I Wonder

[dreadnought]

Another thread caused me to wonder about this: Is it possible, when discussing politics, to discuss the issues without attacking the politicians?

 

[Winken]

WOW!!! Wouldn't that be great!!! But.....the world would end....

 

[brinny]

Another thread caused me to wonder about this: Is it possible, when discussing politics, to discuss the issues without attacking the politicians?

That's actually a very good question...

 

[Greek2Me]

Here's the problem: most policies (and sometimes the attitudes BEHIND them) promoted by a politician are often generated or motivated by the personality OF the politician. It is very difficult to separate them, but necessary if we're going to have any meaningful discussion. Only when people (politicians included) are more focused on actually solving problems and making things better for EVERYBODY than they are "being seen", getting credit or "besting" their opponents will substantial and positive progress be made. It would take a great movement of God across America before THAT will happen. Prayin' for that!

 

[brinny]

Another thread caused me to wonder about this: Is it possible, when discussing politics, to discuss the issues without attacking the politicians?

i also believe it is possible.

 

[dreadnought]

Here's the problem: most policies (and sometimes the attitudes BEHIND them) promoted by a politician are often generated or motivated by the personality OF the politician. It is very difficult to separate them, but necessary if we're going to have any meaningful discussion. Only when people (politicians included) are more focused on actually solving problems and making things better for EVERYBODY than they are "being seen", getting credit or "besting" their opponents will substantial and positive progress be made. It would take a great movement of God across America before THAT will happen. Prayin' for that!

Let's pretend personality has nothing to do with it. Let's just discuss the issues.

 

[Greek2Me]

Let's pretend personality has nothing to do with it. Let's just discuss the issues.

I agree, that is the ideal, but as I stated, it is sometimes very difficult to separate politician from issue. Strong personalities and opinions are frequently the driver and sustainer in the political arena. Without some restraining arbiter (the Holy Spirit?), it is the rare person who "takes the high road", rather than "fighting fire with fire".

I try to take Paul's advice daily, "...I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered on behalf of all men for kings and all those in authority, so that we may lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity. This is good and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior" (I Tim 2:1-3), praying for both those whom I support AND those I oppose.

 

[dreadnought]

I agree, that is the ideal, but as I stated, it is sometimes very difficult to separate politician from issue. Strong personalities and opinions are frequently the driver and sustainer in the political arena. Without some restraining arbiter (the Holy Spirit?), it is the rare person who "takes the high road", rather than "fighting fire with fire".

I try to take Paul's advice daily, "...I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered on behalf of all men for kings and all those in authority, so that we may lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity. This is good and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior" (I Tim 2:1-3), praying for both those whom I support AND those I oppose.

Do it this way: Names are not allowed. Only issues.

 

[Basil the Great]

Maybe we can all try and remember that our leaders have a difficult job.

 

[God bless Joshua]

Most politics are made by businessmen.

 

[dreadnought]

Most politics are made by businessmen.

I think there are some lawyers.

 

[Yarddog]

Another thread caused me to wonder about this: Is it possible, when discussing politics, to discuss the issues without attacking the politicians?

That depends on the subject being discussed and the politician.

 

[dreadnought]

That depends on the subject being discussed and the politician.

Well, you can talk about politicians or talk about issues. The challenge would be to talk about an issue without mentioning a politician.

 

[Yarddog]

Well, you can talk about politicians or talk about issues. The challenge would be to talk about an issue without mentioning a politician.

How many of the issues don't involve politicians?

 

[dreadnought]

How many of the issues don't involve politicians?

In congress they discuss and vote on issues. But nobody has to attach personalities to issues. Put another way, nobody has to politicize issues.

 

[Yarddog]

In congress they discuss and vote on issues. But nobody has to attach personalities to issues. Put another way, nobody has to politicize issues.

Congress is a political institution. All issues are discussed politically there, regardless of how much they agree on the issue. Who are the ones which you refer to that are attaching personalities to the issues and give us an example.

 

[dreadnought]

Congress is a political institution. All issues are discussed politically there, regardless of how much they agree on the issue. Who are the ones which you refer to that are attaching personalities to the issues and give us an example.

It seems to me almost everybody attaches personalities to issues. As for an example, they are constantly talking about Donald Trump.

 

[Yarddog]

It seems to me almost everybody attaches personalities to issues. As for an example, they are constantly talking about Donald Trump.

Isn't Donald Trump putting his name on most of the issues which Congress has been working on? Both parties want to attach the names of those endorsing a bill as a means to use that either for or against their political opponent. Even if their opponent isn't for the bill they want leverage.
For instance, gun law legislation. Obama's name was attached to them as if he wanted to take guns away from all Americans even though he never nor Democrats never attempted to do so. It didn't matter to the NRA, their ads and many Republicans made the claim because they wanted people to think it was true. It gave them leverage in elections.

 

[dreadnought]

Isn't Donald Trump putting his name on most of the issues which Congress has been working on? Both parties want to attach the names of those endorsing a bill as a means to use that either for or against their political opponent. Even if their opponent isn't for the bill they want leverage.
For instance, gun law legislation. Obama's name was attached to them as if he wanted to take guns away from all Americans even though he never nor Democrats never attempted to do so. It didn't matter to the NRA, their ads and many Republicans made the claim because they wanted people to think it was true. It gave them leverage in elections.

But I was trying to make the point that maybe we would be better off discussing issues than discussing personalities. If you like Donald Trump's ideas, then support those ideas. If you don't like his ideas, then criticize them. Leave Donald Trump out of it. Same with all the other politicians.

 

[Yarddog]

But I was trying to make the point that maybe we would be better off discussing issues than discussing personalities. If you like Donald Trump's ideas, then support those ideas. If you don't like his ideas, then criticize them. Leave Donald Trump out of it. Same with all the other politicians.

I would agree, "IF" the OP was about a particular issue, such as abortion. We should be able to discuss all of the particulars about that issue without bringing names into the issue. The same with border protection, etc...