Are divisive political pundits and their outrageous comments contributing to America's problems?

Question

The country is more polarized now than it has been since the end of the Civil War. Do you think that the presence of inflammatory, judgmental, arrogant political commentators who broadcast their opinion as though it is fact to an America in dire need of leadership is a big part of our problem?

To the right-wing extremists who responded... could you point out exactly where I suggested we should "silence" these people?

Yeah, I didn't think so. Thanks.

Answer 1

They sure are. I cannot listen to radio or watch the "debate" shows on television. To me, they titillate without cause, seldom have data or expert information behind them, and, there only real intent is to entice viewers with their shock value. Like political reality TV, it seems viscid and empty headed to me.

Answer 2

I'd say it's more of a symptom which aggravates the underlying problems. The main problem is that our politicians use the wedge we call the tax code to divide us. They use taxation to fund social programs as a tool in elections. If they've raised taxes on individuals too much they say they're going to raise taxes on the rich. This sets the rich against the poor. If they can't raise the taxes on the rich they go for business. This sets the consumer and the worker AGAINST business. This also eventually creates bigger businesses when smaller businesses can't afford to compete and bigger business either buys them out or they end up closing. These are just a couple of examples.
We need to take that wedge away. Look into the Fair Tax(H.R.25/S.1025) if you like it tell your Congressmen to sponsor it and vote for it.
I personally believe that the mainstream media has not only let the American people down, they have betrayed our trust. They don't give us the whole story, they just give us the info they want us to hear. Some may be slanted left , some right, but most are slanted to some degree. You always hear them say "The people deserve the truth" what you don't hear is "but they're going to have to search for it, 'cause they're not gonna get it from us".

Answer 3

No, it's the liberal MSM propaganda and their lack of civility for discussion that causes this division.
We are polarised due to forced diversity and immigrants no longer assimilating to become Americans, not hyphenated Americans. Political Correctness also has contributed to the division among us. The death of right and wrong as perpetuated by PC has resulted.

btw: Political opinions are allowed due to free speech whether you agree or not and should make one think about the message, not condemn the messenger [which is typically liberal]!
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Answer 4

No....It`s free speech...and most inflammatory political pundits are the voice of America`s majority......I`m assuming you are on the left. The left is always trying to quell/silence their opposition. The right invites debate/openness......Think about that (you and or your other answerer's().

Answer 5

yes...with so many sources of information available, everyone can find an outlet that fits them perfectly. once they find it they rarely deviate from it. this creates an environment of splinter groups, in so doing it becomes more difficult to create large groups with a common and complete belief system. conservatives were the first to pick up on this reality and exploit it (religious right plus republican party equals president reagan)

Answer 6

Karl Rove in early speeches to GOP leadership said it is important to divide and conquer and suggested emotional issues like abortion or gay marriage to fan the flames of division.

Answer 7

YES.
Not everything that is protected by free speech,like the trash you talk about is,is desirable or a positive contribution to society.

Answer 8

Yes.

Answer 9

Yes, but, thankfully, liberals do not deal in that sort of trash talk.