direct: Your focus right now needs to be on the midterm elections. We have 8½ months to get this done. That's it. We don't have time for worrying about what might happen, thinking about the worst and predicting the worst. We have a job to do.
Forgive me if I'm being too blunt, but these points are so important.
There was no possible way any Republican would win Ted Kennedy's seat in Massachusetts. No way. Then, I believe, people have been praying for this country and God intervened. It is going to be imperative that you shield yourself from the bad news. I don't know if you listen to the militia types and the Alex Jones types, but it's bad news. It's as bad as listening to Obama. Get Limbaugh on the radio and Levin and Hannity, and get positive.
We need you to be at your most productive ever.
And by the way, Romney is a RINO. He's for homosexual rights and he ushered in the Massachusetts version of state run health care. You didn't know that?
Cathy -----
Of course I know that - hence my reservations about him [Romney]. Frankly, I really don't agree with much you're saying, but I certainly respect your right to say it.
[But after complaining about moderate and liberal Republicans, he's the one she picked? Oy.]
I DO believe BHO has the ability to carry out at least part of his plans, public outrage or not - as you know, no matter how angry people are, many will collapse and offer little to no resistance if/when things get ugly and life is scary. BHO plans on that - he's read the playbooks, as it were. Fundamentally, Americans have NO concept whatsoever of what life would be like under martial law, with no privacy, rights, free speech, readily available food, and so forth - no idea at all. It wouldn't take much to create panic and chaos, which would feed into the overall plans beautifully.
[Quite a movie scenario, to be sure, but all hysterical crystal balling. All pandering to negativity and fear mongering.]
As well, I do not believe I'm concentrating only on the "bad" and not the good* - I, like many, rejoice in good news, but we temper our reactions with the knowledge that worse is sure to come - the more BHO is stymied the angrier he gets, and his brown-nosing to tyrannical leaders and work with global governance situations gives him power we can't begin to imagine.
*[What possible evidence is there of this woman not concentrating on the bad? And keep reading as she continues to not concentrate on the bad.]
I do not believe this is "Alex Jonesy" and, frankly, I'm somewhat offended at the comparison. I do not follow rumormongers and crazy tales blindly - I do my research (when I can - life is busy), I read a LOT, I listen intently, and I try to connect the dots. Most of my amazing conservative friends are the same way. [I sure hope not.]
The GOP is "standing firm" in selected instances - in other ways they are collapsing and show an astonishing and frightening lack of unity. The bonding agent (an excellent candidate) and the unification of the hundreds, if not thousands, of splinter groups, FB pages fans, patriots, Republicans, conservatives, etc. has not appeared yet (and, of course, I do acknowledge the divine nature of help we have and will continue to receive - nevertheless, we must deal with things on a mortal level until further help is given). [Notice that she tip toes around faith in God, especially to help us, but is not acknowledging any ongoing, current help from the Almighty.]
BTW, I do NOT listen to Obama and I DO listen to Limbaugh, Levin (on occasion) and Hannity, as well as Beck and others, and I AM positive. [*double take* Say what?]
I am positive this country is in the worst danger in our history [Oh, ok - now I see] and I am positive that hundreds of millions of people have the ability to stop it, if they are willing to stick their necks out, gather their courage, step out of (nay, RUN from) their comfort zone, and exhibit the level of patriotism, bravery, moral fortitude, and righteous anger it will take to reverse course in this country. [9-12 March on Washington, anyone?]
I am but one person - I am trying to "be at my most productive ever", but I am not important in the overall picture. I do what I can, as everyone should, and I'll not apologize for how I go about it, what I post, what I believe and fear, and what I think should be done. [Defending her fear and loathing]
I'll never make the big difference I wish I could and I have no impact on national level policies and attitudes - I just hope the information I share influences my friends and family members in some way [oh God I hope not] - perhaps they'll agree, perhaps they won't but they'll at least think about it. I do not warrant a chastisement, I don't believe - none of us really have to do any of this, but those that do are, I believe, exhibiting a courage and strength that sometimes takes a lot of digging to find within ourselves. Being "blunt" is o.k. - I'm unthreatened by that.* But being coercive in, perhaps, mocking or denigrating how one person or another individual goes about publicly airing their views really doesn't work with the overall values and plans of true conservatives and fellow patriots.
*['Unthreatened' (sic) until I spoke more directly, and then it was enough for her to both defriend me on Facebook and remove my comments].
TheJimmy ZShow
Yes, you and every one of us is very important in the overall picture. Who told you that you were not important?
There is one thing that matters today, and that is winning the midterms. People do get scared when you promote the alarmist propaganda, and there are no concrete reasons to believe that (a) Obama will shut down the country and call for martial law and (b) that he would succeed if he tried. You have a lot of liberals who would join conservatives at that point.
