Question for all americans

[the_steevo_uk]

Do you think that politics in the USA has become more polarised since 9/11?

I ask this because as an outsider looking in, it seems clear to me that there a clear line has emerged between the liberals and the conservatives. I remember when I worked in DC I met a guy named Cal Thomas (i think he's quite well known?) he basically told me that even though he was a strong conservative he missed the days when left and right would sit together and discuss issues amiably, now he felt like politics had turned into one big mudslinging match, and that people tuned into network tv just to see people shout at each other for the entertainment value.

Seems sad to me, because whilst the left right distinction in Britain is very clear, there is a measure of respect and debate which doesnt seem to be there in the USA anymore.

On the other hand people also tell me that conservatives in USA are pussies compared to what they were in say the 1960's and that even the traditional red states are no way near as conservative as they once were, which would seem to indicate that maybe there is less polarisation.

If anyone has thoughts on this I would be interested to know.

[Kazan]

Do you think that politics in the USA has become more polarised since 9/11?

I ask this because as an outsider looking in, it seems clear to me that there a clear line has emerged between the liberals and the conservatives. I remember when I worked in DC I met a guy named Cal Thomas (i think he's quite well known?) he basically told me that even though he was a strong conservative he missed the days when left and right would sit together and discuss issues amiably, now he felt like politics had turned into one big mudslinging match, and that people tuned into network tv just to see people shout at each other for the entertainment value.

Seems sad to me, because whilst the left right distinction in Britain is very clear, there is a measure of respect and debate which doesnt seem to be there in the USA anymore.

On the other hand people also tell me that conservatives in USA are pussies compared to what they were in say the 1960's and that even the traditional red states are no way near as conservative as they once were, which would seem to indicate that maybe there is less polarisation.

If anyone has thoughts on this I would be interested to know.

I would say all this shit started with the Clinton run for the WhiteHouse and has gone down hill since.

As you can see on this board there are a few of different political ideals that can debate and issue in a civil manner, the rest is just emotional knee jerk reaction.

I don't think coservatives are pussie's, I think republicans are pussie's or just plain RINO's

When it comes right down to it I lean conservative, but I don't give a shit about the GOP, I care about America and what is good for the country.

[Hugo Chavez]

plunging downhill since 94.

[Dos Equis]

I would say all this shit started with the Clinton run for the WhiteHouse and has gone down hill since.

As you can see on this board there are a few of different political ideals that can debate and issue in a civil manner, the rest is just emotional knee jerk reaction.

I don't think coservatives are pussie's, I think republicans are pussie's or just plain RINO's

When it comes right down to it I lean conservative, but I don't give a shit about the GOP, I care about America and what is good for the country.

I agree.  Well said.  You're absolutely right about this trend starting during the Clinton years.  Two years ago I posted a commentary from the Clinton years that talks about we went from agree/disagree and right/wrong to good vs. evil.  http://www.getbig.com/boards/index.php?topic=149392.0

[Soul Crusher]

I agree.  Well said.  You're absolutely right about this trend starting during the Clinton years.  Two years ago I posted a commentary from the Clinton years that talks about we went from agree/disagree and right/wrong to good vs. evil.  http://www.getbig.com/boards/index.php?topic=149392.0

It started when the Dems started saying the GOP wanted to kill old people and starve kids. 

[Kazan]

It started when the Dems started saying the GOP wanted to kill old people and starve kids. 

It's like anything else in politics these day's if it works for one party the other is going to be on it like stink on shit.

I can remember actual debates ( seems like eons ago ) when each candidate layed out their plan and argued the merits and downside of the plans. Now all we get is, but the other guy is an asshole vote for me I'm the lesser of 2 evils.

I'm of the opinion that there is nothing more worthless than a career politician, as far as i'm concerned house, senate, president should all only server 2 terms. Then these fuckers would actually have to go out an get jobs and do something productive for this country.

I also think that Supreme Court Judges getting a life time appointment is a load of crap.

[240 is Back]

IMO politics has always been like this.  Only now, thanks to the web, you aren't just dependent upon the newspaper on your porch to steer your thinking.  The web means you can spend 10 hours a day reading articles or posts that support/disagree with your positions.

it's a cooler hobby now.

[MM2K]

On the other hand people also tell me that conservatives in USA are pussies compared to what they were in say the 1960's and that even the traditional red states are no way near as conservative as they once were, which would seem to indicate that maybe there is less polarisation

The "pussifying" of conservatives is probably one of the big reasons they are a lot more successfull now than they were in the 60s.

The best balance is to have compassion in the micro and standards in the macro. Conservatives tend to want standards in both the micro and the macro. Liberals tend to want compassion in both the micro and macro. But in the past 30 years or so, conservatives have done a better job of allowing some compassion in the micro. Liberals have not done a good job of allowing much standards in the macro, and that is why it is now a center-right country.

[Hugo Chavez]

It started when the Dems started saying the GOP wanted to kill old people and starve kids. 

I think Newt had a lot more responsibility in getting that ball rolling downhill.