Do you see what I see?

Question

America is EXTREMELY polarized right now, and the moderates are few and far between. So many on both sides of the political spectrum feel that the other is the "enemy". I have seen such hate directed toward fellow Americans on here, it makes me sick. Has it always been like this? I'm 27, so I haven't been around for that many political cycles. If it hasn't, where do you think this is going to take us in the next 10 or 20 years? Do you think the media/internet/information age is partially responsible for causing this problem? Are we headed for a civil war, or do you really love your fellow Americans, no matter if they are libs or cons?

Answer 1

GOOD POINT. HANG IN THERE FOR A FEW YEARS

Answer 2

I don't know about anyone else, but I'm a Conservative and I do love my fellow Americans, no matter what side of the political fence they are on. Sometimes people ask extremely unintelligent question to start a fight. Others are just plain hateful people. They should police their attitudes. I think many things could be accomplished here if everyone knew the actual facts about what is going on instead of conspiracy theorists and one sided media reports.

I do blame the net and the one sided media for many things. That's why I don't usually watch the news on television...none of them unless there is a local or national emergency. CNN was even caught 'doctoring' their videos of 9/11 because NBC had compared those same shots with some of the others and they were changed and showed the sky clear when there should have been smoke billowing. It's just all crazy and I formed this attitude about 'believe it when I see it'...MYSELF. I spend lots of time listening to the press briefings with Tony Snow at the White House web site. It seems to be the only place where it comes from the horses mouth and it's not twisted by 'innuendo and ASSumptions.'

No, I don't think we'll have a civil war. People just have to realize that a war like this can only be fought so fast. The President was honest from the very beginning and said this is a war that was unlike any other war we've fought and we were in for the 'long haul'. Yes, this has been long; however WWII had begun when Pearl Harbor was bombed on Dec. 7, 1941...and D-Day wasn't until June 6, 1944. But D-Day was not the 'physical ending to WWII'...but the invasion at Normandy. We still had to finish the fight.

So, war is hell, no matter what. My family is there and they believe that what they are doing is right. They are helping the Iraqi people and the problem with the media is, is that they are playing this their own way. They show only the most grusome, and when soldiers are interviewed and give a negative response to things, they are choosing those soldiers for a reason.

My family is in Army Special Forces...and they tell me that 'the media has a death wish on us'...meaning them. They hate it when Americans protest as well. The Iraqi people see this as a negative, and that if the people of the U.S. cannot stand together as a nation, how can our men in uniform finish to help them.

They (family) also feel that Congress is wrong by setting an exact date because this will give the extremists time to formulate a plan to go in and take over. Congress, does not realize what they are doing as being detramental. They see this as a couragious move. It's not. It's going to hurt the plans of the 5 Star Generals who are working on this plan, and no matter what the media says, it is working. I am not at liberity to tell you what exactly my family does...but it's vitally important it is not interferred with because this will endanger them to the max.

So, my family and I do love our fellow Americans enough to put lives on the line and hold our heads high for that effort. It's so important to the security of America to finish. People have no idea what these terrorist are capable of. They would think nothing of strapping a suicide bomb to a child and sending them into a crowd. The Viet Cong did it when my ex was in Nam for two years. These guys were forced to shoot little kids with dynamite strapped to themselves before they got to the Army foxholes or bunkers. No one but a Viet Nam Vet would understand that feeling. But our guys in Iraq and Afganhistan do.

Answer 3

America is always polarized at times of war. It was the same in the 1960's, with the Cold War and issues with Cuba, and, of course, Vietnam and Indochina wars. It's cyclical, but now since 9-11, our enemies are within our own borders and are grouped in small cells possibly preparing for more terrorism against us. It's easy to blame the government for all of our problems. This nation should be run by the people, not the government. The majority of possible voters don't even bother voting so what can we expect from that? Apathy is our worst enemy. It's OK to agree to disagree, and to be civil in our debates, but we need to recognize we do live in dangerous times, and others do want to hurt us here at home. I solely blame non-voting Americans for the government we do have and that they don't reflect the will of the people as they should. Media outlets only reflect the divisiveness in our society. We won't have a civil war--not even close. There just needs to be more involvement and concern for the issues from everyone who really cares.

Answer 4

I'm old enough to tell you that today's mood is as nasty as it has ever been. We've never been this polarised in my nearly 40 years. It started about three years ago, the exchanges, but it took a decade or more to get so polarised.