But to even suggest it is extremist in my view. When Levin or Limbaugh begins to talk of the probability that Obama will terminate elections in this country, then you have something to worry about.
Cathy -----
Good - people SHOULD get scared. We have to pay attention to the alarmist views, at least part of the time. Otherwise we will be caught flat-footed when/if it happens. I'd rather be concerned about and prepared for the worst, and therefore better able to deal with it, then have my head in the sand and not have any real idea of the avalanche of evil that awaits us. I believe you have a far too benign view of what is happening, but that is your right.
Levin and Limbaugh will, if they haven't already, start addressing the issue of possibly canceling elections - I've heard a couple of public figures start on it already (can't remember which ones). [I tried to get her to elaborate on anyone; any politician, TV or radio host or blogger with a good reputation who has said Obama will seek to cancel the elections in 2010 and 2012 - no answer.]
It is not out of the realm of possibility, and it makes me frustrated when people put SO much hope and faith into being able to vote these people out this year and in 2012. [Damn that faith!] Even if elections aren't canceled the tea party movement is already splitting the party - we have enough factions and infighting that the cohesiveness necessary to toss out every last piece of crap in Washington isn't really there yet. Of course, the people in Washington know this and will quietly be "helping" the splitting of the party, [I asked 'what people'? and again got the sound of crickets] which will make things worse. It is naive to think that we have enough power and ties that bind to really do the job yet - we don't. As well, people are supposedly becoming more "tolerant" of issues like homosexuality, abortion, and the like (oftentimes because they're told other people accept it more and they simply go along with that). These divisive issues, which shouldn't be issues at all within the party and even our world at all, simply add to the problems.
I deal in reality, negative as it often seems, and I hope for the day when the positives outweigh the negatives. In referring to being important I mean that people like me have no influence on national and global occurrences and policies, which is frustrating (we are not Palin's or Romney's or Pawlenty's or Bachmann's), but we do what we can in our imperfect ways. Right now, sad as it is, the negatives badly outweigh the positives, and no matter how much we wish that was not so it is the truth. The evil we face - what is being wrought in our schools, within our families, at state government levels, within churches, and at many more levels - is mindboggling and depressing. Yet, that is why we fight - we haven't given up [Oh brother, this is contradiction to everything she just said] and we hope to effect some astonishing change for the better, no matter how overwhelming the evil is that we're up against. I don't see us winning the mid-terms, as it were, though I hope I'm wrong. Perhaps in spreading my sometimes "negative" message people will become more and more aware of the staggering damage and destruction being done on so many fronts, and THAT will help win those elections. [Scaring people, horrifying people and telling them we won't win these elections in 2010 and 2012 will motivate them into ... huh?]
Who knows. But, we keep on keepin' on, and that's the best we can do.
Tricia ------ --------
Not burying one's head in the sand and instead facing on-going atrocities as they happen is now considered being negative? Acknowledging potential political disasters/threats is now considered being negative? Reminding people what corruptness is in the works to completely change the basis and foundation this country was established on is negative? Calling a spade a spade, rather than putting pretty little flowery terms on what's really happening and pretending all is good and glorious is negative? Really???
Shall we instead wait until this country is overthrown and ruled under martial law and THEN say, "Aww man - I KNEW this was coming!"
Cathy -----
Absolutely correct. To add to that, I argue that there is a tectonic shift underneath our feet with regard to what the people see, want to believe, and are being manipulated into buying. Every previous president, though imperfect, somewhat flawed, and usually so self-confident they're self-centered, was simply that - a president, of a country, with supporters and detractors alike. They knew it, we knew it, that was accepted, and everybody worked from that fundamental beginning point. Differences were argued about, sometimes screaming matches erupted, policies were fought, bought, and taught. But, still, the man was president, of a country, with supporters and detractors alike, and we all respected those rules, limitations, opportunities, and frameworks.
Now, the framework not only does not exist, it is being imploded from within. None of the rules that applied before apply now - indeed, if you try to apply the rules, whether they are official or simply social constructs, you are vilified and labeled in every negative and hateful way possible (all incorrect and unjustified). [I have no idea who she is listening to here, but I would bet $1,000 she's listening to Alex Jones - no matter what she says]
BHO is not, in his mind, his administration's mind, and in the minds of many people (though you wonder if they actually have any, at this point), not just a president, of a country, with supporters and detractors alike. He believes, protestations aside, that he is a Messiah-like figure - he buys into his own press, he creates his own press, and he works to destroy those who question that press. He functions as a tyrant over stupid children who need to be led, and if any resistance is put up (as well it should be!) he makes no attempt to understand or cooperate. He destroys. He injures. He kills our dreams, and our bank accounts, and our military strength, and our value system, and our socially constructed rules framework that has worked since...well, since the moment this country was birthed through divine intervention. [Obama is some of these things, but that is not any reason to give up fighting against it - Constitution in hand].
