SwimFinsSF

Before I comment I must say that you look rather pensive and thoughtful – perfect backdrop for a post like this. (And you’re back to looking like Ben Affleck, btw. Oh, and you really shouldn’t leave your television on all night.)

Personally I think I go out of my way to surround myself with alternate-minded people. I think it’s made me more of a critical thinker than I was back in the days when I was surrounded by only those who thought like me. Like you, I am always open to hearing flaws in my own opinions (which is why I can never describe myself as “conservative” in the way that some people do…sure, my leanings may be shifting as I get older but many self-described “conservatists” that I know seem hell-bent on being ABSOLUTELY RIGHT AT ALL TIMES! and cannot bring themselves to budge on an issue once their opinion is formed). Where was I? Sorry about that.

My initial opinions, I’ll admit, are rather knee-jerk reactions. If the issue is in regards to something humanitarian I tend to go the common-sense route (for example, gay marriage and adoption – what’s the problem, you know?) but if it’s political I try to read as many differing opinions on the topic as I can lay my hands on. Even then I still can’t be sure that I’m “right” in my way of thinking. I always keep an open mind, but not so open that my brains fall out.

Indeed, one of my favorite debate tactics with Andy is to take whatever position is the exact opposite of his (just for sport) and see if I can make a convincing argument. In my opinion it keeps me sharp.

Jaysus – my comment is as long as your post so I’ll shut up now.

Interesting post Pete. I am a WASP through and through, raised in the genteel south, and my family has been involved in GOP politics on the local, state and national level since the turn of the last century.

And my views are diametrically opposed to most of my family.

In San Francisco though, my views are moderate. I cannot decide whether to support Gavin Newsom or Susan Leal for Mayor. I would not vote for Tom Ammiano for dog cather. And that puts me in a very small gay minority. When I refused to sign a petition for Ammiano – outside of Safeway – to get him on the ballot for Mayor, this queen told me I was a bad fag!

I often keep my mouth shut when it comes to politics – just as I do when it comes to religion. Many San Franciscans will say “I can’t be friends with a Republican” or “I can’t date a Republican”. And while I do not self identify as a Republican – and am a registered Democrat – I vote for the person who I think is qualified regardless of party affiliation. As you know that is NOT politically correct here in SF.

So like Kevin – I tend to take the path of least resistance, even though it goes against the grain of my upbringing and education. Only when I am entirely comfortable with a friend would I “come out” and speak my mind.

Isn’t it funny that I would feel more comfortable putting on a wig and heels and walking down Market Street – than admitting I will probably vote for Arnie?

natalie – thats TOO Funny. You and Kevin would get along GREAT… half of the time I think he’s picking his stance on things just to get a rise out of me. And some times it does – but sure can be fun. And when he tires of it he can walk away and leave me both seething and pondering.

And as to Tom Ammiano RJ – I think you’re not in as small a minority as you think! … Ask Matt or Kevin what I have to say on THAT one! ;)…. Haven’t made up my mind between Newsom and Leal myself.

Pete…I tend to lead with a statement of fact, FOLLOWED BY an evocative/provocative opinion that I hope will make people try to imagine the leap I made, or set them off, or both.

It’s not a wild-ass opinion, it’s refutable and supportable, but its distance from the original “statement of fact” allows plenty of space to argue.

Example: Newsom is pretty and well-spoken. (then…) Prop N was mean-spirited and should have been called [Let them eat] “Cake, not Care”.

See? 🙂