A more eloquent way of putting it: Wouldn't we be better served by civil discourse and respect for one another's ideas than to constantly be attacking? I'm just as guilty as the next guy and sometimes more, but I'm starting to wonder if I'm not contributing to a problem that might do more harm to us than the terrorists could ever dream of doing.
2007-10-30 06:11:47 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Politics
Thank you so much for asking this question, because this has been on my mind, too. I agree with you.
I don't think it serves or strengthens America. I think the divisiveness we're observing now was created purposely as a political tactic in order to get votes. It makes me sad to say that, but it's also sad to see how many Americans have fallen into that trap.
Last time I checked we were living in the UNITED States of America, not the divided States. I'm old enough to remember when people could and did have very civil conversations with people who had different opinions. Then they'd go get a beer together. We could differ respectfully.
Unfortunately political operatives and some media outlets have discovered that they can make a lot of money and/or get a lot of votes by keeping us at each other's throats. They use wedge issues such as abortion, gay marriage and gun control to foment confrontation among us, and we fall for it.
Then, when we're distracted by these issues that may never get resolved and are not being worked on by the people in power, they are robbing the treasury and starting wars.
What can we do to get back to the America we all knew and loved, where Americans respect fellow Americans and honor the differences between us?
2007-10-30 06:19:18 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
I like the question very much. One of the distractions I see in the divide of opinions not only on this site but in the newspaper as well, is not recognizing and respecting diversity. Most seem to focus only on the little circle they live in for instance: Farmland, rural, or metro areas and how the others could inconvenience themselves. Much like the Native Americans and the environment in harmony we cannot identify how our diversity could be harmonized. I believe that selfishness and arrogance contribute most to the problem.
2007-10-30 06:21:36 · answer #2 · answered by rance42 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Very interesting question I must say. And I have called other people names on here, but only because I, or a certain group I'm in are called names or insulted. But I try to remain civil. But in real life, I find it quite the opposite of YA. People do remain civil. Even on other forums I've been to (yes, we have had many political debates).
2007-10-30 14:25:12 · answer #3 · answered by Chase 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Obviously, the country would be stronger if united. That, however, is exactly why the division is so stark, both sides want the country united in /thier way of thinking/. Compromise has become intollerable, as the Rep and Dem positions have diverged.
2007-10-30 06:24:10 · answer #4 · answered by B.Kevorkian 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I ponder that thought fairly often . And just about the time I find myself agreeing with your hypothesis , I'm reminded that both the left and radical islamist terrorists have no intention of negotiating whatsoever . This is a battle of good and evil , right and wrong . And other than appeasement , which I would never succomb to , then the only other thing we're left with is fight or lose everything this country was founded on .
FYI , I'm not claiming that the left is equal to radical islamists , but more so identifying the similar mantras . ... . . . . Both are responsible for skewing the differences between right and wrong . But one wants to kill us all for not following their strictest ideology , and the other wants to have no ideology at all . Both extremists .
2007-10-30 06:31:29 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 2⤋
A very keen observation that we all need to heed.
It definitely does not further our goals to always be at one another's throat.
In the case of the war in Iraq, it could prove to be quite dangerous to the American people; 9/1/1 was just a sampling of what they are capable of.
2007-10-30 07:31:41 · answer #6 · answered by Nothingusefullearnedinschool 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
When your belief system is talked about contemptously you have a tendency to react with bilious content. I find that when I ask a genuine question and someone attacks and calls names I get angry and say things I would never say in person.
2007-10-30 06:29:24 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
I think most people are civil. I am an ****** on here sometimes, but that is because there are no consequences. I have friends who are conservatives and my family is conservatives. I am a Democrat, but we all get along fine.
2007-10-30 06:16:37 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
There IS a lot of contempt, especially on this forum. We have to be more tolerant of other's opinions. Less name calling and finger pointing would be helpful.
Keeping an open mind is essential.
2007-10-30 06:17:06 · answer #9 · answered by katydid 7 · 5⤊ 0⤋
Sure, but that's not going to happen because we mistrust those on the other side and will wait until they extend the olive branch as you are doing. If each side doesn't trust the other, nobody's going to budge.
2007-10-30 06:15:43 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