Why don't people seem to be able to carry on civil conversations about politics?
81357
Its very simple, political beliefs are just like other beliefs, most of them are learned from parents, friends, and peers.  Many people don't even understand all of the facts surrounding and issue before forming an opinion on it.  In most cases becoming fully informed would take too much time.  Politics, like religion, become a core to our identities, and people feel that an attack on their political beliefs is an attack on themselves.  Its easy to become defensive when this happens.
625489
Dear Friend,\n\nTo keep order.  The more people are trying to talk to one another, the more chaotic it can be.  Most committees are trying to decide something together, and most keep records of what they talked about.  Having one voice at a time lets committees move ahead.\n\nYour Friend,\nFrancesois
1115182
Cheers to you. I think after this many years it's time to ammend all the ammendments.\n\n   Certainly,,, with that said,  and agreeing with you,,, there are inappropriate times to openly, publically, voice ones opinions. IE: Politics and Religion being two subjects that one should temper statements about.\n\nRev. Steven
237479
That is all depends on the person by person.  Somebody is straight forwards.  Some others are starting with friendly talks, then diverting the subject.  I think, the second one is something better, because, we will come to know, what is the present situation of that man.
1095657
Very perceptive grasshopper.  It is ridiculous, I think that Politics makes me nuts.  It goes all the way down to local government.  It is almost as soon as they get into office they forget about all the people and only care for the few. I hate to get started, you never know who's tapping into your conversations anymore: in the name of security we lose our voice.  You gotta say they have some slick moves.
742999
You have to talk about something that everyone wants to talk about.\n\nSimple as that... But at the same time... Not easy!\n\nPlus you have to promote it so that people can find it.
519440
I am really not at all sure of what you're trying to say, but good communication skills are essential in any public endeavor. You have VERY limited skills in this area.
919102
While that's a noble ideal, it is human nature to disagree.  Everyone has their own set of life experiences that helped shape their beliefs and the priority they give different aspects of life, including those that intersect with the government.  Also, for the intellectually lazy, it's simply easier to demonize opponents instead of addressing their concerns and engaging in reasoned debate.
1163807
Good question.  Keep the pressure on the politicians.  There are millions that feel as you do, you are not alone. In fact this may be the one issue that brings US citizens together.  This issue crosses all parties and most are mad as hell.
214143
I have never spared the chance to talk about controversial topics with all kinds of people, leftists, right wingers, communists, etc.\n\nPeople just don't realise that talking about things usualy solves half of the problem. TALK TALK TALK. You must always talk.\n\nI was very SHOCKED at Yahoo Answers for removing some of my questions where I asked about things like "WHY did the British Give the Palestinian Mandate to the Zionists". i found it very shocking that Yahoo would censor me.\n\nI have also participated in tens of International student forums in many different countries in Europe and even in the Middle East.\n\nYou can't imagine how people want to talk about important issues. Everyone has his or her own fear, and they need to talk about it.\n\nThe best thing to do for bridging the global divide is to think like a citizen of the world, and to start realising that that kid in Alabama riding his bicycle is as worthy as that Palestinian kid running in his worn out shoes away from an approaching Israeli tank.\n\nOr that Sudanese child in Darfur who is escaping a barbaric genocide.
776854
Eric, most people are either too dumb or mentally lazy to think about real issues.  That's why people argue over people's reputations instead of over different points on an issue.  If you ask a serious question in a serious way, with lots of words.... your question is going to be ignored.  People don't enjoy thinking (for the most part).  Our soceity is very anti-intellectual.
863488
I would guess that it has polarized views even farther. Maybe we Americans just don't know how to play nice. My hardly contained contempt aside, our religious and spiritual beliefs, our values seem to be our identity, our purpose. What else is more important to argue about? I think we are all eager to communicate, but we just don't do it well. While the internet provides an easy and comfortable place to be expressive, we tend to let our ultimate desire for harmonious relationships and appropriate discussion go somehow...I guess collectively we are just figuring out how to speak and listen.
130803
people just dont have time for each other. they want to fulfill other committments first. when they do talk, there are barriers in communciation and that starts fights. it's the rushed lifestyle thats causing problems.
717884
That depends on the people involved. The important thing to remember when talking about things is discuss--don't argue.
521824
Unfortunately it's almost impossible. Other than to just keep to yourself and not communicate with people much.  Bad part is -- it would get lonely.  I hate being in a position where the politics are bad but at the same time I'm unemployed right now and wish I had a job to go to.  Rent due today and I don't have it.
153871
Some people cannot communicate their thoughts as well as others. And yes the answers are out there for them to find, but you become their resource when you agree to answer their questions.
1168209
I agree. I know a lot of people who do that. The longer you keep a problem bottled up, the bigger the problem gets. It's always better to be up-front and talk it over.