What Have I Become? (AKA, You Were Right All Along)

[BernieSupporter]

So, uhm, this has been an interesting week for me, obviously.

After I dropped my friend home last night (and tucked him in -- see my other thread if you haven't seen it), I couldn't sleep. I had so much going through my brain. I thought about some of the conversations on here. I really couldn't sleep.

So what do I find myself doing? I called my friend's dad, who graciously gave me his cell phone number this week. He was free this morning and said he could squeeze me in if I could get to where he works. Took a Zipcar out there and me with him. I had to skip one of my classes (my communication class -- I have a perfect attendance record and the teacher is really laid back.)

It's one of those things that will always stay in my mind. I had to wait a few minutes. His secretary finally let me in. Even though his office is next to his plant, he still has a plush sort of place. Dark furniture and he sat back in a chair like it was his throne. He wanted to know what I wanted.

So I thanked him for his time the other day. And I said I thought about it. And that he was right.

He leaned back and asked me to repeat that and explain it.

So I told him he was right. About being a Republican. But, most importantly, about being wealthy and being proud of being wealthy, and not wanting to give up what he owns. He made it for himself. And he laughed again and said that he knew there was something I wanted to say. So I told him.

I just flat-out said that I want to be rich. And that the best way for people to become rich and successful is if our country had a system in place to better reward people who took chances. And that Bernie's ideas would do nothing but bankrupt the people who actually make things to reward people who don't deserve them.

This was obviously music to his ears. A huge smirk on his face. And I'll never forget what he said.

"No one wants to admit it, but a---holes like me run the world. And once you realize that, you can have that, too. Welcome to the darkside."  Then he said if I wanted to intern at his place he had room for me starting in a few weeks. So I think I'm going to do that.

He actually went to our college and is on some board at the business school. He's going to set me up with the dean over there to explore my academic options later on today. He said that he'd help and give me some suggestions, too. I might just let him register me for classes.

Got back to school. What do I see on my door? A Trump sign. I'm supposed to catch up with my friend tonight for some drinks (shhh) so I'm sure that will be a fun chat.

Anyways, I thought you'd like to hear this story. And I also want to say the following:

I learned my lesson.

You were all right all along.

I am no longer voting for Bernie Sanders. His policies really are ridiculous.

And I am now (and hopefully forever will be) a conservative.

[dutch508]

First, bitchslapped for being a suck up and a sell-out.

Second, welcome to the other [comfy] side.

[Texacon]

Welcome to the dark side. We have cookies!!

KC

[FlaGator]

Call me skeptical but this has all the earmarks of an anti-bouncy.

[docstew]

You were never truly wrong. You weren't a good fit with the Bernie crowd (i.e., you were WORKING towards a goal to better yourself, and you were willing to listen to different thought).

[Carl]

No offense intended but I have a healthy dose of skepticism about things,not intended as an insult but age and experience.

A couple of points though.

First is that everyone dreams of being rich but that is neither the only mark of success in life or of being conservative.
See Hillary Clinton about that as no person alive has shown the ruthless greed she has.

Second is that nowhere is being successful tied to being an asshole.
They come in all stripes,income levels and political persuasion.

Being a conservative is about values,having self respect and a desire to achieve.
That is not always measured by what is written on a check.
It is who one is as a person.
It is about having compassion while recognizing a free ride does not deliver a happy person.

Nothing wrong with anyone having a goal to be "rich".
Just keep in mind that the word has more meanings to us then simply a monetary one. 

[Karin]

That's an excellent post, Carl.  BernieBro, please read it again slowly.  Flagator, if it's an anti bouncy, I'm not sure what the point of it was. 

BernGuy, congrats on the insight, and also on getting an internship.  There is nothing better.  I had one, and not only does it look great on a resume, but it can teach you what you don't want to do.  In my case, that was internal audit.  Gad, nothing worse. 

I hope you change your screenname, and stay on here.  It's a peck of fun making fun of the DUmmies.

[BlueStateSaint]

I could see it coming . . .

If I might suggest a new userid, how 'bout "FmrBernSupporter" or "FmrBernFeeler?"

[Duke Nukum]

I don't know if it is true or not but I found it a fairly well-told story.

[IndiCon15]

Forum rules ask cave members to be nice to the new guys. And I respect that.  Even doubters are being very respectful in this thread.  I'm gonna take on a more confrontational tone and I'll pay the price if I'm wrong.  If I'm right, then I think you're creating a false narrative about people on the right, who they are and what they believe in, and then you're gonna get us all to agree with you and make us look like aholes.  I'm not sure why that's important, unless you're trying to prove a point.  But I'll show you where I'm coming from.....