It is truly dangerous when such a person, who absolutely and totally believes that he is more intelligent, enlightened, and knowledgeable than EVERYONE else, is in power - it is to our nation's discredit that we put him there (I won't take the blame for that, but so many need to), and we must remove him immediately before any more damage is done. [That's called the 2012 election] He has a skewed, distorted, hateful sense of "social justice" and sees messianic qualities within himself that are capable of carrying out the imposing of such an evil and unbalanced plan. The sociopathic qualities he exhibits are truly mindboggling - he has no ability to lower himself to the common man's level and he has no intention of doing so either.
A sociopath cares nothing about other peoples' feelings, emotions, needs, and desires - they function only to serve themselves and their own interests, and this perfectly illustrates the person (I refuse to use the word "man", as he is not one) who took over OUR White House in a bloodless coup. [No, he was duly elected in the 2008 election] The groundwork for this was laid decades ago (and BTW, yes, there IS concrete evidence of some, perhaps many, of the things he's working to carry out), and the perfect storm resulted in this disastrous, angry, bitter, manipulative person being elected to an office where the maximum amount of damage can be brought upon a nation. To think otherwise, on any level, is naive, ridiculous, and dangerous. [Not once have I argued that Obama is not a bad guy.]
TheJimmy ZShow
No, people should not get scared. People are not rightly motivated out of fear. Nonsense.
I didn't say canceling elections is out of the realm of possibility - I said it isn't likely. I would love to know what responsible congressperson, news reporter, blogger or broadcaster talked about the likelihood of elections being canceled.
Most of the tea party participants are in sync; again, it's whose columns you are reading. I interviewed Tim McClellan - good things are happening in the tea party movement, and the majority want nothing to do with a third party and a split vote.
Who will be helping 'splitting the party?' I would like specifics. 'People' isn't anyone specific.
Of course we can do the job. I grow annoyed with your negativity, yet you claim to be positive! We did the job in Massachusetts, for God's sake. That was as hopeless as anyone could fathom, taking Kennedy's seat with a Republican? This is great news. Why don't you take inspiration from this?
Who is more tolerant of abortion? Well over 60% of Americans identify themselves as 'conservative' and about 28% say they are liberal. Most Americans side with the GOP on the issue of abortion.
The Midterms are ours to lose! Have you read Dick Morris or any of the others who have analyzed what is about to happen? Why are you thinking negatively when not just a wave but a tsunami is about to take place in DC? My God, again I say, look at Massachusetts!
Yes, you DO have influence in all of these issues. Well, perhaps not you because I don't know anyone who responds well to negativity. The American people have spoken, and GOP members like those you mentioned ARE responding.
The reasons for optimism FAR and AWAY drown out the reasons for pessimism. There is no good that comes from wringing your hands and pondering the worst possible scenario. Do you really have faith? If so, there's your most powerful reason to be optimistic!
For people to not give up, they must have hope. The brand of negativity and pessimism put forth here is not hopeful. It's dreadful. We must be the voice of reason, rationality and OPTIMISM. What football coach brings his players into the locker room and says, "men, we have no chance. It's going to be really bad out there." Nope. What did David do? "Oh man, that Goliath is a big dude, I'm going to get my butt creamed."
No, he walked out there with his sling and God watching over him. We need that same optimism, that same certainty because we are on God's side and we are standing up for what is right. Do you think God will just brush us off? No shot!
TheJimmy ZShow
Tricia, there is no reason to be negative in this current situation. Concentrating on predictions of doom is not productive, motivating or inspiring! I'm not calling for anything but reality. Being negative, pessimistic and fearful is no way to win. There is a LOT of positive going on right now, and you get what you give. There is literally no reason to be fearing the worst, because it has no happened. Last time I checked, crystal balls were pure crappola.
Me, or you, or Cathy or Alex Jones or Rush Limbaugh have no corner on predicting the future.
Do what must be done, get conservatives and republicans elected in 2010 and 2012, and have faith in God - praise God for what He is doing - a lot of this battle is His anyway. The stuff that scares you, the stuff that's too big for us - turn it over to him!
