Why can't people discuss politics without getting nasty about it?

Question

It's obvious that politics are a controversial idea in their own. People have different views but and are passionate about them. But why can't we just express our views without getting immature about it--attacking the opposite side with 'you conservative Christian," or "You contradictory liberals!" It lowers your own credibility and embarrasses the view you're representing. You're not defending your side, you're being petty.

Answer 1

Actually they can discuss politics without being nasty. There are many in here who choose not to do so.

Most of the time when they get the nastiest is when their point is the weakest. They can't hold their own with content so they resort to the tactics they learned on the elementary school playground. Name calling!

No, it's not much of a tactic. But rather than admit defeat on the point they will use it so they can say they went down swinging. So much for acting like grownups.

Answer 2

Good point Tivo.

I've noticed that the politics of hate have substantially increased since 92.  I believe retribution for the hatred of Clinton is the prime motivation in the current use of hatred for Bush.

I do not believe that one should take offense at being labeled a conservative nor liberal if that does represent their views.

And I do believe that some resort to name calling because they don't have valid arguments for their position.  This is not to say that valid arguments don't exist for it, but they have followed the platform of a party rather than examining the positions of that party on each one's merits.  The parties do in fact endorse positions contrary to other of their positions and I doubt anyone can actually be benefitted by all positions of any party.  Therefore it seems odd to me that that we cannot admit that "our" party has positions we don't support.

As an independent and a veteran, my own interests are national security and providing the ground truth to the American people, which the media is not reporting.

http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-DfkctJU7d...

Answer 3

Because basically people are nasty!

Answer 4

Well, first of all, a lot of it is due to our bipartisan system.  It is always one way or the other, and no middle ground to choose from.  The choices are so drastically different sometimes and they could have such a profound affect that people feel threatened.  Let's face it, most of us firmly support our own ideas and beliefs and are not about to change them because someone else thinks it is wrong.  I personally hate to have someone shove their views down my throat.  It feels like you are a wild animal backed into a corner.  Sometimes the only way people can defend themselves is to be petty(instead of putting their ego aside and walking away from the conversation.)  I've found that you will never persuade someone to your 'side' unless they are looking for information to make an educated decision.  It is usually useless to debate someone who's already made up their mind--unless you're looking to pick a fight.

Answer 5

Because if people are stupid enough to think that the Bush administration has done even a decent job you are a dumbass and hurt the country by supporting them.  The Bush administration and their supporters are the real enemy of the priniciples of the United States and should be treated that way.

Way to ruin our country neo-cons