This Wolf is making a solemn vow...

I hereby refuse to participate in any further political discussions with anyone that has opinions only, and has no true research, knowledge or resource for their opinions.  Further, I am publicly decrying any method of "drive by" politics based on soundbites, excerpts or misinterpretations.  I vow to get the knowledge myself, and permit my own beliefs to be founded on truth and foundation, as opposed to gossip and rhetoric. --Signed today, by Wolf K.

That's right, I've decided that I'm tired of arguing on BlogCatalog.com about politics with people that truly have no basis for what they are saying.  I respect opinion, but I despise sensationalism.

In many of the recent discussion threads on BC.com, I've run across the right, the left and the moderate.  I respect many, but am highly discouraged with the common man's ability to process information without regurgitating blowhard air personalities or yellow journalists.

In a day and age when we need to know what is REALLY going on in our country, the people of the U.S. are instead turning to short bursts of conversation and idealizing them as if they were fact.

Barack Obama has even gone so far to set up the first website to put a k-bosh on the untruths that include his Muslim background, a raging desire to show off his lack of patriotism and how his middle name is Muhammed. (FIND URL HERE)  We have to have sites like FactCheck.org just to help us sort out the bovine extract from elements of truth

In the posts that have surfaced on BC, there are more and more sensationalist positions, and less and less reference, fact or research.  Hell, I've slept a great deal since the 80's and can't remember all that happened with Reagan and Bush I.  How the heck is someone just going to spout off how things went in a deep discussion about how the politics and leaders of the 80's influenced the economy today without doing some digging and research?

Now we're launching into a bunch of BS about the candidates.  I'd like to see us quit looking for scandal, and look for some real solutions to the problems that face this country.  Do I really care if Senator So and So misplaced a comma on his tax return, or if Mr. Blah Blah missed returning a library book in 1970?  No.  I want to know what I can expect as a citizen of this country for the years to come, and how it will effect the Cub, my pack and the rest of the world around me.

Enough rhetoric and namecalling.  Someone be accountable for themselves, quit spinning the stuff we sponge up through the media and give me some answers!

And do it quick...I have very little time to mess around.  I have a life to live.

Comments (18)

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written by Theresa111 , June 20, 2008

After that speech I believe you should stop asking for answers and do the research work yourself. Toodles

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written by Wolf , June 20, 2008

Indeedly, doodly, Theresa...That was the point...maybe an edit is in order.

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written by Anok , June 20, 2008

Well said! Once again we agree. Except I can't help myself over on BC

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written by Carl , June 20, 2008

I'm in, let the real debates begin, I look forward to locking swords with anyone willing to debate facts instead of soundbites, no doubt a lot of other BC regulars will also join you with your vow.

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written by timethief , June 20, 2008

During the months leading up to the Democratic candidate selection I witnessed far too many ill founded, sensationalized political discussions taking place on the Blog Catalog Discussion forum. Some were so outrageously racist, bigoted, misogynistic and otherwise distasteful that when reading them I actually felt sick to my stomach. Although the Presidential election will not take place until winter, there are those already revving up to enter yet another 6 months of battle. I was pleased to read this announcement: "The BC team is busy building a political channel on BC that will feature a discussion area, highlight blog posts from different categories and a few other cool features that focus on Election '08." And like you I'm taking the pledge.

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written by Wolf , June 20, 2008

@ANOK: Hmmmm...is it that you don't want to secretly have issue with what I say? Tell me you aren't becoming a non-confrontationalist?

@CARL: This is why I'm here. I want more discussion, discourse and understanding. A wise man once told me that to learn you must listen and to teach you must listen harder. I try to do so, but I can't deny that I'd like to sharpen my teeth on some id-jy-ots.

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written by Ruinous Right , June 20, 2008

I'm in!

What a great post also... cheers to you! You'll find debunking the sensationalism, rhetoric and misinformation is my true focus. Anyone that is willing to get onboard and/or listen to reason is part of the solution.

You offer good links. I also recommend http://www.freepress.net/

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written by Claire , June 20, 2008

I vow not to join in with any US politic debates
Okay so I am not American and know very little anyway, so its not a great leap for me.

Joking side, well said

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written by Claire , June 20, 2008

That was joking aside not side, I hate typos

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written by Susie , June 20, 2008

Enuff said right there! I too have my opinions some of them far fetched, but I try to keep them at a minimum as well, because I do not feel I am as versed as I should be in an open debate about politics, I go more on instinct and that is to hard to back up!

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written by Wolf , June 20, 2008

@Ruinous...I concur. My issue isn't to take any position anymore. My right wing upbringing has swayed to middle of the road. I want people to talk to me as if I have no party affiliation. (I'm registered Republican, but the She-Wolf is Democrat for balance and a voice in both parties).

@Claire...It matters not. I've seen some of the antics in other countries, too. The vow works where people have a voice AND a responsibility to true solutions and not garbage.

@Susie...My concern for this election is that people WON'T take the time to learn. They instead will be so anti-this or pro-that to support in blind faith and sadly vote without a conscious mind for their "snaply" judged pick.

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written by Kobra , June 20, 2008

"I solemnly vow to not waste my time." That's what I got out of reading this.

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written by Wolf , June 20, 2008

Hmmmmm...more succinct, easy to understand...great, now Kobra's reduced my wit and cynicism to a mere eight word sentence...sheesh.

Thanks Kobra!

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written by Timesobserver , June 20, 2008

Wolf, I know the feeling. I've been writing editorials in newspapers and my own blog about how people should get the facts straight from nonpartisan sources for years now. Best of luck!

timesobserver.blogspot.com

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written by Dr. Rob , June 20, 2008

I hate the Jerry Springer method of debate: whoever shouts,curses,defames the loudest wins. True debate is difficult, but worthwhile. Excellent timely post.

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written by globalgirl , June 21, 2008

It is rather funny for me to read those on the far left speak of tolerance on the BC boards yet, these same individuals get inflamed and intolerant if a stance is taken in opposition to their belief system. It is noted on the boards: "Do as I say, not as I do", lead by the same hall monitors time and again. Their inconsistent ways revealed from one thread to the next.

Is it any wonder why discourse is not possible when inflammatory comments are made by some when a view is given in opposition to what these hall monitors deem correct?

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written by Fernando , June 22, 2008

I'm not sure what kind of sound bites or BS your getting these days, but we face a very important election this year not to be taken lightly. As I see it we have two choices, Obama or McCain a third party vote is a wasted vote given the myriad of problems facing this nation. Obama himself admits he is mot a perfect candidate but have you taken a close look at the opposition. I could write a long discourse about the facts and failings of John McCain but instead I invite you to visit my blog and get the whole picture. I'm not running any ads, I just want to get a urgent message out. Good luck in your deliberations.

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written by Maria , June 24, 2008

I solemnly take this vow. Political discussions make me crazy!

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