Cathy -----
I just posted my previous comment before yours showed up. I'm sorry you feel I'm so negative - I'm not accountable to you in any way, will not back down, and feel that the attack is unwarranted and, frankly, extremely annoying. I have a long rope, but now I'm irritated and I have lots more to do than continue to argue with someone who throws accusations and denigrating comments around. I celebrate things when good things happen and I rejoice in optimism when it is warranted - back off there, buddy. It's getting old already. If you consider me and my comments "dreadful", then dump me. Please. I don't mind discussions - I welcome them. But name-calling and ignorant, baseless comments are not welcome or encouraged. Massachusetts was a great situation, agreed, but it is NOT the end of the story. Brown has already made it clear he's a RINO, and we actually knew that before he was even elected. [That's right, we knew, and the choice was not Scott Brown vs. some great conservative wunderkind - it was Scott Brown vs. Martha Coakley - a no brainer].
There's so much more to be done and we're trying to accomplish everything we can. You don't like how I do it? Take a hike. Oh, and BTW, leave off Tricia - she's my sister and one of my closest friends, and she doesn't warrant the attacks any more than I do. Now that I think about it, I'm just not going to deal with your negativity and ignorance any more. Buh-bye.
[And at this point, Ms. Optimism ran off and de-friended me. I wrote the following to her in a message].
TheJimmy ZShow
AN ADDENDUM:
-1- Obama and Rahm Emanuel say some of these things because they WANT people to freak out and get fearful and extrapolate what they've said to the most extreme & disastrous predictions. This kind of fear mongering and alarmism is exactly what they want from us!
-2- There is no such thing as 'negative optimism.'
-3- The future is not written yet. To be informed is one thing, but to predict failure and 'the end of elections in this country' is another. Why didn't Mr. Obama go in and tinker with the Massachusetts election? He needed that seat very badly.
-4- Our voices are being heard. Why do you suppose the health care bill hasn't passed yet? BECAUSE OF US!
-5- You have already backed down. Pitiful.
-6- MY negativity? HA! Looks like I got a little too close to reality for you. I intend to post our dialog on my blog, discuss it and read it in full on my radio show, and pass along to my friends this information about your negativity - and recommend that others defriend you. If you can't take the heat - you know the rest. You are part of the problem with the conservative right. You are not a part of the solution. At all.
Was I too hard on these two? Does good solid negativity and pessimism have a place in the work we need to do? Help me out here. If I am out of line, let me know.
As you will see, I was kind at first and then later my patience wore thin. I cannot abide pessimism. It does motivate, and it won't get the job done.
THE TOPIC: Michael Savage - Socialist Obama to Push Executive Orders Against Will of Americans - (2/12/10) (I will read a NY Times story and comment on The Jimmy Z Monday Show, 15 February). We begin with my first post to her. Only her last name has been deleted to protect the pessimist. I have added emphasis to some of her more astounding comments.
TheJimmy ZShow
1 - They know the 'damage' they are doing. They never much liked our constitution. 2 - Mr. Obama talks a big game, but he knows that this threat is just that. I don't expect him to use this tactic much. 3 - If he does, he makes it that much easier for the conservative to beat him in 2012.
Fear not - little of his shenanigans are such that we cannot undo them. The question is - will we have a conservative president WILLING to undo it?
2 hours ago ·
Cathy -----
Your comments interest me - I don't always agree with them, but it then makes me think through what I know and how I feel about the situation at hand (and there are SO MANY at hand!!). :)
Frankly, I do believe BHO's threats are valid - he may not be able to carry them out well within our borders, but he is working quietly and steadily on gaining global support for overthrowing the United States and, therefore, being able to use military strength from other areas to subjugate us.
Second, I truly do not believe we will have elections in 2012, in which we can supposedly oust this loser and get someone who actually loves this country in there. BHO has NO intention of EVER being out of power, so he will do whatever it takes to rule out the possibility of losing an election. I'm not even sure we'll be able to vote this year. Even if we are the elections will be* so riddled with blatant and outright fraud and intimidation they will not be valid.*[Note: "Will be"; not 'might be' or 'could be', but will be. She is convinced and she's out there convincing others with her extremist pessimism.]
Third, so far I have to admit I haven't seen a candidate I feel fully supportive of in that they do NOT cave in, they do NOT move to the center, they do NOT pander to special interests, and they do NOT, EVER, compromise the values the conservatives and Republicans hold dear and which we know work for our country.
[Not ONE?]
I'm sick to death of seeing the morality and decency bar lowered so far it's underground at this point, and I want to have a candidate (or several) who will never sell the ideals and principles of America down the road to or for anyone. So far Romney is the closest, in my mind, but there are issues with him as well. So, I keep looking and hoping top-notch people will step up to the plate.
[Out of all the potential candidates, she picks a RINO who ushered in State Health Care in Massachusetts and is pro gay rights. Wow.]
