Can we be civil to those who disagree with us on politics.?

Question

It seems to me that the Conservatives (my self included) and the Liberals gather up into our camps and then spend a lot of time taking pot shots at each other. I won't say that I am not guilty of this I have done it on many occasions. Is there a way that people of opposing views can get together lest we wind up like Israel and Palestine?

POKI POKI First of all I already recognized myself as part of the problem. Secondly I don't hate all Muslims I do hate people who blow up other people in crowded markets. This is a small percentage of Muslims. Lastly I am not trying to be mr goody goody as you put it I am merely poseing a question.

Answer 1

it's hard isn't it?

i have a theory that politics is more like religion than we like to admit. in all honesty, that is why i argue. i am very suspicious of my opinions. they're mine so of course i'm biased toward them. i have to rely on people who disagree with me to see if they are any good or not by shooting holes in them.

one problem is the cultural more against talking politics/religion. it makes us more alienated from each other to believe that any groups are diametrically opposed, and that is what television and other media usually present us with. it is hard to see all the points on the continuum when that is the way we believe politics and debate should function.

that was big of you ethan... i'm sorry i was nasty before. it is easy to be vitriolic but harder to make progress toward a consensus. i hope you won't hold it against me, but i can't promise i won't do it again. in a way, this reminds me of ann coulter. i hear some conservatives say she is acting, but i can't see it... i'm trusting her to be sincere because of the way she is treated in media. i can't gauge anyone's sincerity but my own.

Answer 2

Well, I don't think engineering degrees will do it. Osama bin ladin has a degree in engineering and it hasn't helped him much to be civil in disagreements in politics. Luckily, I don't think the US will end up like Israel and Palestine. Partisan politics probably seems worse than it is because of the way the media hypes it up. Finally, most people are civil, it's just the outspoken ones that we notice and it begins to seem as if everyone is making a fuss about partisan issues (and taking cheap shots at each other). As for those outspoken ones, I think there'll always be some people like that.

Answer 3

Of course there's a way...the thing is...we are way too human to see it.
I would say the best way is to just start with yourself. I'm a conservative myself and I find it extremely hard to just deal with what liberals say. Sometimes it just seems so off the wall to me, but what we all need to realize is that what we say sounds just as much off the wall to them. I think the biggest problem is learning how to find a happy medium when everyone wants it their way or the highway, you know? The most important thing is to keep yourself in check really. Watch what you say, and don't get on a soapbox or anything. It's so hard to not make waves and still stand up for what you believe in is right.
It's sorta like religion. You go to school and you learn to deal with people of every religion and race. Some of my best friends are atheist when I'm a devout Christian. Most of my friends are liberal...though often times this doesn't work in a government, sometimes going around in circles is all you need to find a midpoint where both parties can say, "Yea, cool, that works." You just learn to know their views and make yours known and not talk politics, at all.
You might as well put aside your differences and realize that this country is one of the best well off, and since were all going to be living together in it for a while we might as well get along. Usually though, pot shots arent the best devices to make friends and influence people...
Sorry for the rambling..hope it made sense <3

Answer 4

Absolutely! We wouldn't have a democracy if we stifled each others freedom of speech. The trick is to remain objective by keeping emotions in check. Anyone can have a discussion/debate if all participants respect the others by listening to each other first, then respond, after thinking to ones self that you heard the statement correctly. When you edit your own interpretation from what you think you heard, then go ahead & speak your mind. Remember... any discussion, even politics needs co-operation between participants & that means asking each other to respect each thought without yelling, drowning out their voices by talking over them or calling each other names when emotions reach a boiling point. If ya disagree with what the other has said, say so politely, but acknowledge their point of view & their right to speak freely. Then part ways, stating the over used phrase "Lets agree to disagree." Then talk again when you have something new to add to the discussion.
Politics, Religion, & Sex are the hardest topics to discuss because thankfully, we humans are as varied in thought, as we are in looks. What a boring world it would be if we all looked, sound, & thought the same! We wouldn't need the Yahoo! Answers website, & I wouldn't be talking to ya! There'd be no need............nice chatting with ya.... with a smile on my face & no agenda on my mind.

Answer 5

Absolutely they can. What people focus too much on is the argument vs the respect for someone else's opinions. People didn't just wake up one day and say "hey, I think I'll be a democrat/republican". Due to people's life circumstances is why they choose to follow one position or another. But no one has respect for other people's positions anymore. No one respects that everyone is entitled to their position. I can argue with a republican all day long so long as they respect where I'm coming from. They don't have to agree.
It's about respect but people don't seem to know this word anymore...

Answer 6

I doubt it. I've tried to be civil. Most, not all, but most of the liberals that I've spoken with won't accept civility or compassion or anything good from a conservative. It's hard to stay civil when you continue to be insulted and your compassion is doubted as in "false Republisum compassion." I've tried more than once to be polite and respectful of liberals, but only once have I been able to have a normal discussion. Now I'm on guard with them.

Answer 7

ok, first you need to teach yourself that before you act like mr goody goody!!! you bash those who disagree with you on politics and religion!!! you think your hate and prejudice towards muslims doesn't show? well it does.
if people look in the mirror once in a while they will understand where the problems come from and may be then you can change yourself before you try to change others.
just my two cents.

Answer 8

I'm pretty sure we both blame each other. I don't remember there being this much seperation when Clinton was in office. Of course conservatives hated him but for the most part, we all got along.

Answer 9

It happens on both sides, but it is only because the liberals consistantly attack conservatives. Conservatives are just trying to keep up against the liberal attack machine. If liberals can just admit that they're to blame for all this, then we can learn to be civil.

Answer 10

Yes. Everybody starts getting Engineering degrees.