In fact, it happened during Clinton's time in office, though I think that is more coincidental than a result of Clinton.

I think the lefts constant need to throw offencive issues in the face of conservatives got us here.

1) Throwing prayer out of school.

2) Homosexual rights

3) NAFTA, and job losses over seas.

4) The growing welfare state

5) Mainstream Americans are tired of everyone else claiming to be victims. Our tolerance has run out.

I think a civil war might be a stretch, but some separation may one day be necessary. However, I think, if we give states power back, people could simply segregate themselves with like minded folks without a total disillusionment of the Union. But we'll see.

If a civil war comes one day, my kids won't be shocked.

You ought to see "Jesus camp", if you haven't. And listen to the directors commentary. The religious right is ALREADY seceding from the Union, it won't always remain so subtle. So those who say it is NOT a new thing should investigate the religious right a bit more. They are STRONG and GROWING. And, they will push these issues, and keep pushing.

Answer 5

Actually I don't think the people in Yahoo answers are typical of the American people. This is the only place in my life that I see this kind of hatred. I am a conservative living in very Liberal MN. My family all live in Virginia and Tennessee.
Most people I meet are very moderate no matter what side they are on. I think people in here are saying these things as much for the shock value as anything. MN. is a very Liberal state and has the highest number of soldiers stationed in Iraq.
Not all Conservatives agree with the war just as not all Liberals disagree with the war. I am a conservative and my husband is a Liberal and we are very happy and in love. Political beliefs are not a reason to hate anyone.

Answer 6

Do you work? Do you get out in public?

This is a forum, and the "Political" section of that forum--and the respondents can remain anonymous and say whatever they like (within Yahoo guidelines....)so, OF COURSE, it looks like there is a great rift in American society right now....

There's also a "war" going on that is becoming very unpopular, and many people are finding fault with the current administration. They discuss those things here, in the rawest way possible, at times.

But, if you are out in the world at all, you KNOW that it is not like that everywhere on a daily basis. Most of us just want to raise our families in peace and prosperity. If we find fault, we gripe!!

But, civil war??? Good gosh a'mighty!! No way, girl. An election is looming, and there is a lot of passion. To paraphrase the Ultimate Homemaker--"It's a good thing!"

You'd be surprised at the millions of people in this country who have no idea of any of the issues brought up on Y!A every night. Most don't even know that Rhode Island is one of the fifty states........

I'm 60, and participated in THE anti-war movement of the 60s and 70s----and lived to tell about it, raise a family, work a number of different jobs, and be just like "any American".

Don't worry--Be happy!!

Just remember, don't discuss politics or religion in "mixed" (ie at work or anyplace else that you don't want to start a "rumble") company.

Answer 7

No austing, we actually used to get along better but I believe its in cycles. last time the two parties and followers where so polarized was during Vietnam. What I see now is the hate and vitriol is at an all time high, not even sure I see a reason for it, vitriol and hate are the effects of people not tolerating views other than there own, and for the most part people won't even debate an issue its automatically "They are right"!

Answer 8

America is very deeply and evenly divided. I am in my 40s and haven't seen it this bad before.

I don't know what will happen.

The anonymity of the internet, and the apparent lack of morals and self-control, make it worse.

People wouldn't be wishing openly on TV for the death of leaders like Bush, Cheney, etc. 20 years ago.

Answer 9

You will find on this site that the time of day has a lot to do with the partisan vitriol. There are times when you get some very thought provoking questions and others it is playground name calling and nothing more than children playing grown up rather badly.

Answer 10

The neo-cons love you as long as your fighting the war that they started, and the libs love you as long as you are against said war.

With the current mess we are in, and as much as our leaders have shifted the blame away from themselves, it will take decades to clean up.

This country is not above a civil war. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

Our country is in one hell of a mess right now.

Bush and the neo-cons blame it on Clinton, the libs blame it on Bush. And people wonder why there are so many conspiracy theories out there.

*EDIT*

Bret, don't be so hard on Clinton about signing NAFTA, when Bush signed CAFTA.

Answer 11

You know there is sonething called competition, this happens EVERYWHERE, it is human nature to triumph over others in order to gain something. . .20 years from now we'll probably have greater social barriers like back in history, but a civil war will not erupt. . . the media does play a vital role because that is practically the only source most americans obtain their information