Love is a burning thing

[thrulookingglass]

I should complain so, but I'm a 34yr old single American man in New England. I'm a runner, I'm in shape, do push-ups and sit-ups for my own health and, well you know, the bachelor type (not a playboy or one of those wanna-be gangstas, just a guy). Anyhow, what I'm getting at is I recently met a wonderful young woman whose company I absolutely adore. She's beautiful, sharp, never misses a beat, etc. etc, make my heart go pitter-pat. While she is somewhat of a main stream leftist (as if such a thing could exist) and, well, here I am posting this shit on the mother of all conspiracy sites. Here's the deal, my girlfriend lost a good friend in the towers on 9/11. It has etched a scar into her. She is now acidic to all things middle-eastern (she wouldn't be the first person in the world to harbor rascist thoughts mind you). We remain worlds apart on the issues of 9/11. It is a hard subject to broach, and the recent anniversary has opened old wounds. Here I remain a "conspiracist", something I have only hinted at in this relationship and my girl says "pave the middle east." Guess I was looking for some moral support from you folks...I do value the opinions of this board. Fire away. How do we/I bridge this gap?

[Sepka]

How do we/I bridge this gap?

I'd say be open to her views. She seems wise.

[chiggerbit]

Jesus, man, she's showing signs of a serious character flaw and cognitive dysfunction, as well. Count yourself lucky that it showed so early and get out now. That kind of thing might be genetic, something that could be passed on to children you might have together. Does she think Americans are the only ones entitled to hate those who do harm to innocent people? Does she not hate white Americans because she didn't lose anyone at Oklahoma City? Why hasn't she become lesbian, as it was men who hijacked the planes? Her logic boggles the mind. Yours, too, Sepka.

OK, seriously now, tongue out of cheek. Don't go into this relationship thinking that if you can just change her, it will be ok. Accept her as is, but if you do, remember that the flaws become more annoying the longer you're together. As for her, she seems to have some serious issues that she hasn't dealt with well, and could possibly use some counseling. I'd recommend a very long courtship.

[thrulookingglass]

She shouldn't be cast aside for believing the dominant narrative of 9/11. In a way, it is a lot easier to believe, safer to think things are so simple. "They hate us for our freedom." Yeah, it's absolute horseshit, but how many of us are truly awake in all of this? Also, from a woman's perspective, the Muslim religion could use some tweaking to say the least. I'm making excuses for her, yes of course. Too many still accept the pabulum, spoon-fed version of history that pipes out of the mainstream media. I'm sure she's not even aware of the US role in installing a puppet government in Iran or funding Bin Laden/the mujahadin in Afghanistan during Soviet occupation. This is knowledge that most will have to seek out. Anyhow, she means too much to me already. I already accept her as she is.
"The heart has its reasons which reason knows not of." - Pascal

[jingofever]

What you do is invite her over to your hovel one night. Wear something classy, like a bow tie or cufflinks, anything to distract her from the fact that you don't have any pants on. Have a fire going; do not use one of those videotape fireplaces, even though they are convenient. You'll need the TV for something else. When she comes in, comment on how good she looks. You say you're a runner? Maybe you can compliment her big, strong legs. "I'll bet you can squat at least 350," something sexy like that. Then crack open a beer for her or just hand her one of the many half-finished cans you have lying around your house. At this point she is, as they say, putty in your hands. And that is when you pop in "Loose Change 2nd Edition."

[thrulookingglass]

Jingo, that's some good stuff!

Loose Change 2, the romance, the drama, the emotion...how could she not get swept away by that one?! I'm a dvd away from sexual fulfillment!

[rrapt]

In case you want another opinion lookinglass...

i pretty much agreed/went along with my devotedly liberal wife of over 30 yr - until a couple of years ago. Already you know that doesn't sound like your scenario at all. Here's the similarity; we don't agree any more on who runs the govt and how, so we don't talk about it. I don't protest except for an obvious eye roll whenever she gets on her high horse about how the dems will take over and all will be well, the bad guys kicked out. And she knows better than to directly challenge my kinda recent premise that Cheney along with hundreds or thousands of his ilk are infected with an alien mindset, as a means of uncivilising the world in favor of that infector, whatever it is.

I doubt that your view is as radical as mine, so there you have an advantage. Disadvantage: you haven't been married to this woman for 30+ years. For a moment I tried to imagine how I could deal openly with anyone who wants to pave the ME, even if it isn't discussed - nope don't think I could. Disadvantage 2 for you.

Argument and logic and evidence from you prolly have very little chance of changing her mind and would set up a barrier, but with patience you might expose her to some 3rd-party influences.

The explanation I like most to comprehend the huge denial we feel all around us, is that facing all this war crime etc. is so painful as to be impossible for many/most. We've been brainwashed for many generations, and it is really impossible to discard all the hogwash and retain one's footing - no foundation any more. A new one has to be built and nobody knows how.

Good luck with yr girlfriend.