The only one who could ever reach me was the son of a preacher-man

[madbaker]

I have a cow-orker who recently joined / converted to / purchased "x". "X" is one of the following:

1. a political party


2. a dietary choice, such as vegetarianism, veganism, Atkins diet, etc.


3. a technology, such as a hybrid car, solar panels, biofuels or ethanol.


4. a religion.

Said cow-orker has been extolling the virtues of "x" every time I see her, and attempting to convert me to same. She will not accept any arguments that contradict her view of "x", countering with straw-man or hypothetical arguments. Anyone who makes a differing choice is dangerous, immoral, and contributing to the downfall of the country and possibly the planet. While there may be positive points to her choice, I may very well have looked at "x" and decided it was not for me.

Most importantly, I don't like proselyetizers.
One of my main reasons for leaning Libertarian is stubbornness: I don't want to be told what I should think or believe. By the same token, I have no right to dictate same to others.

"X" in this case is a hybrid vehicle. If it were a bonafide religion, I could complain to Human Resources.

What I'm reading: Allan Steele, the Coyote trilogy

Comments

[ldyanna.livejournal.com]

I feel your pain. Three of the guys I work with have the Toyota model. When the two that I worked closest with bought theirs we got to hear all the virtues over every lunch.

Just to be obnoxious

[semy-of-pearls.livejournal.com]

/stands on soapbox/

YOU! You must think for yourself! It is the only way to salvation! It will save the world! Start thinking! Research everything before you make the decision, and it must be YOUR decision!

/off soapbox/

Radical thinking. *bows*

Re: Just to be obnoxious

[goldenstag.livejournal.com]

Radical? Naw. Just responsible ...

[ornerie.livejournal.com]

I apologise on the behalf of all hybrid owners.

she deserves a kick in the pants! you might ask her why she chose to continue to drive a car rather than rely on public transportation or ride her bike....

also be sure and ask her how many accidents she's gotten into by watching the battery:gasoline engine display ;)

[madbaker.livejournal.com]

I'm not actually bashing hybrids. We looked at them, made some calculations based on cost, where we thought technology was going, and some other things, and decided not to buy one.

I'm bashing the "I must convert you" mentality.

[ornerie.livejournal.com]

I understand :). I'd bash it too, if I was there!!

Seattle is a big bio-diesel town, and I spend a lot of time biting my tongue (the creation of biodiesel in itself is NOT a clean industry, and there are still a fair amt of carbon emissions, from what I udnerstand...)

[seamoose.livejournal.com]

My problem with bio-diesel is that they make me hungry. I hate driving down the road and suddenly crave french fries...

[ornerie.livejournal.com]

*snork!* totally!

[antoniseb.livejournal.com]

If we could set up a system that was libertarian for people and highly controlled for corporations, I think we'd be better off.

Concerning hybrids, I think that over the next decade, even cheap cars will start to be built with electric drive-trains. No need to jump on the wagon now unless you want to.

Not to get into a political debate...

[madbaker.livejournal.com]

Philosophically I lean Libertarian, but I can't see how a pure Libertarian system would work in reality.

Regulation by the marketplace is effective only if everyone has near-perfect information at little to no cost. Since corporations have greater information and resources than do individuals in the main, as well as less personal accountability, they have a greater advantage in this regard and a higher propensity to cheat.

Re: Not to get into a political debate...

[ermine-rat.livejournal.com]

It can work on a smaller scale, but none of our communities meet that standard these days. Most political forms work a lot better when the population is very educated and well-informed, but I don't know what one will work best with a workforce that is not, I guess we'll find out.

Re: Not to get into a political debate...

[goldenstag.livejournal.com]

Well, never mind the fact that most people (at last in this country), while having access to huge amounts of information, don't actually other to even look at it. I think many Americans are just fine with being led around by the corporations (gawd help us ...).

[finickynarcane.livejournal.com]

My approach to anyone trying to convert me to anything because THEY believe it is to look them in the eye, earnestly, fervently and humbly say "you are a better man than I."

[ermine-rat.livejournal.com]

Ah, a Zealot! You must think and desire what they do, or you are an ignorant bigot. Isn't intolerance wonderful and enlightened? especially when compared to what the rest of you selfish bastards are doing?

I looked at a hybrid version of my truck (I talked to a regretful driver of one that his job provides), the mileage is 1/3 less than what I get with gasoline (very surprising!), and the lack of power under a load is dangerous, since it takes a few seconds to start and engage the motor when the battery lacks the power to take you up an incline. Oh, and it cost a buttload more to purchase. My motorcycle gets better mileage, and is an overall better choice environmentally. I'll wait for the next round of technology.

Didn't you know?

[nevynn.livejournal.com]

A hybrid car IS the new cultist status symbol. Anything to salve the guilt of the consumer.
*smirk*
I too have been labeled as Libertarian, But I am working at it.

[goldenstag.livejournal.com]

Can't remember the exact wording, but:

"You must all think for yourselves!"
"We must all think for ourselves!"

(Life of Brian ...)