You’ll get my respect, regardless where we stand on issues. Just want you to know that. As long as you do not object a 60+ story skyscraper in the heart of our skyline, I will be fine :LOL:

You are a a naive fellow. There is equal opportunity bashing of viewpoints. The degree depends uopn where the bashing is taking place. Re-distribution of wealth plays a lot better in the DC to Boston corridor, California, and the other major urban centers than it does in the south or midwest. The exact opposite can said about Pro gun issues. Raleigh is not a bastion of liberalism, but it does have some liberal elements. But that is all BS for this site. More downtown activity, well designed taller buildings, and sustainable urban neighborhoods is the order of the day for this forum. It doesn’t matter if you are liberal, conservative, or neither. A balanced combination of the two pkiosophies is what makes cities great.

At the risk of getting into socio-political discussions - not a good topic for this forum - I would safely say that there is more demonizing of conservatives by liberals on many issues, more than the other way. I applaud the efforts of those liberals who fight for good urban guidelines, protecting the environment and for better urban fabric, as I am concerned about the same things. However, there is a good number of conservative individuals who fight for these issues, although silently and behind the scenes.

The key is to remember two very important things: 1) Ask how does the majority of the people chooses to live. We cannot dictate/enforce guidelines that most of the taxpayers don’t agree with. I am for strong urban guidelines - the Hell with those cul-de-sacs and other suburban crap - but I cannot ignore those people who simply don’t care about urbanity. 2) When trying to demonstrate the advantages of good urban guidelines, taking the same approach with “The (not so) Independent” publication is the biggest mistake one can make. Conservatives are also people who care, and to convince them about urban issues, one needs to put those issues to perspective.

Anyway, I am not “accusing” you (John) of getting off topic, as you clearly replied to another post. I want to make sure that you are aware that there are many people on the opposite side of the socio-political spectrum that share your concerns, just the same. While you may not demonize them, most liberals I have chatted with do so without any reservations. Until both sides can sit down, forget about their political agendas and discuss the things that concern us, as the population of a fast growing city, we can kiss progress good bye.

BTW, liberals cannot be equated to progressives… There are differences, but we would go even further off topic. Much further than I am willing to go.