Appreciate the discussion and the level of respect, BTW - I've rarely had any problems on my page, which is great, and I enjoy discussing topics that, although we may not all agree on, we all feel strongly about, and we certainly all have the same, overarching goal - saving our country from the worst danger and destruction we have ever faced.
TheJimmy ZShow
Yes, Obama's threats are valid, in terms of what he could try, but the public outcry will temper their actions. Rahm and Obama are upset and frustrated. They are not going to pass everything they want by exec order - I'd bet against it.
He is working to make the US just another country. To say he is going 'overthrow' our government is too Alex Jonesy. The chances he will cut off elections in 2012 are slim and none. It makes the conservatives look bizarre and crazed to state such things with 'certainty'. It is not certain at all. And if it happens three years of worrying and convincing yourself and others that it is going to happen COULD create a self fulfilling prophecy.
Why wasn't there all this 'fraud' and such in Massachusetts? That election alone should give one hope, not dismay.
So far, what you have seen is the GOP standing firm against Obama, and this is great news. You are concentrating on the bad and not focusing on the good. I have a list on my blog page, related to the show page, that has a 'Toast List' and lists all the Democrat Senators who are in trouble.
I'll be direct: Your focus right now needs to be on the midterm elections. We have 8½ months to get this done. That's it. We don't have time for worrying about what might happen, thinking about the worst and predicting the worst. We have a job to do.
Forgive me if I'm being too blunt, but these points are so important.
There was no possible way any Republican would win Ted Kennedy's seat in Massachusetts. No way. Then, I believe, people have been praying for this country and God intervened. It is going to be imperative that you shield yourself from the bad news. I don't know if you listen to the militia types and the Alex Jones types, but it's bad news. It's as bad as listening to Obama. Get Limbaugh on the radio and Levin and Hannity, and get positive.
We need you to be at your most productive ever.
And by the way, Romney is a RINO. He's for homosexual rights and he ushered in the Massachusetts version of state run health care. You didn't know that?
Cathy -----
Of course I know that - hence my reservations about him [Romney]. Frankly, I really don't agree with much you're saying, but I certainly respect your right to say it.
[But after complaining about moderate and liberal Republicans, he's the one she picked? Oy.]
I DO believe BHO has the ability to carry out at least part of his plans, public outrage or not - as you know, no matter how angry people are, many will collapse and offer little to no resistance if/when things get ugly and life is scary. BHO plans on that - he's read the playbooks, as it were. Fundamentally, Americans have NO concept whatsoever of what life would be like under martial law, with no privacy, rights, free speech, readily available food, and so forth - no idea at all. It wouldn't take much to create panic and chaos, which would feed into the overall plans beautifully.
[Quite a movie scenario, to be sure, but all hysterical crystal balling. All pandering to negativity and fear mongering.]
As well, I do not believe I'm concentrating only on the "bad" and not the good* - I, like many, rejoice in good news, but we temper our reactions with the knowledge that worse is sure to come - the more BHO is stymied the angrier he gets, and his brown-nosing to tyrannical leaders and work with global governance situations gives him power we can't begin to imagine.
*[What possible evidence is there of this woman not concentrating on the bad? And keep reading as she continues to not concentrate on the bad.]
I do not believe this is "Alex Jonesy" and, frankly, I'm somewhat offended at the comparison. I do not follow rumormongers and crazy tales blindly - I do my research (when I can - life is busy), I read a LOT, I listen intently, and I try to connect the dots. Most of my amazing conservative friends are the same way. [I sure hope not.]
The GOP is "standing firm" in selected instances - in other ways they are collapsing and show an astonishing and frightening lack of unity. The bonding agent (an excellent candidate) and the unification of the hundreds, if not thousands, of splinter groups, FB pages fans, patriots, Republicans, conservatives, etc. has not appeared yet (and, of course, I do acknowledge the divine nature of help we have and will continue to receive - nevertheless, we must deal with things on a mortal level until further help is given). [Notice that she tip toes around faith in God, especially to help us, but is not acknowledging any ongoing, current help from the Almighty.]
BTW, I do NOT listen to Obama and I DO listen to Limbaugh, Levin (on occasion) and Hannity, as well as Beck and others, and I AM positive. [*double take* Say what?]
I am positive this country is in the worst danger in our history [Oh, ok - now I see] and I am positive that hundreds of millions of people have the ability to stop it, if they are willing to stick their necks out, gather their courage, step out of (nay, RUN from) their comfort zone, and exhibit the level of patriotism, bravery, moral fortitude, and righteous anger it will take to reverse course in this country. [9-12 March on Washington, anyone?]
