Where did the normal people go in the US?

Question

Was there ever a time where we weren't ruled by extremists on both sides? Why are there "sides" anyway?

With our current system, and our current polarizing administration, is there any way to get out of the cycle of liberals vs conservatives? Isn't this a destructive situation to live in where no one uses common sense, empathy, and compromise to resolve the topical issues?

With the current system it seems most people have chosen a side and are "for or against" everything already without taking the time to understand the issues. Why do people let a party affiliation rule their judgments?

Little red X:
Texas? are you kidding??? I lived there for 10 years and when I said that I'm not voting for Bush I thought my own family would lynch me. There is actual hatred there for things they don't understand, like contrary viewpoins, for example. Texas is like 99% red and loving it - are you nuts?!?

Answer 1

Honestly, this is why half of our country doesn't bother to vote. The people who are most passionate about politics tend to be the people on the far ends of either party. They also tend to make up a parties voting 'base' - so the representatives of this party HAVE to cater to these people.

Your right, there is way too much polarization. But I dont think its because people are any crazier, I just think that the extremists are much more vocal.

Answer 2

To answer your question simply, there have always been sides in this country. When the settlers first arrived, they were trying to escape religious persecution and freedom, while others just came for a new beginning. These people were probably the most against the current party of the time. I doubt that you can get something like that nowadays.

Answer 3

Nothing you state is correct. In the US we are not governed by extremists. We are governed by elected officials. There are not sides. We have political opinions. Not everyone agrees on the issues.
We do not have a polarizing administration. There are left wing liberal loonies who are the ones trying to polarize.
Liberals versus conservatives is not necessarily a bad thing. We have the greatest country on earth. That is a good thing, not destructive. Sometimes not resolving issues is better than coming up with bad solutions.
There are several opinions on just about every issue...not sides.
I don't know of anyone who is in 100% lock step with any particular party.
All of your assumptions are incorrect.

Answer 4

That has to be the best question(s) I've ever heard. I listen to a lot of talk radio. I like the more neutral people that don't spin everything to the point of sounding ridiculous. There are no true moderates anymore. I'm in the middle, but lean one way or another on fiscal or social issues and find it hard to find a candidate that truly represents what's important. So...where did they go? The media brainwashed them and made them all spew their propaganda. We have become void of theory...a bunch of tape recorders. Well not me and obviously not you.

Answer 5

most of the decent thinking americans were invited into the WTC towers on 911 (a peace conference ploy), that was the only way they could all be assinated by Bush in one go.

Answer 6

Here in the Philadelphia suburbs (aka East Detroit), very little is normal.

Answer 7

Northern Idaho !

Answer 8

You cannot imagine the power of the dark side!

Answer 9

the good people have no say nowadays. Its that simple

Answer 10

I am for freedom, and therefore against government, period.
If logical means I am not normal, so be it.
I am not normal.