I think I've figured out how Republicans think

I don't, because your objection seems just as applicable regardless of the particular group, and as such, in this thread, it's distraction and would be giving undue weight to the one that is the subject of this thread.

I think you'd get much further discussing it from a more neutral basis.

I don't really see the point, because my objection, to my mind, invalidates the entire argument of this thread, unless somebody has a counter to it.

But I can take a hint. I guess I'll fuck off and start my own thread.

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I wish you luck and good discussion.

But to get back to Republicans, let's see....anybody want to talk about the recent marriage pledge? Or the long-standing anti-tax pledge from Grover Norquist?

Late to the party, but:

@Bobby-G: "Why are we talking about Republicans like they're another species? Wouldn't it be simpler to, y'know, ask them?"

The problem for me is that people have asked them, and they have answered extensively, but the reasons their leaders give do not appear to make much sense. So we are left trying to plausibly invent some sense to make of them. Because we assume that most of them are actually sensible in their own terms and are being honest with their explanations.

@OP: The problem with your opening post is that you are conflating cognition with behavior. Given the nature of political compromise and the checks and balances that exist within the US Congress, their underlying ideology and world view should not be expected to align perfectly with their policies or proposals. Thus, they may propose slashing, say, welfare for reasons other than the impact this will have on the recipients themselves.

@Blue: "Campaign Pledges" are interesting. They remind me of the old thought experiment conundrum where two drivers are playing chicken, and to force the other one to get out of their way they begin to handicap their own ability to steer their car. First one side puts blinders on, then throws out the steering wheel, etc. It's a way of saying "I cant change my position, so you have to!" Self-handicapping as a game strategy has an interesting literature on it...

edited 13th Jul '11 4:56:33 PM by DeMarquis

Five pages, and no one pointing out the obvious about the OP?

"All analogies are suspect." - Lt. Col. Jean V. DuBois, M.I. (ret.)

And comparing something that exists*

to a completely fictional world where there are loads of built-in biases/prejudices/etc by the creators? That's just asking for failure, before even getting into the problem mentioned by Bobby G about knowing what's inside a person's head.

edited 20th Jul '11 4:41:40 AM by Nohbody

All your safe space are belong to Trump