PatriotsReign

GOTCHA!!

Didn't I? You must be an extremist, huh? Well get out! Whether you're from the left or right extreme, none of you have any good ideas anyway!

Patters with the moderator hat...I didn't insult anyone, so don't you dare lock me up!

PressCoverage

did this require it's own thread?

define an extremist... try not to be vague

PatriotsReign

It's a joke/troll thread (kinda)....I tried to bait people to see who'd stop by.

I'd define an extremist as someone who wants to dramatically change a given society even if it goes against what the vast majority want. These kinds of people will often develop a plan in hopes of achieving their objective and would act treasonously against their fellow citizens to achieve said objectives.

For example, a group of extremists may develope a plan top bring Wall Street to it's knees in order to affect their kind of change.

Another example would be those willing to kill doctors who perform abortions. But extremism need not be violent. But it's typically supported by a small minority of individuals.

There aren't many people in America who want our culture torn down and rebuilt. The majority like changes to happen slowly. I am not against extremist thinking at all. I am absolutely against anyone attempting to change a society or culture when it is not wanted by that society.

Extremist thinkers are not necessarily extremists. An extremist thinker is a benefit to society while an extremist is both a burden and a threat. Extremist thinkers can be creative and offer alternatives to the status quo. But they will present their ideas to society and let them decide if it's the change they desire. An extremist doesn't ask, he just acts and doesn't care what the majority want.

Hope that is specific enough for ya Press Coverage!

wistahpatsfan

I'm not an extremist, generally speaking, but for my interest and curiosity, nothing beats an extremist. No *****, man. The Sex Pistols, G8 summit rioters, Hunter Thompson, Thoreau, Teddy Roosevelt, Ghandi, Jesus, Marilyn Manson, Luddites, astronauts...as long as no one gets hurt.

PS: Moderates suck at nothing and are great at nothing. Whaddaya get?....nothing. Same old *****. Booooooring!

PatriotsReign

wistah...did you read my definition of an extremist? Did any of the people you listed above attempt to initiate a radical change in our culture against the will of the majority? That's the key here.

Like the economic summit protesters...they're trying to enact changes the majority doesn't like or want. So no one likes them but them.

The people you listed may be "rebels", but they are not extremists. Also, I don't need extremists to keep life interesting. Differences in personalities are interesting enough and meaningful relationships are the ultimate reward in life as far as I'm concerned. In the end, you and I are responsible for keeping life interesting. Not people like Marilyn Manson.

PatriotsReign

I find it unfathomable how some small minded person could give this thread one-star (must be an extremist!), but everyone has an opinion I guess.

I started out with the idea of just kidding when I wrote the opening to this thread, but then PC asked me a serious question which I believe was answered intellently and thoughtfully.

I also believe it opens the door for some serious discussion on the topic of "Extremists & Extremism". I welcome anyones thoughts for discussion.

IcyPatriot

Patters told me several years ago that moderates lack passion ... thus moderates do not inspire elections.

PatriotsReign

I think he meant "moderators do not inspire elections"

And they also lack the desire to change society according to their selfish plan and against the wishes of the majority. In a democracy, majority is all that matters.

Look, I don't worry about domestic extremists in this country. The populace has too many guns to worry about small groups of people. The only way an extremist group has a chance in the US is through covert & peaceful means.

I've said this before and I'll say it again...I have no use for extremists.

wistahpatsfan

I read your definition, but I reject it's restrictions with all due respect. You can't take a word and manipulate it to your liking - that's fascistic even if you didn't intend it to be. That's how those who resort to violence for their cause find themselves in the predicament they're in - they're branded "extremists" because those with the power and money who want to keep both. The Merriam Webster dictionary gives "radicalism" as a synonym for "extremism". Radicalism on either end of an issue changes the dynamics to varying degrees that are sometimes good and sometimes bad, but it's actual change and evolution that is almost always the result even if it's too small to notice right away. Many great movements in history were undertaken by a minority who could see through the bull***** of the powers elite when everyone else was either too scared, exhausted, or comfortable to do anything about a situation that was clearly unjust.

Definitions aside...I'm not like you in the way I see radicals or extremists. I try to keep everyday life interesting, but I often push the envelope when I'm bored because I tend to be an adrenaline junkie. I like going fast and high as much as possible. I take risks in life all the time. I seek white water and steep cliffs - literally and metaphorically. (The wife says I'm crazy but I think it turns her on.) To me, extremists are interesting because they present POV's that are outside the socially accepted mainstream, which widens the mainstream's consciousness, if only a little bit or for a second.

Just my two cents.

PatriotsReign

Once again, I believe you missed what I said....specifically:

I guess you ARE kinda like me then wistah...

So, do you think it's ok for extremists/radicals to take action to change a society against the will of the majority? Whether the majority is ignorant, comfortable or whatever, if they do not desire change, then it's tough sh1t for anyone else wistah. That's democracy and life in America and it must be accepted.

I'll re-emphasize that I value extremist thinking. And yes, you can and should separate those thinkers from the selfish ones who don't give a rat's ash about what people want. Remember, there are no groups who "know what's best cuz they're smarter"...that would be rather pompous.