Who do you think I am?

In another thread, which I really don't even need to link to because you'll know the one, Faith and I had the discussion that neither she nor I are particularly liked on the forum.Most of the people at EvC are left-leaning. Because of this, there are certain beliefs that are generally more accepted than others. Let me categorically state that there is nothing inherently wrong with it. I expect a certain amount of echo within the chamber. But to the degree that it exists, in my opinion, creates an atmosphere where the rightness of a position is measured within likes. And some people advance their positions better than others.RAZD is a big time lefty, but he's very measured, very articulate, a gentleman, and is always prepared to back up his assertions with hard data. Dude is a rockstar and he's generally been cool with me even when we disagree on some points. I respect him. Mod, same story. He and I have been embroiled in some heated debates but he's always been fair while vociferously arguing a point. Moose has always been a square-dealer with me. He and I both love cats, so there's that too! Percy and I used to have a lot more constructive dialogue in the past, even when I was much farther to the Right in those days... which is kind of ironic. I think both of our tolerance for bullshit has diminished and we're more disinclined to shy away from being abrasive to get a point across. But I've generally thought kindly of him... not sure how reciprocal it is, but, it is what it is.But then there's others who follow the same political vain but seem to have no compunction with flat out making things up just to sling shit around the room. Its not done for the purposes of trolling but rather for spite. They are prone to great exaggeration when describing me or a position I hold in an effort to paint me in the most unflattering light as humanly possible. Let your imagination run wild with who might fall into that category.Over the years I myself have shifted more to the Left when compared to my former self. As you might recall, I objected to homosexuality in the past based upon my religious beliefs at the time. I recognized my own homophobia and I tried to apologize for those beliefs that I'm a little embarrassed to have had. Its not easy to publicly admit being wrong, but I've done that because I think, for all of my faults, that I believe in fairness and I believe the truth is always more important than ego.And while I have shifted towards the left, especially on social issues, I have still retained some right-leaning positions. I've been very vocal about those issues and I make no apology for it. Throughout my tenure, I think I have always been the kind of person who genuinely and honestly tells you all what I am thinking and give you reasons for it.But there has been a concerted campaign to malign me as "Alt-Right." I don't feel Alt-Right, I don't like the idea of being thought of as Alt-Right, and I don't agree with most of the tenets or aims of the Alt-Right. Now, naturally because I have retained some right-leaning beliefs, there will be some overlap. But then isn't there overlap between a modern-day Progressive and Stalinists? That doesn't mean you are a de facto Stalinist.My point is, if I've never been the sort to shy away from saying controversial things, why do you think I'm lying about it now? If I was actually Alt-Right, why don't you think I wouldn't revel in it? I think part of the problem is that everyone has shifted to the left... the modern-day Left, in my estimation, has really gone off the reserve. But I digress...If you believe that I am Alt-Right, an asshole, or whatever, I'm curious to know why. I would also like to clearly articulate why I hold certain beliefs that are often misconstrued if you will allow it.At the conclusion of this topic, I'm gonna leave EvC for awhile... maybe forever. Haven't decided. But I'd like this last hoorah to be productive, if it is possible. I will try to be on my best behavior.Cheers.

The Alt-Right was a term popularized by an avowed white supremacist, Richard Spencer, and has taken root in many parts of the US. It was an attempt to rebrand the Republican Party by shaking off the social mores of the Religious Right (think Jerry Falwell) to become a hipper, less religious, more overtly racist wing of the Republican establishment.The "Reich" part is a play on words since Reich is associated with Nazi's. Eh, I don't really come here much anyway... I just use it to kill time here and there. So leaving it really wouldn't be too much of a loss. And I may stay but just come on less. Either way, its been a shell of its former self the infamous Night of Broken Glass.I would say that if you're not being "fed" here then you're just languishing in a toxic environment. Maybe just go on hiatus... Recollect yourself and evaluate what's actually important in your life and what should be excised.

Well, I'm glad that you're able to recognize that in yourself but surely this place is taking years off your life. Debate is like anything else, I suppose. In lower levels its healthy and productive to vigorously debate. Sometimes we teach lessons to others and sometimes we are taught lessons by others. But surely there is a point of diminishing returns... if you're consumed by a need to excoriate others, I dare say the line has probably been crossed. Edited by Hyroglyphx, : No reason given.Edited by Hyroglyphx, : typos

Faith, I think you quite misunderstand what I meant. I was just trying to be helpful for your best interests. I was not attempting to be condescending. What I meant to say is that I hope you are able to find peace and that maybe this place isn't good for fostering that peace. You are certainly free to do as you please, it was just a suggestion. I'd like to leave this place with a little understanding and a little less resentment. No hard feelings...

I'm asking if your perception of me is as pernicious as it has been interpreted by me. Yeah, I might do just that. I didn't take shots at anyone in particular; I was speaking in generalities. If I mentioned anyone specifically, it was to publicly praise them. I mentioned the reality that I take shots every time I come here. I was trying to provide context for what I believe to be the reason for the disconnect -- most notably that most residents here seem to be in ideological agreement, whereas I differ.... sometimes slightly, sometimes wildly. Edited by Hyroglyphx, : No reason given.Edited by Hyroglyphx, : typos