Is it possible to ask questions in this category without prejudice?

Question

The democrats insult the republicans.

The republicans insult the democrats.

The Ron Paul supporters insult everyone who doesn't support Ron Paul.

50 years ago, we debated over the issues. Now we just get fired up over rhetoric. Why do we hate the PEOPLE behind the POLICIES? Why can't we disagree on the policy and still be respectful of the people?

What has changed?

Please don't respond with inflammatory remarks about this administration or the previous one. There have been policy differences and heated debates since before Lincoln-Douglas. Yet, everyone was still respectful of one another. In fact, lawmakers from either side of an issue would vehemently disagree in the Capitol, yet share drinks and friendship together afterwards.

Can we not return to that?

Answer 1

i second your motion.

i think a part of the answer is that "compromise" became a dirty word in politics -  yet how else can things get done in Congress ?

and i think compromise became a dirty word when candidates and voting started being done on ONE issue

-such  as your stand on abortion or illegal immigrants.

which somehow meant one side was evil - so compromise was immoral.

but until politicians go back to compromise ( Gerald Ford said "we can disagree without being disagreeable") i don't see a path for recovery.

Answer 2

What has changed is that for the past eight years, there has been a person in the White House who WAS NOT ELECTED.

And frankly, I think there's a fair number of Republicans out there who suspect that there was indeed something fishy about 2000 and 2004.

But - being the human beings that we are - what were they to do? When your football team cheats and then they are ahead in the scoring - do you turn them in or do you do the wave?

Woo-Hoo!

The legitimacy of the entire American political system simply evaporated when the Supreme Court PLACED a President in the White House.

Answer 3

Since before Lincoln-Douglas everyone was NOT respectful of one another.  Not all would share drinks and friendship together afterwards.

There is and always will be some degree of prejudice.

Can there be more tolerance?  Yes.

Years ago people not only hated the policies but the people behind the policies so much so they took up arms.  Thus the Civil War.

Hey didn't you take jdp classes?

Answer 4

Yes.  Some people do.  Most don't.

Answer 5

Um...don't know what history you're reading, politics has always been down and dirty.  Just to use your own example - Lincoln-Douglas were bitter enemies and had heated and insulting debates.  People get fired up about their politics, they are passionate about their stands.  That is why it is considered one of the no-no's for discussion for polite get togethers - along with religion.

Answer 6

I think that mistrust has grown over the years and I truly believe, that for the most part, people are better educated and are therefore more aware of the corruption that unfortunately and undeniably exist in government. That in turn creates anger and a defencive stance. I respect the way you feel and understand it. However, I think the fact that people being so fired up over political policies and those who create them is, in some ways, a good thing. I think it helps keep everybody on there toes

Answer 7

Unfortunately, a higher moral standard has not been around for years. It doesn't sell newspapers or get you the TV ratings.

I think it would be a welcome change to return to a more mannered society, but in reality it is only wishful thinking. I can attempt to lead by example all I want, but when the goliath is clinging to its own irreverant ways its virtually impossible.

Answer 8

Im with you... Ive been asking the same lately.  As far as Im concerned politics are opinions anyways. Nobody is stupid because they have a different opinion.  Take for instance abortion- Republicans are trying to keep babies from dying Democrats are trying to protect women.  Both are moral concerns... would everyone please realize that not everyone has the same morals you do, and because they dont does not make them an immoral person.

Answer 9

People have lost social decorum. No one is polite or knows the social courtesies. Debating is a lost art requiring reflection on BOTH sides of an argument. Politicians have imbued their campaigns with EMOTIONS that are meant to instigate and inflame--and encourage pejorative responses from everywhere and everyone. It is really sad that no one knows how to act like a mature reasonable adult anymore---rather than like spoiled brats.

McCain demonstrates the LEAST derisive position and attacks the least--so that's who I am going for.

Independent voting for McCain in 2008!