It's one of those things that will always stay in my mind. I had to wait a few minutes. His secretary finally let me in. Even though his office is next to his plant, he still has a plush sort of place. Dark furniture and he sat back in a chair like it was his throne. He wanted to know what I wanted.

Excellent descriptive writing in what I suspect is your attempt to create the perfect stereotype of the evil republican business owner.  I'm starting to imagine Montgomery Burns. 

So I told him he was right. About being a Republican. But, most importantly, about being wealthy and being proud of being wealthy, and not wanting to give up what he owns. He made it for himself. And he laughed again and said that he knew there was something I wanted to say. So I told him.

I think you're setting up this idea that to be a Republican is to be wealthy, proud, and selfish.  But I'll humor you and suppose this guy is real which I'm starting to doubt.  And I'll ask, is he proud of being wealthy or proud of having made something for himself and his family?  And/or is he proud to be wealthy because half the country, the POTUS, and popular media says he should be ashamed to be wealthy?  So his pride is a reaction to being shamed.  And does he not want to give up what he owns, or...would he rather do it on his terms?  Or have a bunch of people and the government calling him an ahole and forcing him to give up what he earns on their terms?  That's theft.

I just flat-out said that I want to be rich. And that the best way for people to become rich and successful is if our country had a system in place to better reward people who took chances. And that Bernie's ideas would do nothing but bankrupt the people who actually make things to reward people who don't deserve them.

Aside from what I've bolded and will respond to, this entire statement sets out to define FALSELY what a capitalist free market system is.  A system that rewards some, and screws over others.  This is wrong, the system is meant to benefit everyone who tries and doesn't give up.  Helping people who struggle is another issue. 

Looking at your statement, I think you've missed the point entirely.  There is nothing wrong with wanting to be rich.  But there is a bigger picture idea: wanting to have as much control over your own destiny as you possible can in this imperfect world.  All the left wants to do is create regulations for everything.  How you talk, how you learn, how you spend money....how you feel......that isn't controlling your own destiny.
Also, Bernie isn't gonna bankrupt rich people, he's gonna bankrupt everyone.  My kids and my kids kids are gonna take home -25 cents for every dollar they make because they're paying for all the stuff Bernie wants.....

This was obviously music to his ears. A huge smirk on his face. And I'll never forget what he said.

"No one wants to admit it, but a---holes like me run the world. And once you realize that, you can have that, too. Welcome to the darkside."  Then he said if I wanted to intern at his place he had room for me starting in a few weeks. So I think I'm going to do that.

You're an excellent writer.  Very descriptive when you want to be.  This statement here furthers the great job you're doing in creating the archetypal evil rich Republican.  At this point I'm really thinking you're a fake, and I'll take heat for saying this, but, if this is what you think it is to be a Republican, to be someone who values small government, liberty, privacy....then you're completely out of touch and wrong.  You're clearly presenting money and power as something evil, "the darkside."  This is what you've been taught.  That power is evil.
 

I learned my lesson.

You were all right all along.

I am no longer voting for Bernie Sanders. His policies really are ridiculous.

And I am now (and hopefully forever will be) a conservative.

Why not just come out and ask us what it means to be a conservative?  Because what you've presented in this story as to what it means to be a republican or a conservative, it's not only untrue, it fits exactly into the liberal narrative........

I seriously doubt I'm wrong about this, but if I am, I'll eat crow.  Even if this story is true, and there really is this boss guy, I'll still say that you misunderstood your experience.  You really are a good writer though, very descriptive and I'm rooting for the main character

EDIT:  Strikethrough text was from a point that I edited out.  I forgot to delete that part. 

[USA4ME]

IndiCon15

...  but, if this is what you think it is to be a Republican, to be someone who values small government, liberty, privacy....then you're completely out of touch and wrong.

Except for this part, I tend to agree with what you said.

Carl made excellent points.

.

[IndiCon15]

Except for this part, I tend to agree with what you said.

Carl made excellent points.

.

Aww man, that's a mistake. Sorry about that.  Thank you for getting that.  I was editing and must have missed something. 

I should have said,

You're an excellent writer.  Very descriptive when you want to be.  This statement here furthers the great job you're doing in creating the archetypal evil rich Republican.  At this point I'm really thinking you're a fake, and I'll take heat for saying this, but, if this is what you think it is to be a Republican, to be someone who values small government, liberty, privacy.... then you're completely out of touch and wrong.  You're clearly presenting money and power as something evil, "the darkside."  This is what you've been taught.  That power is evil.

