What has, in your opinion, been responsible for the deep division in our country?

Question

I just answered a question with regards to whether or not President Bush should be tried for war crimes. What has divided us these past 16 years? Why are we as Americans affraid to be American in any way, giving free expression of political views equal respect while holding on to our own personal views? Please help me understand.

Answer 1

A lack of civility, especially perpetuated by the media and the politicians themselves. People are always going to have disagreements, especially about public policy. However, instead of debating the merits of the ideas and issues, many have turned to childish name calling. Like you pointed out, people don't debate the issues of the war in Iraq, they just run around shouting about non-existant war crimes.

Our society is on the decline. The vast majority are uneducated about anything important, all they know is which celebrity married which, or who went into rehab this week, or which football team won the last bowl game. This majority does not have any facts or reason to debate with, since they don't take the time to learn, so all they can do is sputter and rage and call names in their ignorance.

We have devolved into a nation of children. The only solution is to educate yourself and your family. Otherwise we face being dragged to our destruction by the ignorant barbarians surrounding us.

Answer 2

the division of political parties and their personal agendas have contributed to the division of our country. Not ANY single person. Bush hasn't been in office 16 yrs, it hasn't been a conservative platform for that time either. But politicians in general have a way of trying to advance their own agendas and not what is best for the country. Forget about liberal/conservative choices for a bit.
We need to get rid of the overpaid arrogance, and get real people in offices. People who are Proud to be American, and believe the ideals this country was founded on. Somewhere along the line people became to think being american is a bad thing. If those people don't get their heads out of their butts and start standing up for their families, then we as a country are doomed.
You don't have to like your government, you don't have to like your laws, but you should never turn your back on your home.

Answer 3

Just the belief by many people that one particular party is superior to another, when in fact both/all parties have both positive and negative aspects.

This past mid-term election was the ONLY one in which I have ever just voted a "straight ticket." Usually, I prefer to pick and choose who I think the best man is, regardless of his political affiliation. And sometimes, the answer is "none of the above."

In general, I believe in MORE choices for people, not less, and NOT restricting information (except, of course absolutely sensitive info).

Heck, I voted for Ross Perot, just because he was so quirky and different.

I don't blame Bush for all the problems; any president would have most of the same challenges. I don't like his attitude at times and I don't like his trademark smirk, but for the most part, I believe HE thinks he's trying to do a good job.

Answer 4

The crux of the terrible division of recent years has largely stemmed from 9/11...but MOSTLY it's our involvement in Iraq that has made it as bad as it is today. You say "past 16 years"...its more recent...and I don't think ANY of it would be this bad had it not been for the simple fact that 9/11 happenned. And if it wasn't about Iraq, the oppositions to Bush would still be there, but it would revolve around something else having to do with the war on terrorism...which most people now don't regard Iraq as being a part of it. But in fact it IS...and I doubt we'd have had a war there if the catalyst of 9/11 wasn't there to begin with. You must remember...whether Saddam was involved in it or not (which I'm sure he WASN'T), he in fact killed more people than Al Qaeda ever did several thousand times over!....he's directly responsible for the deaths of 2 million people over the course of his reign. It's a good dynamic to be rid of over there...but its a pity it's in the shape its in NOW.

Answer 5

Ignorance and complacency in terms of general political history and governmental actions. Nobody will stick up for their rights if they don't know them, or have the mentality of "my country right or wrong". The two-party system is just a vehicle to keep money-hungry politicians in power without really solving the issues at hand. Government is more of a profiteering racket than a public servant, and most people don't realize that We the People are the owners and bosses of this government.

Answer 6

No matter what I answer, it'll be just another partisan answer blaming the other side.

So here goes. I blame liberals. Why? Because ever since Reagan took office, they have done nothing but oppose any new idea or reform proposed. They offer absolutely no new ideas, only attacking those who do. They truly have become the party of "No" and one not having any new ideas since the 60s.

Here's an easy test. What is the last new positive fresh idea that you can remember that was offered by the liberals? Can't think of one, can you?

Think the same's true for Conservatives? Well, Bush tried to reform Social Security with private accounts, only to be attacked and demagogued viciously by the left. He proposed and passed the Medicare Prescription Drug benefit, while being attacked and demagogued viciously by the left.

Answer 7

Political parties and hired consultants more concerned with winning office than what they are doing to the country. This includes whining everytime you lose that it's voter fraud, but voting with the same methods when you win is undoubtable. We need them to stop drawing lines and pursuing special interest groups, such as cause them to refuse dealing with the illegal immigrant problem (of people from ALL foreign places) for fear of alienating the Hispanic voters.

Answer 8

Bloody Mary Bush.

Answer 9

I think it's this dual party system you have people are either A or B either dreaming idealists or grtty pragmatists.

Everything is so Black and White in AMerica theres no middle ground you seem to either follow one group of thought or the opposing one.

I think you guys like to argue a lot its kind of your culture but sometimes your so busy arguing you completely miss the point.

Answer 10

I truley believe that there are those that want the government to give them things and those that do not want the govt. involved in their lives at all . This is the big division in the country.