Stray Pooch
New member
- Joined
- Jul 2, 2005
- Messages
- 19
- Reaction score
- 0
- Location
- Shenandoah Valley, VA
- Gender
- Male
- Political Leaning
- Conservative
Hello. My name is Stray Pooch. I am a 47 year old retired soldier, married for twenty eight years, with five children ranging from 15 to 27. I consider myself a conservative Republican, though I am often accused by those on my side of the aisle of being too middle-of-the-road for the claim. I enjoy writing, and have had op-ed and humor pieces published from time to time in small local newspapers and my college literary magazine. I also enjoy writing music (I majored in music for a few years before joining the army) and parodies. You can find several of my parodies on http://www.amiright.com . I have been involved in online political debate for several years now, and I currently hang out at the Three Dead Horses Saloon, at http://www.debategate.com/3DHS .
I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, having converted from the Lutheran faith about thirty years ago. That proclamation often brings forth those eager to save me from perdition. So I should point out that while I am perfectly willing to debate the social effects of any religion, I do not debate doctrinal points. In other words I will not discuss the claims of Joseph Smith, the fallability of the Pope, transubstantiation or reincarnation. But I will discuss whether the LDS position on gay marriage is consistent with their stand on polygamy a century ago or whether the Roman Catholic church should take a stronger stand on offenders in their ranks. I tend to think independently, so some who expect opposition may find me on their side and some who expect support may be disappointed. I also tend to be wordy - didja notice?
I will be honest, civil (though I can bark at times) and hopefully interesting. I tend to look for accuracy and intellectual honesty among those with whom I debate - and will point it out if these qualities are lacking. But I am not an attack pooch. I like friendly, fun discourse and creative discussion from either side of the fence. At their worst, debate sites can be flame-filled cesspools of hyperbolic fanaticism. At their best, they can be places where one can make friends, exchange views and broaden perspectives. I hope this forum will be more the latter than the former.
Nice to meet you all.
I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, having converted from the Lutheran faith about thirty years ago. That proclamation often brings forth those eager to save me from perdition. So I should point out that while I am perfectly willing to debate the social effects of any religion, I do not debate doctrinal points. In other words I will not discuss the claims of Joseph Smith, the fallability of the Pope, transubstantiation or reincarnation. But I will discuss whether the LDS position on gay marriage is consistent with their stand on polygamy a century ago or whether the Roman Catholic church should take a stronger stand on offenders in their ranks. I tend to think independently, so some who expect opposition may find me on their side and some who expect support may be disappointed. I also tend to be wordy - didja notice?
I will be honest, civil (though I can bark at times) and hopefully interesting. I tend to look for accuracy and intellectual honesty among those with whom I debate - and will point it out if these qualities are lacking. But I am not an attack pooch. I like friendly, fun discourse and creative discussion from either side of the fence. At their worst, debate sites can be flame-filled cesspools of hyperbolic fanaticism. At their best, they can be places where one can make friends, exchange views and broaden perspectives. I hope this forum will be more the latter than the former.
Nice to meet you all.