This:

... to be someone who values small government, liberty, privacy....

...was from something I edited out..... that was my generalized description of what a conservative is about...not even necessarily a republican....

I also realize my tone was very accusitory.....I don't like that I said, "at this point I'm really thinking you're a fake..."  I do, but I shouldn't have articulated it that way.  I do have the flu so please forgive me  


I'll edit the post....  And yes, Carl picked up on what I saw before I did and was way more of a gentleman about it. 

[BernieSupporter]

Aww man, that's a mistake. Sorry about that.  Thank you for getting that.  I was editing and must have missed something. 

I should have said,
This:  ...was from something I edited out..... that was my generalized description of what a conservative is about...not even necessarily a republican....

I also realize my tone was very accusitory.....I don't like that I said, "at this point I'm really thinking you're a fake..."  I do, but I shouldn't have articulated it that way.  I do have the flu so please forgive me  


I'll edit the post....  And yes, Carl picked up on what I saw before I did and was way more of a gentleman about it.

I'm not mad about you accusing me at all. That's fine. I am 100 percent real. But I don't want to fight to convince anyone. There's no way I ever will so what can I do?

Reading again, yeah, I made my friend's dad sound sorta generic. He was being super tongue-in-cheek. He has a really sarcastic sense of humor. And yes, people like me (Bernie supporters) do put this whole "evil stereotype" on Republicans, particularly people who are wealthy. He was playing that part up to me. I'm realizing the world isn't black and white and that people who are conservative aren't bad people, despite what a lot of my classmates think.

And, to be fair, my friend I made the bet with will be the first to admit he's an a-hole to people. He's really funny and a good guy, but just doesn't really hide his feelings to anyone. I respect that.

I wasn't  planning on posting too much after this last note. You all are really nice and everything and I'll check in time to time. But it's not my thing. Just came here because of the terms of the wager I made and found a nice group of folks.

[tanstaafl]

Anyways, I thought you'd like to hear this story. And I also want to say the following:

I learned my lesson.

You were all right all along.

I am no longer voting for Bernie Sanders. His policies really are ridiculous.

And I am now (and hopefully forever will be) a conservative.

Ex-Bernout, I salute you for the, apparently, honest consideration you gave to this endeavour. I have followed your saga from the start, not wanting to interfere unless you stumbled. As a lesson learned, you would have eventually come around as you joined the working world and started earning the big bucks. We are all 'liberal' and borderline socialists in our formative years to only be brought into the light as we notice more and more of our earnings disappear down the stinking rat hole that is the government.

Good luck! and don't feel you have comment on every post, just the ones that strike a nerve. Or make you laugh.

[Carl]

I'm not mad about you accusing me at all. That's fine. I am 100 percent real. But I don't want to fight to convince anyone. There's no way I ever will so what can I do?

Reading again, yeah, I made my friend's dad sound sorta generic. He was being super tongue-in-cheek. He has a really sarcastic sense of humor. And yes, people like me (Bernie supporters) do put this whole "evil stereotype" on Republicans, particularly people who are wealthy. He was playing that part up to me. I'm realizing the world isn't black and white and that people who are conservative aren't bad people, despite what a lot of my classmates think.

And, to be fair, my friend I made the bet with will be the first to admit he's an a-hole to people. He's really funny and a good guy, but just doesn't really hide his feelings to anyone. I respect that.

I wasn't  planning on posting too much after this last note. You all are really nice and everything and I'll check in time to time. But it's not my thing. Just came here because of the terms of the wager I made and found a nice group of folks.

Have you found similar reactions to other places you have visited in payment of this wager?

[BernieSupporter]

Have you found similar reactions to other places you have visited in payment of this wager?

No. The other place I posted was super boring. We ended up just using this one. You all have a good sense of humor.

[Carl]

No. The other place I posted was super boring. We ended up just using this one. You all have a good sense of humor.

You must have some questions of us don`t you?
As far as why have the values that we do.

None of us here,that I know of, are wealthy in a monetary sense so the tired old liberal canard that we are "voting against our own best interests" as the left perceives what they should be would apply.
Doesn`t this make you curious?

[BernieSupporter]

You must have some questions of us don`t you?
As far as why have the values that we do.

