Why can't Liberals and Conservatives have a serious conversation?

Question

Without Liberals calling Conservatives rascist or fascist, and Conservatives calling Liberals sissies and hippies.

Answer 1

That's a difficult question to answer...

From what I can see, or should I say from my pt of view, it looks to me like the cons are very angry. They appear to be angry because they are convinced that libs are trying to take something from them. Or that libs are threatening their way of life at a moral level.

This anger usually comes across aggressive and puts the libs on the defense. This anger also immediately handicaps the conversation because anger and blame blocks having an open-mind.

To me, it is quite simple and I wish cons would just relax and think a minute. All the libs want is an equal and fair society. It's that simple. They just don't want the ones who think they are morally superior telling them how to live their lives, who to vote for, or judging them for speaking out against things they don't like in our great nation.

Anyways, with all that said, until the anger and blame stops (and I don't see it going away anytime soon with all the far right radio host keeping tempers flared) a real conversation discussing the issues is impossible.

Answer 2

I would not. If it's causing tension now, it's likely that the longer you two are together, you'll both dig in your heels even deeper and be less tolerant of each other's political views. It will quickly become a very sensitive issue to side step at every turn. Besides, looks will change long before political perspectives do. On a side note, studies indicate that young people tend to be liberal. My guess is because they have very little to lose and a lot to gain. They haven't worked all their lives to provide themselves with a stable home and to secure their futures, yet they are more than willing to take a little from those who have. "When you rob Peter to pay Paul, you can always count on Paul's vote." --George Bernard Shaw A good many conservatives started out as liberal democrats--then they decided that what they had acquired over the years was worth protecting.

Answer 3

I am Conservative and I have actually tried to have honest discussion with Liberals. Barring a few rare exceptions I have been visciously attacked and called racist, stupid, Christian wacko (I'm an atheist BTW), hate-filled, etc. I have also been shot down and not allowed to speak.

I would love to hear exactly what those on the other side feel about a situation and not just the crap that is presented on TV. I'd imagine that there are actually liberals out there who don't believe in complete govenment control of our lives but I can't find anyone willing to discuss their side without attacks.

The second I'm called a name I'm going to walk away. I don't deserve to be treated in that manner and I won't allow it. Of course I'm then called a chicken or they claim that the reason I have to walk away is because I don't have anything to stand on.

There are people on both sides of the issue who prevent serious conversation but it has been my experience that it is stopped more by those on the left. I was shut down in college and ridiculed by the professors for simply asking a question that didn't agree with their point. Take a look at this forum too and see what I'm talking about. Just because you don't agree with the President doesn't mean that he should die. People who think that way scare me. I would like to assume that it's not all those on the left that feel that way but I really don't hear much to the contrary.

Also, I am willing to say that Clinton, whom I did not like, did do some good things as well as bad things while in office. Those on the left are not willing to do the same with Bush. There's good and bad in every presidency.

Answer 4

Because one side has to win so the other side can lose. Welcome to party politics. There are some decent politicians (usually not at the federal level, but there are some good ones). National politics has degenerated into a form of punishment for the opposition. I'd be more than happy to debate with people on serious topics. I just haven't found any on here yet. It is kinda fun though. I am a Libertarian, I do support the war, but I disagree with much of the current administrations strategy. I will not, however, tolerate ignorance and outright lying. I also find it petty (on both sides) to promote hate speech. Name calling and witty comments are one thing, but some of the things on here are just pure nasty. So, if anyone wants a Libertarian alternative view, let me know.

Answer 5

People are taking sides. In the American culture having a proverbial "football team" to support is very important and some people, rather than going through the sometimes troublesome process of questioning their own beliefs, would rather stop others from questioning them and avoid serious debate by turning to superficially reactive name calling. People just don't like being in the "not knowing" position or accepting that perhaps there is another way of perceiving a situation other than the one they have decided to accept. That's my guess anyway, I could be wrong.

Answer 6

This statred a few years bacl when the TV news put 3 libs and 1 con on and the Cosirtive got a point in so the libs call him names. It is a debate tactic of the weak.

Answer 7

there's a great line from the Daily Show, he said the reason that politics is monopolized by extremists (on "both" sides) is because moderates are too busy accomplishing things. Jokes aside, it speaks to a truth, and that is the people who are most vigorously involved of politics tend to be the most passionate (and also closer to the extremes). The conversation is most loudly monopolized by these folks, but there are lots of people in the middle who have sane, reasoned, and largely dispassionate discussions. (They're not the ones you see on Foxnews or CNN, or on the op-ed pages)

Answer 8

That's a really good question. I consider myself liberal and would love to sit down to a nice debate without name calling and political mudslinging getting involved. It seems no one can focus on a single issue without accusing their opponent of being party minded. It's annoying really. I hate when I ask questions about one side and get nothing but "You're brainwashed and you suck" answers. Yes, that speaks worlds about your maturity and ability to have an adult conversation. Stupid, ignorant people bug me.

Answer 9

Here's how Cons debate:

Liberal Lie: "We rushed to war on false pretenses."
Educated Response: "You Hate America!"

Liberal Lie: "The Constitution isn't a political tool."
Educated Response: "Read the Bible!"

Liberal Lie: "The Clear Skies Initiative raises pollution."
Educated Response: "America Hater!"

Liberal Lie: "There is no link between Iraq and al-Qaeda."
Educated Response: "Traitor!"

Liberal Lie: "The tax cuts clearly benefit the wealthy."
Educated Response: "Stop hating America!"

Liberal Lie: "They turned a surplus into a deficit."
Educated Response: "It's Clinton's fault!"

Liberal Lie: "The 2000 Election was a sham."
Educated Response: "You hate, Hate, HATE America!"

Liberal Lie: "I don't hate America."
Educated Response: "Flip-Flopper!"

Remember, it's not about being right.... it's about winning!

Answer 10

Because no one wants to LISTEN to each other.

And because most the people on this site don't seem to be the sharpest tacks in the box.