Posted on 10/24/2004 5:36:52 PM PDT by notherelong
I have long been a consistent reader of Free Republic, although I would enjoy being able to particpate in the conversations on this site I realize that it is a conservative site for those of similiar political leanings to gather, not a site to engage in political debate.
In other words, I realize very soon this account will soon be reported and closed.
I just wanted to share a very recent experience I had with a GOP activist. I live in Madison, WI, which I know your all aware is a very liberal city. About 20 minutes ago a woman and her young daughter came to door to promote President Bush for reelection. I informed her that I was already registered and had already decided I was going to vote for the President's opponent. I figured she would realize her time would be better spent choosing a different house, but to my surprise she asked me about my issues and engaged me in a very interesting discussion. We went back and forth for about 25 minutes about various issues and I enjoyed our conversation very much.
She pointed out that she had a lot more houses in the neighborhood to stop at but that she enjoyed talking with me very much. I told her I did to and invited her to dinner to continue the conversation. She happily accepted.
The point of my little story is two fold;
1) Just wanted to let you all know that your ground game in Wisconsin seems strong. For them to be out in Madison, one of the most liberal cities in the country, speaks well of their efforts. And if this woman was an example of the types of volunteers you have well you should be proud. She was very informed on the issues, had a wonderful disposition, and was geniully passionate in her belief in George Bush. If I were an undecided this is the type of person that would have had a real chance at drawing me to the Bush team.
Comment: One of the web sites she was promoting was factcheck.org. I admired this because I find this to be an impartial site that does it's best to honest. However I realize there are a number of people on this site who don't share my view on this site. I mention this only because if you really do think this is a dishonest or liberal website, you might want to make your opinion known to Bush campaign as this was the only website they mentioned other than georgebush.com.
2nd point of this little story: I must admit that although I enjoy this site for the extremely diverse selection of news article links and for the an opportunity to get the point of view of conservatives, I frequently leave this site feeling pretty low about the state of our country. The amount of anger and possibly even hatred at liberals displayed here is depressing. I don't really know that many conservatives, but the few I do know are dear friends whose opinions I value. Even though I am fairly liberal in my political leanings, I value the Republican party. The idea of a democrat house, senate and White House is as scary to me as it would be for most of you. I believe that a divided government serves us best. I get the feeling that most of you would not agree and would honestly prefer that the democratic party was disolved. Lately I was beginning to fear that perhaps those on this site who predict the ongoing culture war will lead to a civil war might be right. But today I met a lovely woman, who I anticipate becoming a good friend, as a result of this Presidential campaign. It makes me hopeful that perhaps we can, in the future, come back together in this country. I really believe it is going to vital to our future as a county, as they say United we stand, divided we fall.
I know that many of you would disagree with my political opinions, but I hope that some day those of you that have taken to hating those like me, can take a step back and realize it isn't helping anything. We really aren't so different.
If the admin is taking a nap I would happily reply to any comments, but I'm betting I'm not going to around long. I would like to take the opportunity to thank Mr. Robinson for creating this site and those of you who gather the news into this site, your really doing a great service. Thank you and God bless.
Keep reading you'll come around.
Welcome to FR
Did you at least find out if she was married before you asked her to dinner? ;-)
Civil discourse is always a joy, and there are many on FreeRepublic who are card-carrying liberals. For those who truly want to talk, I hope there is always a place to speak. Thank you for being willing to converse!
And I'm glad you posted, too. Here's to a fun election!
Whatever happens, I appreciate your courtesy and thoughtfulness, virtues which tend to get lost in the rough and tumble of modern political discourse. God bless you as well.
Why do you think you would be automatically hated simply for not choosing to vote for GWB? Your post is articulate, civil and courteous. Thank you for taking the time to share your observations. Welcome to FR, and I do hope you stick around.
Go to the DU site and compare the heat level. I bet you will be impressed with their grasp of the facts.
Got to hand it to you. You successfully kept our worker off the street.
Well, welcome aboard! If you DO stay and answer questions...you'll be here for a bit. I DO have a question regarding that statement. It's obvious that I'm a Bushie...what I want to know is WHAT issues did you and she discuss? And, on WHAT are you basing your plan to vote for Kerry? Please go deeper than his typical "Plan" lingo.
Thanks!
Freepimp!
Check out Democratic Underground. You will not find a place seething more hatred than there.
Now, I have a question for you. Will the little rats at WU be voting many times again this election like several admitted doing in 2000?
Or will upstanding citizens finally put a stop to that?
My problem with democrats, especially reasonable ones like yourself, is that you do not try to take your party back from the nut cases that are dragging it further and further into insanity. Do you agree with the fraud being perpetrated by democrats? Do you have a win-at-all-costs attitude? Are you embarrassed that the leadership of your party does seem to have this attitude? What are you doing about it, besides supporting it through your votes?
I also suggest you check out the liberal version of FR, the Democratunderground.com...you'll find plent of Bush=Hitler pics. Such love causes us freepers to feel all warm inside ;-) Good post though
I suggest you visit Democraticunderground.com before you condemn this site for hatred
Thank you also for your courteous and articulate reply.
You do know for mentioning God the ACLU has you on their dangerous Christian list. :^)
I'm watching the Red Sox game at the moment- but clicked on our main page for a minute and came across your post, which I read.
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us, and for being respectful as well.
I am sad about the state of affairs between our two parties as well, and fervently hope the day returns when liberals and conservatives are able to have lively and respectful discussions. As it is, passions in this election are heated and intense.
Your post was informative, and makes me proud of our volunteers in your area.
Thank you for your comments. As a native Cheesehead who cut his teeth in politics working on Richard Nixon's 1968 Campaign in Wisconsin your comments are very heartening. I wont mention anything about how George McGovern's daughter drank herself to death & they found her body frozen behind a 7-11 store in Madison or the state of social programs for homeless & alcoholics in Madison. Madtown is good place where the children of liberal fanatics can drink themsleves to death unmolested by the media spotlight. Of coarse drinking & excessive drinking has always meant jobs & kept people employed in Wisconsin.
Good luck & again thanks for your comments.
Your experience with the campaign, your post here and this thread are, IMHO the best representation of what America, the world's melting pot. Civil discourse, discussion and debate are the forge and crucible of progress and the American Way. Thanks for your post.
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