None of us here,that I know of, are wealthy in a monetary sense so the tired old liberal canard that we are "voting against our own best interests" as the left perceives what they should be would apply.
Doesn`t this make you curious?

I'm always curious why someone believes the way they do.

[Carl]

I'm always curious why someone believes the way they do.

Then please feel free to hang around and ask questions,perhaps this particular forum isn`t the best for that but there is a general discussion one that would provide a good venue.

Or if you see an opinion on matters posted within a thread then ask why that person feels that way.
If you are interested.

[diesel driver]

No. The other place I posted was super boring. We ended up just using this one. You all have a good sense of humor.

Exberniesupporter, don't be a stranger.  You're welcome back here anytime.  We don't bite (hard), we enjoy life, and we can't allow what liberals have done and plan to do to this country.  We just want to keep what we earn, we don't care if someone has more than we do, and most of all, we just want the @#& DAMED government to leave us alone!  Our lives should be none of their business.

Fell free to come on back, we'll leave the light on for you.

[BernieSupporter]

Is there a way to change my user name or do I have to create a new profile? I have a good new name idea you all will like.

[BattleHymn]

I'm always curious why someone believes the way they do.

I'll bite. 


My wife believes the way she does, because she happened to be raised by the only thing worse than wolves: a house full of democrats.

It's hard to justify living a lifestyle that can't put food on a plate in front of a 5-year-old little girl, because both of the parents are too bone idle to work.

[Patriot Guard Rider]

I'll bite. 


My wife believes the way she does, because she happened to be raised by the only thing worse than wolves: a house full of democrats.

It's hard to justify living a lifestyle that can't put food on a plate in front of a 5-year-old little girl, because both of the parents are too bone idle to work.

I was raised in a house full of democrats but my experience was somewhat different. My dad was one hard-working guy. Belonged to a union but said many times he'd get out IF HE COULD. He was an electrician, worked all the o/t he could. My parents also owned a small dairy store. My mom would work there, my dad would get off work and go to work at the store. they closed at 9. My little brother and I would be home. Mom would have dinner ready (she'd close the store for an hour in the afternoon, come home, cook, then go back to the store). we'd eat dinner, get ready for bed. They'd come home, give us a good night kiss, then rinse, repeat.

We never once went without food. Sometimes all I'd have for lunch is a cucumber sandwich (at be poked fun at because I was poor and couldn't have meat in the sandwich - this lead to "altercations" at recess), and some fig newtons. But we never went without.

Keep in mind, this is the early 60's, when the democrats of that day were further right than the republicans of today (not that they're that far right). My parents would roll over in their graves if they saw what the party has become.

[DUmpsterDiver]

Cool story.  Now, let's hit this Bong a few times to be sure...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRgKC-gxYIA&index=30&list=RDTBpNtmanZ1Y

[I_B_Perky]

I was raised in a house full of democrats but my experience was somewhat different. My dad was one hard-working guy. Belonged to a union but said many times he'd get out IF HE COULD. He was an electrician, worked all the o/t he could. My parents also owned a small dairy store. My mom would work there, my dad would get off work and go to work at the store. they closed at 9. My little brother and I would be home. Mom would have dinner ready (she'd close the store for an hour in the afternoon, come home, cook, then go back to the store). we'd eat dinner, get ready for bed. They'd come home, give us a good night kiss, then rinse, repeat.

We never once went without food. Sometimes all I'd have for lunch is a cucumber sandwich (at be poked fun at because I was poor and couldn't have meat in the sandwich - this lead to "altercations" at recess), and some fig newtons. But we never went without.

Keep in mind, this is the early 60's, when the democrats of that day were further right than the republicans of today (not that they're that far right). My parents would roll over in their graves if they saw what the party has become.

Same here.  Most Dems in WV are pretty much repubs anywhere else.  Now that they are no longer in power their true colors are shining thru.  Walking out of senate committees when they don't get their way, harassing GOP senators, Wisconsin all over again.  Throwing temper tantrums. Acting like children.

I think it was more of a mind set back then than anything else.  Going on welfare was taboo... unless you were desperate. Ain't that way now. My dad told me he could not afford to send me to college when I hit 18 and if I wanted to go I was going to have to pay for it.  The thought never crossed my mind to get whatever the federal grant was.  So I went to work and went to school. 

Nowdays, all I here from the kids is that can't do anything because they are poor.

I do not know if berniesupporter is sincere... only he knows that... I am willing to give him the benefit of the doubt though. Even if he is a flaming liberal he seems like good folk.