I've noticed that the overwhelming majority of political "questions" are little more than rants. Or bad straw-man arguments. Or insipid name calling. What can we do to have actual discussions of real issues, such as "What reasons do you have for supporting/opposing the Death penalty?" or "Do you think the prison system is working to reduce crime?" and so on?
And how, once such questions are posted, can we avoind this bi-partisan name calling that is so common here?
And, can we demand that statements made about some issue or another be supported with source citations (i.e. some actual evidence) instead of parroting popular misconceptions?
Anyone with me?
2007-08-31 13:35:46 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Other - Politics & Government
Oops 'avoid' . . . typo.
2007-08-31 13:39:50 · update #1
I would love to be able to have an open discourse about politics and to debate about the issues and the problems such as the environment or helping the Katrina victims. The problem is that the people of the United States end up watching the politicians themselves sling mud and undermine each other in the media on a daily basis. Rather than see the elected officials work together we see them rant and rave and gesticulate wildly about why the other side is wrong or evil etc. These tirades often carry over to the media, talk radio, and "political commentators." In order to discuss issues and FIX them we need to learn to respect each other and try to set our differences aside for the greater good. That probably will not happen and I will be extremely surprised if it ever does in my lifetime. I can still hope and maybe if people here are willing to discuss in a logical manner then there's hope for everyone else.
2007-08-31 14:42:13 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
i think we have discussed all the issues you have listed plus some!!!
but some people express their selves differently, some are more educated than others, some more angry than others, some more timid than others{maybe there should be a politics light format}??!!
whoops {stinging}!!!
its the ones that are intolerant of other peaples opinions and misspelled words and true facts that they do not want to aknowledge!!
like me, ive had a rough and tumble life and had some hardcore work and hardcore play, and i may offend timmid peaple with my statements, but i do speak true facts, even if sometimes it may be crude and my stining humor might offend peaple sometimes, but look kids its what america is all about, a lot of peaple have shed there blood and sacrificed for that right!!!
so, dont snitch!!!
i think the worst thing on here is when someone cant handle the true facts, or crude language and use that little wimpy report a violation button!!!
2007-08-31 14:20:01 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's a nice dream.
I think to be able to have a frank and open and CIVIL political discussion, people have to be able to admit the faults within their own party, or at least within their own arguments. Most people are unwilling to back down from their beliefs, EVEN if they know in their heart that it is flawed.
So, peoples unwillingness to simply be honest makes such "discussions" impossible.
2007-08-31 13:56:26 · answer #3 · answered by DeAnna 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it is possible but not very likely. I shudder at the liberal-baiting, the conservative-baiting, the Christian-baiting, the erroneous and potentially lethal medical advice, the adolescents who derive perverse pleasure out of sexual innuendo or outright perversion.....
Once in a while, and just barely enough to keep me coming back, I run across a person who will argue rationally and not just in order to harden his or her preconceived opinions.
Unfortunately, this site is not monitored; there is not much that can be done.
2007-08-31 13:51:26 · answer #4 · answered by oldsalt 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have an idea! Each of our representatives in the goverment should have to be on a webcam, at all times! That would keep them honest. They're SO concerned with spying on us, but who's watching them? After all, they are volunteers, and overpaid, if you ask me. We should make them earn their keep, and hold them accountable for the things that they say they're doing. GO RON PAUL!
2007-08-31 13:43:53 · answer #5 · answered by amitchellsri 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the politicians seem to set a bad example, this is how politics is discussed, my advise is to find a place with more adults
2007-08-31 13:49:56 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Respond and they continue. Don't respond and people stop doing it.
2007-08-31 13:50:23 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I completely believe that is possible.
2007-08-31 13:51:13 · answer #8 · answered by Lily Iris 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
ranting is part of freedom and democracy. if you don't like it you should move somewhere where they don't have it....like iraq.
2007-08-31 13:40:33 · answer #9 · answered by soperson 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Not if the other person is a typical liberal.
2007-08-31 14:07:41 · answer #10 · answered by smsmith500 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