Would the left get more respect if it didn't rely on fringe theories...?
815017
I'm really not sure.  I know lots of leftists who really are totally calm people.  You just have different beliefs than Conservatives.  It seems, though, that they all get lumped in to the neo-libs who blame everything on bush and everything is a conspiracy theory.  You've done it yourself.  I've seen that you've generalized and insulted the entire liberal/democrat group.  It's ok, everyone does it.\n\nDemocrats are only as bad as you see them.  If all you look at is their crazy conspiracy theories OF COURSE you'll think they're stupid.  But if you see that there are pleanty of responsible and respectable liberals, you're on the right path.  Same with conservatives.
1023681
the left probably has more... but I think that the ones on the left are believed by fewer of those on the right...\n\nfor example... 9-11 was caused by the government... believe it or not, the VAST majority of those on the left do not believe this, but those who do are quite loud about their beliefs, so it may seem more actually believe it...\n\non the conservative side... you have the "liberal media"... that it seems almost every conservative believes... (perhaps it's the same though and only they are the loudest, I'm not so sure?)... \nclearly while some media outlets do have some bias of some degree, the VAST majority of what the major news networks say is true and based in fact...
115632
Yes.\nReligion is just another political group with figure heads representing its constituants.\n\nall ideas should be questioned.  especially when those ideas are cited when causing harm to other groups of people.
53154
Stuborness, I suppose.  We can present them with the latest theories and information and if it doesn't fit in with their world view, they'll just dispute it or fail to believe it.
1037693
In general terms, neither.  It was a lunatic fringe.  Their nationality or claimed religious beliefs are not an issue as they do not represent the mainstream views of any group.
351974
You make a good , and obvious case for us conservatives, however, you lose ground by specifically pointing to a black kid and then later calling him a loser.  Dangerous territory and destroys your credibility of those minds you are trying to perhaps change.  Unless you were purposely trying to narrow your audience to deep south white folks only.
1006378
I think you hit the nail on the head when you said "SOME".  Some of any group will just talk trash, liberal or conservative.  It's what people do.  You probably just notice liberals more because you know that crazy, irrational conservatives aren't representative, because you're a conservative and you don't think you're irrational.  It's pretty classic prejudice.\nI really think civil discourse is as possible as it ever was.  You just have to wade through lots of jibberish to find it.  I like to remind myself that people have reasons for thinking the way they do.  It helps me differentiate what's a good argument from what's a bad.  When someone acts like one side is completely unreasonable, then that person generally has a bad argument.  But when someone thoughtfully discusses opinions in a respectful manner, that person is usually using good arguments.  Because they don't have to defend with emotion.
930135
Either that or they weren't in control in the 1st place. I think the latter is just a little more believable, though I'm sure there will be plenty of Libs who believe the former.
1039739
Yes,yes, yes.  \n\nYou are going to get a fine example of exactly how closed minded the open minded left is with this question.  \n\nLet's see if a single one actually answers it without some lame *ss comment.\n\nI did not see her recent interviews or read the book to this point.  If it is like her others, it will be filled with well referenced examples so you may check out if you have doubts as to their validity.  \n\nThat makes it about number 9,000,000,000,000 on the liberal best seller list as they have an apparent allergy to facts and obective references.
1050279
My friend this is what the American left has done to America.  The left-wing media, government officials, soon enough to be the American people have been hypnotized to think that it's ok for everyone else to show pride for what they are unless you are white, rich, or conservative.\n\nThis is just one of the problems driven from Political Correctness and an overwhelming secular movement in America.\n\nWe must not be afraid of these ploys used by the liberals and we should take pride in the fact that we are all Americans, regardless if we are white or black, rich or poor, conservative or liberal.
549197
Neither really.  It all depends on your point of view. \n\nInfact, I think it's personally detrimental to label yourself as either.  Because once you do that, you ascribe to yourself a set of beliefs that fall within either the left or right of the political spectrum.  If people are so shallow and weak minded that they need a one word answer to fully describe their political ideas, good on them.\n\nI myself refuse to say either, since I have some ideas that are obviously liberal, and some that are obviously conservative.
536946
Frankly, I wish that they would. Those bible thumping manic retards make us all look like a bunch of ignorant megalomaniacs. I think of myself as a conservative, and I believe in God, but I honestly don't care if other people don't. \n\nIn fact, I just had to send a couple packing off my front porch last night. Nothing like a 78 lb Rotty throwing himself against the screen door to discourage visitors. Heh heh heh.\n\nAnyway, I'd be glad to see the back end of those morons as they break off to form their own cult, pardon me, party- because it sucks that everyone associates those attention seeking lowlifes to all Republicans.
101242
yes, but only for those who are willing to help themselves.\n\npeople that rely on others all the time are known as democrats
849990
Your question is too generalizing so I have to answer with no.But the details are very interesting and there I must agree that it's a flaw of lot of my fellow left wingers.Being extra nice to people is not treating them equal or seeing them as equal.\nI believe it's of the greatest importance to see everyone as an individual and hold them to the same standards before qualifying them into groups.Seeing people first as part of a group is always destructive in my view.Also part of the reason I have to answer your question with no because it talks about a whole group.\nGood question and I at least am willing to admit on this point a big part of the left wing should do some thinking
596235
Like communism, it sounds great IN THEORY. However, there is the small detail of how could anyone convince people that the things that they've held in such high regard their entire lives to be false. And keep in mind these aren't just theories about what COULD be to them, they are FACTS. Like gravity or mathematics, for some people belief in some higher being is just as constant and valid. But if you can think of a way for it to happen, I'm right with ya.
873676
should they? clearly\n\nwill they? they have been proudly moving farther and farther out, proclaiming that anyone who stands against them is a "terrorist liberal"... I really don't see any move to moderation in the future with this attitude...\n\nI think the democrats did in the last election... not all but many who won... and that's why they won... and I don't really see any third party with the clout to make anything really happen... but who knows... we could all be surprised...
1048293
am so glad that the left has no hate. read these answers and please explain were the love is. \n\nhttp://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=A9FJu9Ni6JlEHukATwLpy6IX?qid=20060621174256AAo1eOm