EOM

I think many on both sides are tired and tend to blame each other. I wouldn't say there is a *problem* with partisan fanaticism, as that, to me, indicates that this is a majority feeling, or close to the majority.

Minority screams the loudest, and despite often hearing arguments that "this is all <insert other party's> fault" I do not feel this is a representative of most.

Short form answer - the fanatics are a minority.

Perhaps the UK is more apathetic about politics than the US - but I don't remember the same sort of extremist labels flying around about Labour, Tory or Liberal Democrat supports.

I guess it bothers me that never having registered in any of the US political parties that you can't talk about politics without being characterised as the worst of the "other side". Its very strange.

Or maybe they just know politicians are just that... politicians!!



I would agree with you there, I do think thats part of the blaming that goes on though. It's as if being critical of a decision automatically makes you part of the "other side". The labels and name calling, its all ridiculous.

No. It's not a problem.

I would say that it is... Look how many topics Gary has posted in the last couple of days.

I'm technically a democrat, but I'm not a militant democrat. I don't detest Republicans or the party itself. I detest the moron we have for a president at the moment, but he isn't the entire party. I'll vote for whomever I think will be best for the job. If I thought that was McCain, I'd vote for him. Polarizing everything is stupid, in my opinion. I think there shouldn't even be parties....just let people run for office on their own merits and ideals. It would stop this stupid-arsed "straight-ticket" voting, which is for the weak-minded.

I agree. Case in point - illegal immigration. All the Republican presidential candidates who had the strongest opposition to any reform, exited the race pretty quickly and the frontrunner, McCain, has supported reform that would include providing a pathway to citizenship for the millions of illegals. Yet, you wouldn't think that from what was said here on VJ.

As typical of desis, don't know (though untypically, not much time spent discussing INDIAN politics)

I wonder if the extra votes from today - had anything to do with the slew of anti-Obama articles today.

I'm just tired of being on the defensive every time my brother and sister-in-law show up for a family gathering...militant conservatives + staunch liberals = indigestion....

I think it's more of a problem on the internet and talk radio than in real life.

Probably true.