Loss of Civility in the American Body Politic?
154521
Hhahha, actually no i dont think we lossed our civility in the American body of politics but its just that we get influenced by other means, like friends, family, TV, radio, and the like!! As a matter of fact, i loved ur answer, it really was food for thought, i might even actually consider changing my thought since u mentioned it!! Great Job!! Thank you so much, and please never think that u don't have an influence on ppl, u sure did on me, n yes u might be surprised n might even brigten up ur day i hope!! Good luck n keep in touch! ;)
261607
Non violence and passive resistence. That means you don't fight back. It includes tactics like sitting for hours in a restaurant that will not serve you and going limp and not fighting when you are dragged out, even if they hit you. These tactics made an impression on the American people and brought about a change in the attitude of many who saw this in the newspapers and on television
586013
THERE IS NO DIVIDE!  The VAST majority of Americans are middle-of-the-road.  They are not as deeply divided in Conservative/Liberal.  That is what the politicians say to invoke passion in citizens.  But the reality is that VERY VERY few people lean strongly one way or the other.  I am trying to remember the name of a book I read for a low-level Political Science course in college that outlines this all very well.
817548
Unfortunately in a world that promotes individualism, they leave the decision to be decent and courteous up to the individual.  Most ppl know in their hearts what is right and wrong (even without being taught) and most ppl know rather or not they are being rude.  Although, in some rare cases, rude ppl really just dont know they're being rude (usually due to upbringing or cultural differences)...Anyway....I dont think our standards have fallen...i dont know anyone who ENJOYS being disrespected.  However, i do believe we have failed ourselves and each other by allowing a busy schedule or our worry of "what others think" to disrupt our normal maintenance of good values and decency.\nSome ppl also use excuses to not be polite...."i've been hurt by so many already...im just gonna beat ppl to the punch and hurt them first or close them out so they cannot hurt me"....thoughts like that are prevailing high in America especially, now days.  Ppl are becoming more and more bitter or closed off due to hurt feelings or worst yet, vengeful feelings from past experiences.  Ppl of today, with their busy lives, find it quicker to close ppl out or hurt others to keep them away rather than spend a moment or two being kind.  We've become quite synical, critical and "closed", especially to ppl we do not know.\nDon't give up hope though...a lot of ppl still believe in manners and common courtesy...there are those that will be commonly corgeal and others that will go out of their way to make someone smile.  But you gotta take the good with the bad and try not to let the bad effect how you respond, while teaching the next generation to not get bitter...get better.\nkeep the faith in humanity...there's still some good out here :0)\nmarjenl72
1062461
It depends upon how loud American citizens yell.  Let's face it.  Our politicians are only concerned about being re-elected.
697020
This is sickening to say the least.\n\nUnfortunately the US isn't far behind.  Freedom of speech should be just that, the freedom to speak - period!\n\nUntil the special interest groups, political correctness and so called multiculturalism are eliminated from society we can expect to lose more than our freedom of speech.
355270
Encouraging good leadership.  If they call people names, spread rumors, or undermine our elected leaders, they are not acting like U.S.A. citizens.  They do not deserve our support and continue to shame us in front of the entire world by attacking each other for polical gain.  Political gain is not a problem.  Such childish behavior as I listed above it.  Until that is removed, but us, the U.S. government, then we will continue to have people trying to get Democrat and Republican to hate each other.\n\nI'm a Democrat.  Time we stood together against these undermining cowardly people.  Speak up!  Choose people of character and ethics on both sides and cheer each other on while disagreeing about the details.  The main thing we agree on.  We're U.S. citizens.  WE ARE THE GOVERNMENT!
924670
It's not detrimental-- it's only free expression and a right to choose.  Etiquette and diplomacy never hurt anyone.\n\nAmerica could go back to the days when Natives were heathens and their skins were worn as coats in the winter, if you'd rather.  They would probably treat all non-Conservatives that way.  Tar and feather, hang, shackles, whatever, for looking differently or acting differently.\n\nBrash thinking is passe.  Get with the times.
819506
This, unfortunately, is what the politics board has ALWAYS been. Now that the crass and crude here don't have candidates to insult, they turn on one another.\n\nThe shame of our nation: we have lost respect for opposing views. How will we ever stand together against terrorism, if we can't even be civil to one another?
813654
Thank you for sharing your epiphany with modern day politics.  I once had the highest regard for our political powers based on what I learned from the history of our founding fathers as we all have learned and I have come to the same conclusion.  The reality of the matter is that politics is everything whether we like it or not. The stroke of a pen from a leader represents a decision for the masses even if the paperwork does not represent our thoughts and beliefs to the fullest extent. That is why we must stay on top of the game and elect our leaders as skillfully as possible.  Knowing your political roots and being able to distinguish between the issues is a self taught philosophy that your social standing forces you to entertain.  Be patient.  Be informed.  Inform others.  We shall overcome!!
481163
I think political correctness is what is bringing our country down today. Everyone is so afraid of hurting everyone's feelings, no one can really say what they feel anymore.\n\nWhen I was growing up, there was much more cooperation in the nation. You could actually *gasp!* disagree with someone, and it was okay. You felt one way, and your neighbor felt another way. When the debate was over, you rolled up your sleeves and went to work side-by-side to get the work done.\n\nToday, if you disagree with someone, you are a traitor or ignorant or a moron. Just look at some of the things people are saying about me on this website solely because I am a conservative Republican.\n\nThere is no Constitutional guarantee against being offended. If you don't like what someone is saying, so what? Appreciate the difference of opinion - discourse is what made this country great.\n\nPeople need to grow up and stop wearing their emotions on their sleeve.
668288
Sorry to hear that...\n\n...Sounds like a lot of the politicians we have in the U.S.
688953
No its your brain. Its the belief systems that create the divisiveness. Americans have always taken sides based on what they believe. Their party affiliation is a result of those beliefs not the other way around.
71587
LOL.  Well obviously the answer is 'yes', the 'people have spoken' or so to speak.  We had our chance for our voices to be heard (it's called Election Day, it pre-marked on most calendars), and we failed to do so.  It's sad how politics, especially Bush, have become such a polarizing factor in America, when fewer people voted in the last election preportionately than ever.  You would think with all these strong opinions, people would have been clogging the polls. So, in a nutshell 'let your voice be heard'?  Obviously most people don't care about that any more.
1079125
Figures.  \n\nPatriotism for liberals is whining about a problem.\n\nPatriotism for conservatives is fixing the problem.
960875
I think the word is "waning", Sir.\n\nPolitical Correctness is getting to be a pain, though.\n\nHave a nice day.
849795
When people no longer use common courtesy and politeness.