I am but one person - I am trying to "be at my most productive ever", but I am not important in the overall picture. I do what I can, as everyone should, and I'll not apologize for how I go about it, what I post, what I believe and fear, and what I think should be done. [Defending her fear and loathing]
I'll never make the big difference I wish I could and I have no impact on national level policies and attitudes - I just hope the information I share influences my friends and family members in some way [oh God I hope not] - perhaps they'll agree, perhaps they won't but they'll at least think about it. I do not warrant a chastisement, I don't believe - none of us really have to do any of this, but those that do are, I believe, exhibiting a courage and strength that sometimes takes a lot of digging to find within ourselves. Being "blunt" is o.k. - I'm unthreatened by that.* But being coercive in, perhaps, mocking or denigrating how one person or another individual goes about publicly airing their views really doesn't work with the overall values and plans of true conservatives and fellow patriots.
*['Unthreatened' (sic) until I spoke more directly, and then it was enough for her to both defriend me on Facebook and remove my comments].
TheJimmy ZShow
Yes, you and every one of us is very important in the overall picture. Who told you that you were not important?
There is one thing that matters today, and that is winning the midterms. People do get scared when you promote the alarmist propaganda, and there are no concrete reasons to believe that (a) Obama will shut down the country and call for martial law and (b) that he would succeed if he tried. You have a lot of liberals who would join conservatives at that point.
But to even suggest it is extremist in my view. When Levin or Limbaugh begins to talk of the probability that Obama will terminate elections in this country, then you have something to worry about.
Cathy -----
Good - people SHOULD get scared. We have to pay attention to the alarmist views, at least part of the time. Otherwise we will be caught flat-footed when/if it happens. I'd rather be concerned about and prepared for the worst, and therefore better able to deal with it, then have my head in the sand and not have any real idea of the avalanche of evil that awaits us. I believe you have a far too benign view of what is happening, but that is your right.
Levin and Limbaugh will, if they haven't already, start addressing the issue of possibly canceling elections - I've heard a couple of public figures start on it already (can't remember which ones). [I tried to get her to elaborate on anyone; any politician, TV or radio host or blogger with a good reputation who has said Obama will seek to cancel the elections in 2010 and 2012 - no answer.]
It is not out of the realm of possibility, and it makes me frustrated when people put SO much hope and faith into being able to vote these people out this year and in 2012. [Damn that faith!] Even if elections aren't canceled the tea party movement is already splitting the party - we have enough factions and infighting that the cohesiveness necessary to toss out every last piece of crap in Washington isn't really there yet. Of course, the people in Washington know this and will quietly be "helping" the splitting of the party, [I asked 'what people'? and again got the sound of crickets] which will make things worse. It is naive to think that we have enough power and ties that bind to really do the job yet - we don't. As well, people are supposedly becoming more "tolerant" of issues like homosexuality, abortion, and the like (oftentimes because they're told other people accept it more and they simply go along with that). These divisive issues, which shouldn't be issues at all within the party and even our world at all, simply add to the problems.
I deal in reality, negative as it often seems, and I hope for the day when the positives outweigh the negatives. In referring to being important I mean that people like me have no influence on national and global occurrences and policies, which is frustrating (we are not Palin's or Romney's or Pawlenty's or Bachmann's), but we do what we can in our imperfect ways. Right now, sad as it is, the negatives badly outweigh the positives, and no matter how much we wish that was not so it is the truth. The evil we face - what is being wrought in our schools, within our families, at state government levels, within churches, and at many more levels - is mindboggling and depressing. Yet, that is why we fight - we haven't given up [Oh brother, this is contradiction to everything she just said] and we hope to effect some astonishing change for the better, no matter how overwhelming the evil is that we're up against. I don't see us winning the mid-terms, as it were, though I hope I'm wrong. Perhaps in spreading my sometimes "negative" message people will become more and more aware of the staggering damage and destruction being done on so many fronts, and THAT will help win those elections. [Scaring people, horrifying people and telling them we won't win these elections in 2010 and 2012 will motivate them into ... huh?]
Who knows. But, we keep on keepin' on, and that's the best we can do.
Tricia ------ --------
Not burying one's head in the sand and instead facing on-going atrocities as they happen is now considered being negative? Acknowledging potential political disasters/threats is now considered being negative? Reminding people what corruptness is in the works to completely change the basis and foundation this country was established on is negative? Calling a spade a spade, rather than putting pretty little flowery terms on what's really happening and pretending all is good and glorious is negative? Really???
Shall we instead wait until this country is overthrown and ruled under martial law and THEN say, "Aww man - I KNEW this was coming!"
