2006-10-07 08:19:01 · 11 answers · asked by me 5 in Politics & Government ➔ Politics
Very, very little. It's not like you're going to do anything about it or change anyone's minds, so its main purpose is to annoy others.
2006-10-07 08:21:20 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Fundamentally it's about discussing ideas. While it's true that the emotional rants that are the norm in most online forums will only reinforce negative opinions about political opponents, occasionally you get thoughtful questions and answers. At the margin, someone might see something that affects their opinion.
A couple of weeks ago, someone asked one of those questions that was really a statement. I don't remember the exact wording, but it had to do with Michelle Malkin and implied that she wasn't acting 'Asian enough' because she's a conservative. Shortly after posting my answer, which pointed out how racist his assertion was, the question was deleted. Though I have no way of knowing for sure, I'd like to think that was because he realized his position was indefensible - and may just have altered his perspective slightly.
In a free and open democracy, it's vital that people discuss politics in a public forum. Even if, in doing so, they expose their own ignorance, or annoy and offend others. In the market place of ideas, you have to take the good with the bad.
2006-10-07 17:00:22 · answer #2 · answered by Will 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Politics is about people. People have been governed, and will be governed. You are the people. So, don't discuss politics, and you may have a governance of the type of nazism, or fasicm or khmr Rouge which will govern you. a few years back an incident happened in India. In 1995, a lady went to a temple in Delhi at 4.00 in the morning and after comming home, she declared that Ganesh was drinking milk(the stone idol) By the evening, one billion plus population had known that Ganesh was drinking milk. Ideas spread like this. Dont shy away from discussing politics. Who knows you may some day come out with a brilliant idea.Believe me, it will not die, it will spread,and may also come to the notice of lawmakers. So no exercise is futile in itself. Politics should be discussed more often, not for gossip, but in all genuineness, because it after all affects our lives.
2006-10-07 15:34:03 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If discussing politics annoys people, I don't see any good.
The situation comes across as the person insisting on discussing politics is not an observant person when the other party is annoyed, and the person who is annoyed seems lack of tact or assertiveness to get out of being annoyed.
2006-10-07 15:23:25 · answer #4 · answered by ele81946 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sometimes, admittedly rarely in this forum, someone will say something and it will provoke discussion which results in a new perspective...
How can this be bad for the US?
What I think is bad is when people seek only to have their own views reinforced, are afraid of having their own beliefs challenged, and are unable to participate in real dialogue...
Interestingly, I see this accusation leveled at Bush and Republicans all day long in this forum, but rarely see liberals engaging in meaningful dialogue...
2006-10-07 15:48:25 · answer #5 · answered by ? 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It could serve to demonstrate how narrow minded a person is or how tolerant they are. I don't talk much politics, but do like to listen to a lively debate between people who know what they're talking about. The problem comes when they have an agenda and only argue to prove that slant on their views. I do fondly remember my parents having opposing views and arguing their points.
2006-10-07 15:23:41 · answer #6 · answered by folklore 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
political discourse is a very important part of this social political experiment. It helps maintain a high level of knowledge and engagement in the governance of this country.
The general population must stay engaged if we are to have any hope of sustaining this fragile system
2006-10-07 15:30:18 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Makes the world go around and it is really a enjoyable hobby and it's good for the blood pressure and sometimes
for a good joke!!!!!!!!!!
2006-10-07 15:24:22 · answer #8 · answered by Vagabond5879 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
everybody has an opinion. politics have divided this country.
2006-10-07 15:25:05 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
sounding well informed or intelligent, assuming you dont have a stupid opinion
2006-10-07 15:20:52 · answer #10 · answered by duncan 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