Why do YOU think politics has gotten so partisan?

Question

The opposition in politics is the path, not the goal. The goal is the same for both parties....the stability of America.

When will politicians realize this and start working accross the aisle more frequently?

Answer 1

Only the REAL Jesus can make politics peaceful.

Politics has ALWAYS been partisan.

Answer 2

The goal in politics is to get elected. Both parties have worked very well together on that one - every time we have "campaign finance reform" or the like, incumbent re-election rates go up, because the playing field is tilted strongly against the challengers.

Need I even mention what gerrymandering is doing to this country? A large majority of congressional districts are designed to effectively guarantee that one party will win the seat. This has two effects... first, voters are deprived of a real choice. Second, republican districts tend to elect the most extreme republicans, while democratic districts tend to elect the most extreme democrats. That's perhaps the main reason why bipartisanship is so rare these days.

We need to reform the way elections are conducted. My recommendation would be to get rid of the gerrymandered districts, add term limits, and repeal virtually all campaign finance restrictions. (Elections are much easier to buy & rig under the current system than they'd be with no campaign finance laws at all). Unfortunately, the necessary legislation would never get through congress, because incumbents have every incentive to keep the current system in place.

Answer 3

Because the Production lifestyle has taken any extra time which people used to have to read, think, and discuss issues. The stress level and 'organization' of everyone's lives makes them look for instant, pandering answers so they don't have to think. It's the Blind Faith factor which we have been forced to accept as the rule of how to choose representatives (not leaders).
The quick answers from the biggest two groups are the default when people need to grab whatever rope they are thrown. Few understand that there is not any difference in the end, since the representatives are all owned by the corporations, who get their power and money from our work/stress/consumption.
If you want change, keep it in your pocket. Your dollar is your vote and the machines don't count.

Answer 4

Because Ratublicans are like lemmings and will follow a dollar right over the the highest cliff in the Grand Canyon. Us Democrat's don't "swing" that way. we try and see the big picture as a whole. take it for what it is and build, or improve on it what ever the case may be. We are always willing to make it better not just for our selves but for every one. Even them.... the blind and deaf bible thumping as it suits him, steal your last dollar, not really gay just on the down low, republican. who in my eyes is the lowest of the low. they've created a huge mess for us to clean up after November and in 08. bot thank god we are here and will get the job done. Ironicly, just so they can fak it up again in another 40 years.

Answer 5

extremism is a response to extreme events and the manipulation of fear by the powerful.

i think the partisan element exists because some people believe the line "they hate us because we are free" and others don't. it's a fundamental disagreement that causes enormous friction.

just wish more people would realise that the events of 11th sept were not the beginning of the problem, but that long-term US foreign policy was. then they wouldn't think more of the same could ever be successful and hate others who disagreed.

Answer 6

It's always been partisan, since Geo Washington, and the split in his cabinet - the Hamiltonians and the Jeffersonians (Federalists and Republicans, respectively).

Love Jack

Answer 7

Too many radical religious fundamentalists & Evangelicals who want to see the US govt. become a Theocracy and a lot of Democrats who would drop dead before they let that happen.

There was a very good reason why our forefathers wanted a separation of Church and State and now we are seeing why they were so right.

Answer 8

... partisan politics works for Republicans... that's how they have come into power... I mean if you look at their platforms and even attitudes... it's always...

"the democrats are dangerous socialists who want to tax you and they all love NAMBLA and hate America"...

and apparently enough people believe it to get them the majority...

if it works... people will use it.. .they don't care about uniting America... it's win at all costs... both parties are doing it now

Answer 9

When it became an issue to have the ten commandments in our courts, judges deciding on gay marriage against the majority of voters, no Christian things on public land, ect.

Answer 10

To divide the people and pit us against each other instead of allowing us to focus on real issues.