Is patriotism winning in Yahoo! Answers?

Question

I see more and more democrats and republicans avoiding name calling, expressing their protest and support of the war in respectful ways, avoiding rumor-mongering while asking pointed questions, and treating our politicians as "innocent until proved guilty" instead of the other way around.
I see people who insult and make up things getting lots of thumbs down, and lots of responses telling them what people dislike about their approach.
I see people putting their country first, and their ideology second, regardless of their side, and not treating the other half of the country as the enemy as much as fellow Americans whom we disagree with on how best to help America.

"Hating America" doesn't seem to be "cool" anymore. I wished for this. I seem to be seeing it. Am I mistaken?

Is patriotism winning in Yahoo! Answers? (With respects to our non-United States participants).

Mochrie, for example: socialism that would would rather see our country fail rather than become anti-socialist.

tamarlz, been here for a long time. My perspective goes back to February, a few months before you began. You should have seen it then.
Molly, good to meet an Australian patriot in the sense YOU mean. That's the patriotism I'm talking about. Anyone can claim to be a patriot, but calling one of our allies Anti-American because they use free speech? You and I both know that's not a patriot. Glad you're here. Disagree with you on the war. Glad you're speaking up about what you believe without being nasty about it. We need more of that.
ToYou,Too! Sounds like you've gotten an ear full. I'd be interested in the proof of what you are saying (not rumor), otherwise you are demonstrating quite well exactly what I am talking about. Rumor mongering isn't limited to Dem/Rep.
cadcommando200, nice to meet you. Be sure to carry it over to republicans just as I do with democrats. If we don't point it out in our own party, we deserve the next cycle of abuse (ala Former President Clinton).

rabble rouser, who are you kidding. Look at your name you silly goose! I know what you mean, yet if you don't call him names, or make up things about him, or insinuate things about him you have no proof (court proof) about him, then you ARE respecting the Presidency. The ideas aren't crazy, and aren't seditious in themselves. Supporting the war can be seditious if used to talk about undermining a democrat representative, etc. Same the other way, of course. Keep speaking up regardless.
Actually, the healthcare program is a socialist idea. I'm one of those you have trouble with, I suspect, but that's a difference in ideology. If you don't put it ahead of your country, then you aren't unpatriotic. If you put your country first, you are a patriot.
Let's fight together to make this forum more direct, more patriotic. We lose nothing, free speech becomes easier (Patriot DOESN'T mean treating other Americans badly because they disagree with you on how best to help America).

But Stony! I don't use it! Or do you mean they are blocking me? Goodness, I'm not sure how I feel about that. Their right, I suppose, but how do they expect me to learn from them if they block ME from seeing THEM?

Answer 1

I have not noticed what you have, but that's very encouraging to hear - I hope you're right (no pun intended).

I've actually been looking into the meaning of "patriotism" lately, and I've come across some interesting perspectives:

"Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it." - Mark Twain

"Do not... regard the critics as questionable patriots. What were Washington and Jefferson and Adams but profound critics of the colonial status quo?" - Adlai Stevenson

"Patriotism is your conviction that this country is superior to all others because you were born in it." - George Bernard Shaw

"Each man must for himself alone decide what is right and what is wrong, which course is patriotic and which isn't. You cannot shirk this and be a man. To decide against your conviction is to be an unqualified and excusable traitor, both to yourself and to your country, let men label you as they may." - Mark Twain

JFK said, "Too often we enjoy the comfort of opinion without the discomfort of thought." Here's to hoping that thoughful minds are starting to prevail!

Answer 2

It is not just a conservative mantra to carry oneself with tact, dignity, and class. That is what I and most of my conservative cohorts have tried to do. If you see me answer in any other section, the same will be true.
The only time I unload on someone is when the question is inflammatory and it is obvious that the asker is not wanting a serious discussion of the question.
The sonspiracy rheories, disrespectful and insulting comments concerning the President, and all of the namecalling should be reported as abuse. That is possibly the reason all of the trash is tapering off a bit.

Answer 3

study have shown that mudslinging is extra effectual than speaking valuable approximately your candidate. i did not write those rules, and that i particular do not intend to play by utilizing them until eventually I certainly have a stable reason to sling some dirt at a candidate. aside from being woman, which should not be considered as a hindrance, Hillary is a *****, and he or she's a polarizing parent. fairly of Bush hate, we'd have Hillary hate and yet another divided united states for 4-8 years. Plus her prevalent wellness Care plan reward a team of those that won't be able to arise with the money for a service on the cost of people who can, that doesn't seem honest to me. Barrack has limited journey, in spite of the undeniable fact that he's doing ok for himself as a infant-kisser. returned, his race is a non-situation with me.

Answer 4

I wish I had your optimism.

Every time I bring up any of my "crazy liberal ideas" like Universal Healthcare or a troop withdrawal, I get a bunch of people going off about a President that has not served for 8 years as though no one could have elected him and he came from outer space.

Then they shout some things about socialism as though they were McCarthy's personal minute-men (picture Agent Smith from The Matrix) and warn everyone that they should not listen to Michael Moore because he's fat.

The ignorance is really preventing some good discussion.

(but I do appreciate the good karma that you are trying to induce...)

Answer 5

I am not American but I do like to answer the political questions because Australia is fighting beside you and I do try to be objective I do not agree with the war in Iraq but will always support the troops that's my opinion.
I do not hate America but I was accused of spreading hatred and being anti American which I am far from so I think you will find some on Yahoo answers take patriotism little too serious.

Thanks glad to be here and I am glad we are your allies did you know that we have a lot of American servicemen over here at the moment doing war games and helping us with our training

Answer 6

I think what you're seeing are the effects of the new BLOCK feature.

Answer 7

A lot of those are operatives paid by conservatives who are ordered to scare people away. I'm no democrat, nor republican.

Answer 8

I don't see that but I hope you are right and i mean that both ways

Answer 9

I'm curious how an ideology can win anything.

Answer 10

You need to pay more attention to the answers....