Why is the split between democrat and republican so volatile?

Question

Granted, I am a republican, but I do have friends who are democrats. I don't like them less. We both respect each others views, and respect the difference between them. I respect that instead of just venting they get out there and try to do something. I may not agree with what they are doing, but they are actually doing something. I don't think everyone can hold hands and sing Love Train, but the sheer hate is a little annoying. I find it annoying because most of the time these individuals are only spouting off at the mouth with no facts or comprehension of the topic. I like political humor, but too much is too much. Anyone feel the same?

Answer 1

you know i am a very firmly standing republican, but most of my friends are democrats, we argue all the time, but not because we hate one another, it just helps us understand were each of us stand.......i do not agree with them in anyway, but i do respect why they have made the decisions they have made and why they believe what the believe.........

my dad told me a saying, you've probably heard it, but i've always liked it.....

'if you are not a democrat by 20 you have no heart, but if you are not a republican by 40 you have no brain...'

thats they way i like to think of it.....maybe on day they'll come around, and if they don't i'll still love them any way......

Answer 2

It's because of gross generalizations coming from both sides. This is aided by the stuff "reported" in the news, which generally hits everyone's hot buttons and makes them more paranoid about other Americans.

I have Republican friends and I have Democrat friends-- I don't agree with either of them /all/ the time, but I talk to them enough I can see where they're coming from and why they form such opinions.

Too many people like to jump the gun where politics is concerned. If someone opens their mouth about a political issue, they're instantly branded with some kind of label, and others, hearing or reading about that label, lose sight of what the person was trying to get across.

Answer 3

I think it is because a lot of people are to ignorant and/or arrogant to accept the fact that others may disagree with their beliefs. But you are right, the hatred is annoying! Many of the "haters" are only rambling off of what they have heard and have no idea what they are even talking about. I have a brother like that and it drives me crazy. He is so sure that what he heard is right he won't even listen to any other side of the argument.

Intelligence is the ability to listen to both sides and debate the issue civilly. These "haters" are only showing their own ignorance. I do see them as humorous most of the time but it does get old.

Answer 4

My guess would be that Republicans voted for Bush, almost like a religion. When the 911 tragedy occurred, Bush ratings skyrocketed for no real reason other than everyone was freaked out. Republicans capitalized on that solidarity, and made bad choices, now are unwilling to admit it, some are just belatedly recognizing an error in judgment(to quick).Then, to top it off, Republicans seeming needing to be president, voted Bush in again, after the obvious facts. And now, here we are, trying desperately to figure out just what to do with the 'Bush legacy'?

(kind of like a big hot potato.)

Actually, everyone would be a LOT better off it they did just that 'hold hands and sing love train', but that's another story...maybe.

Answer 5

We can call our beliefs and values whatever we want, but they are all religion in a loose sense of the word. Politics is part of religion and religion is part of politics. They cannot be entirely separated from one another. In a sense it is a holy war. Democrats fighting for their beliefs and values and Republicans fighting for their beliefs and values. Both are dead certain that they are right and that it is essential that they win. Under the circumstances, I'm actually very surprised at how civil the democrats and republicans are to each other.

Answer 6

It's sad that the disagreements between the 2 parties have caused such a rift to form. It's become that way since 9/11, when different opinions about what to do in the aftermath caused each party to question the others reason and morality. It's turned into a bunch of name calling and questioning of patriotism. I have plenty of conservative, Republican friends who are terrific people, and they don't buy into this whole craze.

Answer 7

Well it's good that you are a Republican ! Liberals (the far Left) are slowly destroying America. Most Republicans Have a big problem with that , Add that to there constant Bi*ching and whining and Blaming Bush for there own stupidity . America faces a big threat Both parties realize this how ever Liberals think the threat is Global warming A Theory more of a myth ! They think Terrorist are not a Threat and this is not a myth. It's real!!! Republicans understand the real threat .Do you see a problem with your Liberal friends now????

Answer 8

It seems like in the past 5 years personal attacks & open hostility to people who have a different ideology has become more widespread in American politics. All American citizens should think of themselves as Americans first, & work to secure the best interests of the United States as a whole. But the extreme side of the American left has become more mainstream, & it trys to smear it's opponents. Moveon.org, Michael Moore, & Greenpeace are good examples of this.

Answer 9

I think the split tends to be more imaginary than real, and I think it is exploited by the media and others.

At least I hope it is imaginary.

I know that when I walk the halls of the courts, there are attorneys of both political persuasions doing the same work. So I have imagined that is going on everywhere else.

Answer 10

Truthfully,

The Democrats were so sure that Al Gore would be elected,

That when he lost, they just went into a frenzey.

And they have been there ever sense.

Plus the fact that the Democratic party has never really
accepted the fact that they lost controll of Congress in 1995 for the first time in 40 years.

They just kept thinking it was some kind of aberation.

But the biggest single reason is,

The liberal wing of the democratic party, was able to gain power in the democratic party after after both the Congressional defeat and the presidential defeat.

So the moderate democrats no longer control the party.

And to the liberals in the democratic party, compromise is just not in their vocabulary.

All you have to do, is read the liberal blogs going after john edwards wife, after she made negative comments about the MoveOn.org newspaper ad.