Cathy -----
Absolutely correct. To add to that, I argue that there is a tectonic shift underneath our feet with regard to what the people see, want to believe, and are being manipulated into buying. Every previous president, though imperfect, somewhat flawed, and usually so self-confident they're self-centered, was simply that - a president, of a country, with supporters and detractors alike. They knew it, we knew it, that was accepted, and everybody worked from that fundamental beginning point. Differences were argued about, sometimes screaming matches erupted, policies were fought, bought, and taught. But, still, the man was president, of a country, with supporters and detractors alike, and we all respected those rules, limitations, opportunities, and frameworks.
Now, the framework not only does not exist, it is being imploded from within. None of the rules that applied before apply now - indeed, if you try to apply the rules, whether they are official or simply social constructs, you are vilified and labeled in every negative and hateful way possible (all incorrect and unjustified). [I have no idea who she is listening to here, but I would bet $1,000 she's listening to Alex Jones - no matter what she says]
BHO is not, in his mind, his administration's mind, and in the minds of many people (though you wonder if they actually have any, at this point), not just a president, of a country, with supporters and detractors alike. He believes, protestations aside, that he is a Messiah-like figure - he buys into his own press, he creates his own press, and he works to destroy those who question that press. He functions as a tyrant over stupid children who need to be led, and if any resistance is put up (as well it should be!) he makes no attempt to understand or cooperate. He destroys. He injures. He kills our dreams, and our bank accounts, and our military strength, and our value system, and our socially constructed rules framework that has worked since...well, since the moment this country was birthed through divine intervention. [Obama is some of these things, but that is not any reason to give up fighting against it - Constitution in hand].
It is truly dangerous when such a person, who absolutely and totally believes that he is more intelligent, enlightened, and knowledgeable than EVERYONE else, is in power - it is to our nation's discredit that we put him there (I won't take the blame for that, but so many need to), and we must remove him immediately before any more damage is done. [That's called the 2012 election] He has a skewed, distorted, hateful sense of "social justice" and sees messianic qualities within himself that are capable of carrying out the imposing of such an evil and unbalanced plan. The sociopathic qualities he exhibits are truly mindboggling - he has no ability to lower himself to the common man's level and he has no intention of doing so either.
A sociopath cares nothing about other peoples' feelings, emotions, needs, and desires - they function only to serve themselves and their own interests, and this perfectly illustrates the person (I refuse to use the word "man", as he is not one) who took over OUR White House in a bloodless coup. [No, he was duly elected in the 2008 election] The groundwork for this was laid decades ago (and BTW, yes, there IS concrete evidence of some, perhaps many, of the things he's working to carry out), and the perfect storm resulted in this disastrous, angry, bitter, manipulative person being elected to an office where the maximum amount of damage can be brought upon a nation. To think otherwise, on any level, is naive, ridiculous, and dangerous. [Not once have I argued that Obama is not a bad guy.]
TheJimmy ZShow
No, people should not get scared. People are not rightly motivated out of fear. Nonsense.
I didn't say canceling elections is out of the realm of possibility - I said it isn't likely. I would love to know what responsible congressperson, news reporter, blogger or broadcaster talked about the likelihood of elections being canceled.
Most of the tea party participants are in sync; again, it's whose columns you are reading. I interviewed Tim McClellan - good things are happening in the tea party movement, and the majority want nothing to do with a third party and a split vote.
Who will be helping 'splitting the party?' I would like specifics. 'People' isn't anyone specific.
Of course we can do the job. I grow annoyed with your negativity, yet you claim to be positive! We did the job in Massachusetts, for God's sake. That was as hopeless as anyone could fathom, taking Kennedy's seat with a Republican? This is great news. Why don't you take inspiration from this?
Who is more tolerant of abortion? Well over 60% of Americans identify themselves as 'conservative' and about 28% say they are liberal. Most Americans side with the GOP on the issue of abortion.
The Midterms are ours to lose! Have you read Dick Morris or any of the others who have analyzed what is about to happen? Why are you thinking negatively when not just a wave but a tsunami is about to take place in DC? My God, again I say, look at Massachusetts!
Yes, you DO have influence in all of these issues. Well, perhaps not you because I don't know anyone who responds well to negativity. The American people have spoken, and GOP members like those you mentioned ARE responding.
The reasons for optimism FAR and AWAY drown out the reasons for pessimism. There is no good that comes from wringing your hands and pondering the worst possible scenario. Do you really have faith? If so, there's your most powerful reason to be optimistic!
For people to not give up, they must have hope. The brand of negativity and pessimism put forth here is not hopeful. It's dreadful. We must be the voice of reason, rationality and OPTIMISM. What football coach brings his players into the locker room and says, "men, we have no chance. It's going to be really bad out there." Nope. What did David do? "Oh man, that Goliath is a big dude, I'm going to get my butt creamed."
