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.

Now you're talkin'.

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.

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

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).

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.

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.

Either short memory or you weren't on the political blogs here during the Bush years. He took his lumps from conservatives here, especially on the bailouts. No excuses as you suggest. Who knew that spending was to soon be eclipsed by his predecessor.

That's what happens when you're multi-tasking, yes successor.

Some clarification? On JU or nationally?

I can confirm this for a German conservative blog (http://www.pi-news.net/). While I respect them as a news outlet, I have never been able to post there because most of my comments get deleted within minutes.

Nationaly

Which is why I asked when the debate became more radical. Or the environment so toxic. I doubt it happened during Obama's era. But I do remember the frantics existing during Bush's 04 election. Really, with all the sides telling us "It's the most important election of your life!!", I think people started to be VERY polarised around that time.

Seconded!

I have heard that statement many times in the past 6 years.  I have yet to find such a site.  I would like to at least peruse it.  Do you have any suggestions?

Good point!  But then you want to change the things you do not like, and D&L are the things we do not like.  But I will concede that we do not hammer on the things we should change on the other side.  And that it is the actions of the republicans from 2002-2006 that caused the liberals to gain control. But then hammering at the republicans to get away from their free spending ways is not going to change the destruction the liberals are currently engaged in.

It is always good to plug the leaky faucet in your house, but when the creek is rising, you best be sandbagging your house first, or the leak will not matter.

I do not recall making excuses for them, but others may.  There is too much wrong on the ruling side to worry about looking for snakes in the grass.