What can we do to end the hate-mongering in the Politics section of Yahoo Answers?

Question

I'm a political consultant in Austin, Texas. I was hoping for a friendly sabbatical from the usual nastiness to get the pulse of America. I wanted to see what matters to people. But some of you folks really take the cake.

I'm a Democrat. My wife is a Republican. I have no problems with Republicans. I don't agree with 70% of what they believe politically, but it's a free country. I DO have a problem with these neoconservatives, who have hijacked the Republican agenda, and turned it into hate-filled nonsense against immigrants, environmentalists, Muslims, peaceniks and anti-war people, etc., etc. All of the neocons here are rude, illogical, hypocritical, and fueled by hate. I say that with all the love I can muster for any fellow human being.

What can we do to bring the level of discussion up from these dumb tit-for-tat arguments?

You want to flame me? Bring it. You can dish it, but obviously can't take it. That's why you won't take incoming messages.

Skylor Williams

neo deo: Nope, you're wrong. She's a pro-life Republican and pretty darn conservative. And I'm a moderate. Can't you make better arguments than to call me names?

Oh, believe me, there's a boatload of stuff wrong with the Democratic Party. Don't make assumptions that I'm really that partisan.

Answer 1

That's a very good question. I wish I knew what to say.

It does seem to me that many of the neo-cons are very fearful. Fearful of terrorists, fearful of difference, fearful of losing what they consider to be American, fearful of those who disagree with them.

Maybe with lots of patience, time, and discussion we can begin to soothe some of these overworked fears and actually begin to discuss real issues without the preconceived closed mindedness that undue fear brings.

Answer 2

A very thoughtful question. Let me try to explain why I think things have become so very polarized.
I think it all started with Watergate and the Nixon resignation. Since that time there has been a chasm that was created by each party attempting to outdo the other and bring down its leaders. And the Bush administration has added fuel to the fire by its unilateral actions. The "uniter" became the "decider" to decide that unity was not in his agenda. Dirty politics and Rovian techniques became the byproduct that ingested venom in the electorate.
Also the lack of astute, gifted personalities has contributed to the polarization. Does anyone remember Evert Dirksen, Barry Goldwater, Hubert Humphrey, William Proxmire et al? There seems to be a void of talent, hence the lack of trust in Congress as shown in the various polls. The fanatization of the parties is complete.

Answer 3

To be absolutely honest here there is nothing you can do to end the hate/bashing that is going on within this section. I was once told when I was much younger there are 3 things you do not talk about, Politics, religion, and sex, these were "no win" subjects and prone to strong, passionate human emotions. Although I do see truth in that advice, I have chosen to throw caution to the wind, and post my and I stress my opinions on this forum. I do so, not to change anyone's opinion, or to call names or label people, that is not my job here to do so. But if in an answer I might plant a seed that someday might grow, might change someones' heart, then my time here might have done some good.

The only honest thing here I can say, is people need to learn to accept and respect that each of us has a point of view, we have that right to our view and not to be bashed or hated because of the view. I may not like what your opinion is, but it is yours as mine is mine. Accept it as such! You do not gain anything by name calling, hatred, and labeling people, in fact all you do is fuel the hate.

There will be those that purposely try and get your goat, to them, "whatever floats your boat" but see them for who and what they truly are, "fight the feeling" don't respond to it.

Answer 4

Please be aware that a good many of the post-ers here are teenagers--if not in actuality, then in their minds!

I have tried and tried to get this category on some sort of reality-based track, but to no avail. I don't think there are too many intelligent well-versed people on here who have real questions that they would like to have answered. I'm a very liberal Liberal, and I often would like to know how "the other side" sees things or justifies them. When I have gotten good answers, even those that are not in line with my way of thinking, it makes me consider other alternatives. I like that. I'm not afraid to consider the opposite points of view. (Maybe some people are too scared that they might be wrong, so they don't really want intelligent answers.)

I applaud you for being married to a Republican. My politics are so much a part of ME as a person, that I don't think I could fall in love with someone not of the same ilk.

Answer 5

You are so right this section is a mess I've complained about it to Yahoo & they are looking into it. big deal I try to be tolerant but it is difficult with hate questions I have defended Democats & Republicans I am a moderate Republican I never say that now These folks - some of them want no government Anarchists perhaps

Answer 6

First off, I don't believe that you're a real consultant. Real consultants don't use terms like neo cons. If you do happen to be a consultant for real I can't imagine who your clients would be. If you don't think that the liberals that write on these message boards are filled with hate also, then obviously you are too partisan to listen to any anyone else's point of view. Which would make you a typical democrat.

Answer 7

You probably have as good a chance of ending the Arab-Israeli conflict as stopping the ridiculous p#ssing contest that goes on daily and nightly on this site. I myself have simply decided to stay out of it. Let the children play. I look for the questions worth the time and trouble to respond to, and sometimes I even find one.
Good luck to you in your efforts.

Answer 8

Well, I keep saying that someone who attacks the other side can't defend their position because they really don't know what their position is. And it ain't just the neocons, although I see a lot more hatred from them than I do from moderates & liberals. I say it often on here in my answers, not that stops even one of them. So I bypass them & read the ones that at least stick to the issues.

Sounds like your wife is one who can state & defend her positions on the issues. Congratulations.

Answer 9

So you wanna spread the love by taking part in the blasting? You are not being honest in your asertion that conservatives are the only ones who write negative things on here. but that is part of the mind set of liberal thinking. You only see what you want to see. I don't know what a neoconconservative is. Is that even a word? I am a Conservative first and a republican second. I don't know of any conservative who hates immigrants,our country was built by the sweat and blood of immigrants. You left out part of the phrase that we have a problem with and that is ILLEGAL. None of the conservatives that I know hate them. But if we are a country with laws and if we don't enforce the laws we end up in chaos. I have no problem with people of the Muslim faith. But I do have a problem with radical Islamic fundamentalists that use terrorism to kill anyone who doesn't believe as they do. I think it's an evil ideology that needs to be stopped by any means possible. I am in agriculture and am very aware of my environment and try to do my part. I think people like Al Gore who try to use this subject for political reasons is the biggest hypocrite. I just read a report how he uses more energy at his mansion in Tennessee in a month then the average American family uses in a year. Do as I say not as I do? but I don't hate him he and people like him just renew my belief in conservatism almost on a weekly basis. I have nothing against people who are for peace, I am for peace I pray for peace every night. Yet I will fight anyone to my last breath that tries to harm my family in any manner. I am anti-war I hate war but I love the rights of individual freedom more. Your narrow minded point of view, with all due respect shows me what libealism is today.. It is a childish emotional fantasy of good intentions that tries to deal with adult issues. Your leaders who are running for president have said raising taxes is one of the first things on their agenda.Get rid of the tax cuts. Trying to tax a country into prosperity is like a man standing in a large bucket trying to pull himself up by the handle. It's impossible. You misrepresent conservatism to make your self feel superior. Ok now you can report me as most libs do on here for telling what I feel is the truth. peace....

Answer 10

The answer is simple. Try to take the high road. Ignore the trolls.

'Nuf said.

As for my personal settings - I can't us Yahoo Messenger at work, nor can I access personal e-mail there.

Answer 11

Our mentality in this country is to fight violence with greater violence. The level of discourse will only become more angry, primitive, unoriginal, and irrelevant as we keep blundering down our current path of self-annihilation.
People need to teach themselves how to think for themselves. That would be CREATIVE rather than destructive thinking. That would be a good start.