No, he walked out there with his sling and God watching over him. We need that same optimism, that same certainty because we are on God's side and we are standing up for what is right. Do you think God will just brush us off? No shot!
TheJimmy ZShow
Tricia, there is no reason to be negative in this current situation. Concentrating on predictions of doom is not productive, motivating or inspiring! I'm not calling for anything but reality. Being negative, pessimistic and fearful is no way to win. There is a LOT of positive going on right now, and you get what you give. There is literally no reason to be fearing the worst, because it has no happened. Last time I checked, crystal balls were pure crappola.
Me, or you, or Cathy or Alex Jones or Rush Limbaugh have no corner on predicting the future.
Do what must be done, get conservatives and republicans elected in 2010 and 2012, and have faith in God - praise God for what He is doing - a lot of this battle is His anyway. The stuff that scares you, the stuff that's too big for us - turn it over to him!
Cathy -----
I just posted my previous comment before yours showed up. I'm sorry you feel I'm so negative - I'm not accountable to you in any way, will not back down, and feel that the attack is unwarranted and, frankly, extremely annoying. I have a long rope, but now I'm irritated and I have lots more to do than continue to argue with someone who throws accusations and denigrating comments around. I celebrate things when good things happen and I rejoice in optimism when it is warranted - back off there, buddy. It's getting old already. If you consider me and my comments "dreadful", then dump me. Please. I don't mind discussions - I welcome them. But name-calling and ignorant, baseless comments are not welcome or encouraged. Massachusetts was a great situation, agreed, but it is NOT the end of the story. Brown has already made it clear he's a RINO, and we actually knew that before he was even elected. [That's right, we knew, and the choice was not Scott Brown vs. some great conservative wunderkind - it was Scott Brown vs. Martha Coakley - a no brainer].
There's so much more to be done and we're trying to accomplish everything we can. You don't like how I do it? Take a hike. Oh, and BTW, leave off Tricia - she's my sister and one of my closest friends, and she doesn't warrant the attacks any more than I do. Now that I think about it, I'm just not going to deal with your negativity and ignorance any more. Buh-bye.
[And at this point, Ms. Optimism ran off and de-friended me. I wrote the following to her in a message].
TheJimmy ZShow
AN ADDENDUM:
-1- Obama and Rahm Emanuel say some of these things because they WANT people to freak out and get fearful and extrapolate what they've said to the most extreme & disastrous predictions. This kind of fear mongering and alarmism is exactly what they want from us!
-2- There is no such thing as 'negative optimism.'
-3- The future is not written yet. To be informed is one thing, but to predict failure and 'the end of elections in this country' is another. Why didn't Mr. Obama go in and tinker with the Massachusetts election? He needed that seat very badly.
-4- Our voices are being heard. Why do you suppose the health care bill hasn't passed yet? BECAUSE OF US!
-5- You have already backed down. Pitiful.
-6- MY negativity? HA! Looks like I got a little too close to reality for you. I intend to post our dialog on my blog, discuss it and read it in full on my radio show, and pass along to my friends this information about your negativity - and recommend that others defriend you. If you can't take the heat - you know the rest. You are part of the problem with the conservative right. You are not a part of the solution. At all.
Was I too hard on these two? Does good solid negativity and pessimism have a place in the work we need to do? Help me out here. If I am out of line, let me know.
Jz
Note: After discussion with the Jimmy Z Show legal
team, we note that the preceding has been published
for newsworthy & political analysis purposes.
team, we note that the preceding has been published
for newsworthy & political analysis purposes.
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Psalms 37: 1-10
ReplyDelete1 Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.
2 For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.
3 Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.
4 Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
5 Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.
6 And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.
7 Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.
8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.
9 For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth.
10 For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be.
You see, Kathy, my God is an awesome God. He reigns from Heaven above. With wisdom, power and love, my God is an awesome God.
Romans 3:4a God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar;
Debra J.M. Smith
of
www.InformingChristians.com
PS... Romney is a liberal grandson of a polygamist and son of a Mexican born immigrant. Romney does not qualify to be the president, anymore than Obama does. Romney is the father of homosexual marriage in Massachusetts (no shock there), the cause of their failed health care system and has only added to the abortion problem in this nation.
Looking at today's ''toast list'', I can see no reason to be pessimistic. Obama may have devious aims but he has been very unable to implement them thus far and his reelection looks more in doubt everyday.
ReplyDeleteLike someone said, if Evan Bayh doesn't think he can win in Indiana, what would make Obama think he can win there again?
Irrational pessimism is a sin against the christian virtue of hope.