I've been posting in this particular forum for several weeks now, and I'm noticing a pattern, namely the great deal of open hostility some folks seem to harbor regarding members of a political party that they aren't affiliated with.

I'm always hearing the Democrats referred to as "dummycrats, dimmocraps, and other names that I can't presently recall. Republicans are referred to in terms equally disrespectful. People with Republican leanings seem to hold the Democrats at fault for all the problems the country has, and likewise the Democrats will swear up and down that things would be wonderful if not for those awful Republicans. Now, since Democrats and Republicans seem about equal in number in the United States, that would lead one to believe that about half the country thinks the other half is completely loony. Could that be? Is the country really half nuts?

One significant thing that I've noticed however is the fact that some of the most prolific users of these derogatory terms for members of opposing political parties seem to be among the most poorly informed, usually relying more on emotionalisms, selectively used cut 'n pastes, and good old prejudices in lieu of facts and intelligent persuasion to support their positions.

So I'm wondering if anyone else notices this and if they thought it would ever be possible to have a political conversation, remain civil, and actually learn something from one and other? Political discussion could be rewarding and enjoyable if only we could do it without all the hostilities and personal attacks and if only some of us could give thoughtful reflection to other's points of view and remain on topic in our responses.

What do you people think of all this? Please take a moment and state your opinions.
rx

You Stupid liberal!!!

just kidding, btw, you forgot DIMocrat I think. And the all-time fav, NEOCON.

boy wouldn't that be nice LOL

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tip for new truckers: to err is human, to forgive is not D.O.T. policy.
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You have to be have a flame retardant spirit to post on this board for all the reasons you mentioned.

It seems that NeoCon is viewed as a derogatory term, however, I use it in reference to a group of people who are promoting their policy choices in the Bush administration. It is short for NeoConservatism...nothing more.

The things that those of us with liberal or moderate views are called many things, none of them are intended to make you feel anything but insulted..or to express the posters disdain.

I don't blame Republicans, they are a dying breed...try to find one...I have a real problem with NeoCons...

It would be nice to discuss issues and possibly learn from eachother, however, it isn't likely to happen here, in my view.

KJ

I dont do politics... but you got a post out of me on a political forum!

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You're from Canada, so you don't count!!!

Long live the Queen!

Actually, maybe we should start with definitions of these terms. (please, no cut 'n pastes from Wikipedia) You know, what we really mean when we call someone a Neocon or a Dimocrat. Are we talking socially or economically?

Personally speaking I've always thought in traditional terms, such as thinking a conservative in the literal sense of the word. It seems however that the word has taken on different, more radical connotations of late...
rx

Let me explain myself. I use the word NEOCON, as in those who support Bush and other stupid polititans and their over spending ideas. As in Hillary clinton and her stupid National Health care system that cost US too much money and supplies Health care to illegals.
When It comes to political parties, I pull no punches. I will bash a democrat just as quick as a NEOCON.

The thing is about this forum, You have NEOCON supporters who will support Bush to no end. They would support Bush even if he slapped their mother. The NEOCONS have had control over congress for too long. And have done some really stupid things to our soveriegnty, financial security, and our reputation.
The Demoquacks have done nothing. Seriously. They have done nothing to fix what the NEOCONS screwed up. They haven't stopped this dictator. They haven't helped our military. They have done nothing.
And most of us know this. But you have the NEOCONS protecting their stupid bush supporting polititians as if they were sent here from GOd himself.
I know, it gets old reading all their rhetoric, day after day. And just mentioning a real Republican like Ron Paul, and low in behold, you get banned, an infraction, or forced to post on ONE thread cause the NEOCONS got together and cried their bleeding hearts out to the few(or maybe just one) mods who don't support Ron Paul.
The democrats are competition. NEOCONS don't like that. Even if they might come up with a better idea.

the voice of reason speaks

Your kidding, right? In a post on another thread, evidently I said something that pinched a hole in your boxers and the only thing you posted was ......Have you been smoking one too many? Give me a break, your just as bad as anyone else. Don't come bouncing around in here telling everyone about how everyone else does this and that, when you're slinging the same mud, pal.

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