Are you tired of politics being predicated on fear, hatred, and anger?

Question

Is it time for something else? And, what do you think is that something else?

smellyfoot™- not exactly. Fear isn't always the tactic.

ruth- you've illustrated my point masterfully. i asked a question about politics... and somehow you turned into an answer about terrorism. well done.

vtjames7433 & global warming: thanks to both of you for using hatred tactics, your help in illustrating my point is much appreciated.

Mail Cheerleader- well said.

Butterbar Bob- I respectfully disagree.

Answer 1

Yes, I am. It is time for something else. Since when did politicians sex scandals and how much a politician's haircut cost constitute hard news? We are facing a health care crisis, deciding how and when to withdraw from Iraq, Global climate change among other things. How about we base it on solving the real problems facing the USA right now?

Answer 2

Yes, but if those three characteristics were done away with completely, social conservatives would not have a leg to stand on. Fear and spite have long been the backbone of political discourse when it was convenient to lash out at a perceived enemy, especially when those resorting to such tactics lack any sound ideas or agenda of their own.

It is time for reason and critical thought to come into the political realm once again. Far too long have we let the emotional knee-jerk reactions of opportunistic politicians (as well as those of the average citizen in general) to direct public policy.

Answer 3

It is frustrating that when election times come around, people all of a sudden are extremely outspoken about the war. Fear and hatred are an easy way to earn votes. Look at Hitler. Great speaker, could have done wonderful things with his country, but instead used his speeches to conjure up fear and hatred of those that are different. It is sad that instead of focusing on how to make America better, some politicians focus on how to make Americans feel insecure and unsafe, thus ensuring their votes with their I'll save you campaign.

Answer 4

back, a existence in "concern, anger and hatred" isn't purely a Christian element. look at what surpassed off after 9/11 and various examine factors set up, and the actuality you won't be in a position to pass into an airplane devoid of first being subjected to a seek, which beforehand of 9/11 would violate the fourth modification. those have been made out of the phobia of guy. a sprint... devil or the devil, or who the Bible calls the deceiver or adversary can purely function and administration guy out of their concern. devoid of concern those beings would have not have been given any skill to regulate the hearts of guy. I state additionally that that's no longer a Christian element and is the two unfold throughout maximum religions and cultures, through fact the impression of trauma based, or concern based psychological problems is increasing like in no way till now. all of us is offended, have low self esteems and are loosing their will to attain and prevail.

Answer 5

While Tom Friedman has been more wrong about more things more times than any other non-governmental public figure, I do agree with what he's been saying for a good while now - which is that the US has to get away from exporting fear and return to exporting hope.

Answer 6

That's all politics has ever been predicated on, from the very beginning.

You'll find the same stuff happened throughout history in every culture, society or country.
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You can find the same things happening in the Bible, the Iliad, the Aenead, in the histories of the Greek city-states, and in the Roman Empire (think "Cartago delenda est").

Human nature has not changed since the beginning of recorded history.

Answer 7

I do not view this in the way you do. I view terrorism as a real world threat that must be dealt with. I do not view it as an issue of fear. Fear is cowering and doing nothing. Pretending the problem is less important that global warming or corporate abuse. That is politics by fear.

But what I think the US needs is a collective breath of fresh air. A realization that there are no guarantees in life, but that LIFE IS STILL GOOD!

I support Fred Thompson, quite frankly, because he makes me smile.

Answer 8

Yes I am tired of democrats trying to scare the poor and minorities into believing that republicans not only dont care about them but actually want to see them killed. Evidence is in every election cycle where ads such as the "elect republicans and more black churches will burn" and the James Byrd ad where they claim Bush didnt punish his murderers because he didnt support hate crimes even though both were put to death and last time I checked, you cant kill someone twice. Democrats are vile and hate filled and will do anything and say anything to win and that is just sad.

Answer 9

Absolutely. I think it's time for the use of diplomacy and even begin using the talent and creativity of Americans to think outside the box regarding new approaches to foreign policy.

Answer 10

Isn't that what politics is all about? Persuading people to follow your lead? Fear and hatred are the most successful ways for politicians to sway votes....it's happened forever.