Amen to that, Brad.

I am not blameless about that whole state of affair (the hate-game that has been developping in politics), well, at least on this forum. But the situation is really worrying, on the whole. People are just getting even more antagonising, radical and fanatical in their rethorics, their understanding, their beliefs and their actions.

Some people on one side would never, ever admit that Obama did a single thing right. While some on the other would never, ever admit that Bush did a single thing right either. It then snowballs into less fanatics, but just as detrimental to the whole debate.

Part of the problem is that this 'meme' is being actively promoted by one side.  The same side that had no problem with the Philly New Black Panther voter intimidation thugs, Weathermen, Jeremiah Wright, etc.

I believe the vehemence, if you want to call it that, of the opposition (conservative Republicans, Tea Party members, etc.) is due to the disdain & disrespect shown toward them by Democrats and the sycophant media, which says to them, 'Take your opinions, values and beliefs and stuff them - you're nothing but a bunch of racists'.

Furthermore, much of the 'hate' you refer to is either entirely fabricated or intentionally misattributed.

I see what you did there.

Effectively, the whole situation is the Liberal and Democrats' fault.

Well, that was a quick debate, eh?

Now you're talkin'.

I'm currently listening to The Federalist Papers as read by Americana Phonic.  They are excellent, and cover a vast range of political topics.  The reading itself is also very well done.  #38 (or was it #39) in particular has some good commentary on how a person ought to approach political decisions, or really any decision which should be founded upon reason.

See?  Daiwa just convinced you!

In all seriousness however, I do enjoy talking politics with some on the other side of the issues (not to say the other side of the spectrum, as you do not really conform to american spectrums).  We can in a reasoned, if impassioned, manner.  There are others around JU and around the web where that is impossible.  Unfortunately, Daiwas generalizations are too close to home.  Early upon my return there was one thread that was being discussed, and of course it was left-right.  And no sooner had I started reading it and commenting than the pejoratives came out from the left (not at me that time).

When you meet an american liberal on the street, and talk to him (or her), chances are you can get a good conversation if they are up on politics.  But on forums such as these, they seem to be more seminar posters that have only a few talking points and when refuted, get nasty.

part of the problem is they do not understand what and why they believe so can't debate it.  And get flustered when you do not agree with them after having expended all of their talking points.  Conservatives on this forum however are more committed and knowledgable, and therefore can thrust and parry with the best of the left.

I don't think this board really is a good take on the rationality of american left-wingers. Col Gene was a disgrace to all. This board is strongly conservatives, making the liberal posters more likely than not leave and post in a more friendly environment, and only those who are thick-headed* stay

* or can't seem to find another interesting political board. Like me.

Glad you're thick-headed, Cikomyr.  Keep it coming.  At least until we convert you to the dark side.

http://www.mererhetoric.com/archives/11276069.html

I had almost forgotten about the old bird.  I wonder what he is doing now that Bush is out of office. I suspect he is still trying to get him impeached!

As for this board, I agree.  but I am glad it is not solely conservative.  I see no point in preaching to the choir.  I do wish there were more rational left folks, but we can do without wise fawn and Dabbs (I am not sure COl was left as must as he just hated Bush).

I hate when people just get so self righteous in their opinions that they want to villify everyone who disagrees with them.  Some seem to just get so angry about issues that it consumes them.  I admit that occassionally I get my hackles raised by the those who take the low blows but I try to keep some perspective. 

Locamama we don't see you comment so much anymore, since your girl got bumped in the primaries. It would be interesting to get your point of view on many of the topics that have cropped up recently. Anyway, good to see you...don't be a stranger.

Amen. Both sides just keep at it agains the other.

Strongly Conservative but not completely as DrGuy pointed out. While we may not all agree on particular political opinions, we at least don't stop people from expressing their opinions. At least not from the website level. The blog writer has the freedom to blacklist people if they want. However, for people who claim to fight for the rights of the American people, it's interesting how sites like Democratic Underground actually have rules prohibiting people from having an opinion opposite of theirs on that site or have your account removed. I am very passionate about my beliefs, but not to the point of hating someone.

I am pretty sure you have the same behavior in some of the worst conservative blogs too.

Look, you peoples just keep hammering that while the situation in America's politics is bad, it's mostly the Dem's and Liberal's fault. You refuse to consider the bad elements that plague your own side because... well, because you don't see them as bad elements. But they are, and they are just as disruptive and dangerous to the political debate in the USA as the Dem's bad sides.

Like the Dems, you make excuses for them. You claim they are misrepresented by the medias. You say "but the other side is much worse".