A question wiith a very good answer....or "Get to Know Me"

Found this and realized that the answer fit my perspective quite closely and being the narcisist that I am, I just knew all of you would want to know me better

Q:My favorite question I ask of conservatives is: "What fact or facts would it take to move you substantially to the left?" If it could be proven to your satisfaction that conservative policies were the cause of millions of deaths, would that do it?

A: First, remind me to carve out my spleen with my plastic spork if I ever sit next to you on an airplane. Okay, now: This is an interesting question and I’m really scared I might step on an ideological landmine trying to answer it, given how tired I am. So, let’s see. I guess I’d say that any policy — liberal or conservative — which resulted in the deaths of — presumably innocent — people wouldn’t get my support. Indeed, framed in that form it’s a pretty dumb question when you think about it. There’s almost nothing about conservatism which could be “proven wrong” that I can think of that would make me switch sides. Conservatism, rightly understood, is not a checklist of ideas, it is a checklist of sentiments. The proof I would require to move leftward would be evidence that socialism of one flavor or another worked. If you could prove that welfare in one form or another didn’t erode or undermine all sorts of important values and virtues, for example, I’d be eager to see the evidence. If nationalizing industry actually made people richer and freer in the long run, I’d reevaluate a great deal. But for that to be proven true, we’d have to learn something new and unimagined about human nature. I’m not holding my breath. Note: I reserve the right to revise and extend these remarks.

[wellard]

And to think that the poster of this thread probably had a tax-funded schooling, and drove along taxpayer funded roads and lived in a peaceful area due to taxpayer funded cops, judges, goals and defence forces. He probably does not even know that socialism is not the end of the world but in fact the glue of the society in which he lives, breaths, and enjoys. SHHHHHHHHush don't tell him [img]graemlins/blueblink.gif[/img] it is only a question of the degree of socialism he wants. [img]graemlins/heee.gif[/img]

[Davros]

Originally posted by MagiK: remind me to carve out my spleen with my plastic spork

You watch yersel with them sporks - guy slippy they are.

Originally posted by Davros: quote: Originally posted by MagiK: remind me to carve out my spleen with my plastic spork

You watch yersel with them sporks - guy slippy they are. [/QUOTE]
And probably not allowed on American flights these days as they could pose a potential threat, just like nail clippers.

Originally posted by wellard: And to think that the poster of this thread probably had a tax-funded schooling, and drove along taxpayer funded roads and lived in a peaceful area due to taxpayer funded cops, judges, goals and defence forces. He probably does not even know that socialism is not the end of the world but in fact the glue of the society in which he lives, breaths, and enjoys. SHHHHHHHHush don't tell him [img]graemlins/blueblink.gif[/img] it is only a question of the degree of socialism he wants. [img]graemlins/heee.gif[/img]

In a broader sense, isn't everything just a matter of degree?
but you did hit upon a hitch [img]smile.gif[/img]

[Animal]

In my opinion, this question is utter crap.

What would make you move substantially to the left? In other words what would make you change your personal principles and beliefs? It's not a question of left and right, but what you believe in and how you fit into to the political landscape.

Personally, I think the person who originally came up with this question needs their ass kicked. There is nothing, I repeat, nothing that could make me change my personal beliefs and values. Whether or not I am considered left or right because of those values is irrelevant.

MagiK, I'm assuming you didn't originate this question, and if you did you need your ass whipped. It's a loaded question. Based upon our previous forays together in the now defunct War Forum, I'm surprised you even considered thinking about an answer to this.

Animal [img]smile.gif[/img] I had nothing to do with that exchange [img]smile.gif[/img] I just saw the answer and liked what he said. The questioner was being kind if ridiculous on purpose throughout the debate. We can use our Sporks and my .40 Calibur Glockenspiel on him if we ever find him

[Animal]

Originally posted by MagiK: Animal [img]smile.gif[/img] I had nothing to do with that exchange [img]smile.gif[/img] I just saw the answer and liked what he said. The questioner was being kind if ridiculous on purpose throughout the debate. We can use our Sporks and my .40 Calibur Glockenspiel on him if we ever find him

I think the one thing that you and I have ever agreed upon is that this clown needs a beating.

Perhaps if he'd substantiated his question and expanded it a bit it might be make sense, but as it stands there is way to many "what if's"

Oh come now [img]smile.gif[/img] we have agreed before....a coupleof times...once or twice....well maybe once....

[Attalus]

Animal, I can tell you beyond a doubt that MagiK did not formulate that question or answer. The answer is a reply to Jonah Goldberg to a question, e-mailed to the best of my knowledge, to him at National Review Online, and posted in The Corner. Gotcha, Ray!