Why will half of my answers inevitably be flames?

Question

How did the political climate degenerate so much to the point that there are only two sides that do nothing but bad-mouth and degrade each other? I feel like its middle school kickball over again... "Bam! I got you"... "Oh yeah, well BAM I got you harder!" Generally being reasonable people (I hope) why can't we disagree but concede that the other party is entitled to their point of view? Or better yet, allow that different life experiences breed different outlooks and perceptions on the same reality, and so not be SO pissed off when other people don't regurgitate the same rehearsed propaganda as us?? Am I being naive by believing it wasn't always this bad? In short, to bring it full circle... Why will half of the answers given to this question inevitably be flames?

I'd just like to say to all you answers out there that I'm truely sorry for jumping the gun. To aladdinwa, I assumed some answers would be negative based on dozens of questions I read in the politics catagory and it made me a little disheartened. But your responses have given me hope that we're not so unreasonable after all... So sorry!

Answer 1

The Internet gives the answerer the anonymity to be a jerk. People have always felt this way, but now they can say what they feel with no repercussions. Unless you count being reported, which most people view as no big deal.

Answer 2

The so called "news" media is partly to blame. You're not being naive. Just hear me out for a sec.

Statistically speaking the country really isn't divided. But the media would like you to think that so it gives fodder for the crap they try to pass of as news (granted, some of it is good, but some of it is biased BOTH WAYS)

I believe most Americans are down the middle and lean towards one side or the other depending on the issues. And then within each party there are factions of extremist who can't frame an argument to save their lives, so instead they resort to name calling and personal attacks instead of debating iusses on their merits. Why?

Because in order to have a good, clean, and reasoned debate, you need information. You need to have a fairly solid knowledge base of the issue in order to debate it. So where do a lot of folks get their information from? You got it! The "news" and broadcasts that try to pass off opinion makers as journalists until it gets to the point that uniformed people can't tell truth from fiction and are too damn lazy (or busy working, living, etc.,) to pick up a book or two and find things out for themselves.

So the result are a few squabbler's on both polar ends of the political spectrum that (1) don't have a clue, and (2) claim to speak for the rest of their party, (3) use extremely inflammatory comments, and (4) thanks to the Constitution, have the right to spew their stuff all day long.

And the media and pollsters pick up on these and make the divisions seem much larger than they are and keep the cycle going.

My advise, Ignore them and every now and then, when the spirit moves you, point out to them just how ignorant they're being and hope that some will wake the hell up out of their trance, get educated, and join the debate on the issues and not the personalities.

Good luck.

Answer 3

I do not know what your other questions are like, but many Questions are very slanted or seem that way. Also this era in human development seems to be about absolutes:
I am right, you are wrong or along those lines. All the kindness and courtesy have flown away. The fact that our society necessitates mutual respect so that such diverse people can live in a community is put aside by many, even those who espouse "tolerance". I sometimes get rude myself, though I regret it and apologize.

It not just the answers to your questions, see how people drive so aggressively! It is everywhere! Standing in line at the supermarket and having the person behind you nudge you with their cart out of impatience. In these situations, I stop, slow down, breathe slowly and deeply, remembering the it the other person who has a problem and I only happen to be in their line of fire.

Don't take it personally. People here do not know you.

Answer 4

look. there is a very bad and dangerous element in washington dc currently. there is little room for comprimise. would you go back to germany in the thirties and suggest that we all try to get along with the SS? would you suggest they just go ahead and get on that train to poland while we talk things over? there are lives in the balance!

every day you read 3-4, maybe eight to ten us servicemen die. have you been keeping tally on how many women and children are killed every day. or how many "suspected al qa'ida mercenaries" (another way of saying a young man in the wrong place)? the government has lied to us. of that there can be no denying.

while this does not excuse blatant attacks on you for asking questions (i've yet to read your other questions), it does illustrate why there is a great deal of passion involved.

Answer 5

Here's my thought .... CNN, Fox, MSNBC have to fill 24 hrs a day of air time.So, if a politician says something, anything, hey, it fills up a couple seconds of that 24 hours a day.
Half the political news is like watching a wrestling match. Take away the name calling, whatever, andit would be as exciting as watching a car rust.

Answer 6

Mine wont be in flames. Your right! It's to the point where I'm voting for the person who spends less time touting their political party and more for speaking of the people. In other words I guess I'm more inclined to vote for a Independent candidate. But since they can't raise the millions of dollars needed to run a effective campaign...who do we vote for?

Answer 7

You've only asked two questions (including this one), and none of the answers to your other question were flames. Why do you assume answers to this question will be flames?

Answer 8

No flaming here I agree with you, it is all about acceptance and we seem to have lost that in our country.

Answer 9

Rants and insults are easy, quick, and require little thought. It's pretty sad, isn't it.

Answer 10

because there will always be right and wrong.but who says what it right or wrong, and who is right or wrong about wether that is right or wrong? eventially,it will lead to a discussion about right or wrong,then an argument on who is right or wrong,and then plain old meanness about right and wrong,right? or wrong?