Why do some people take political/ economic debate personally?
543410
You're right, few know the difference between believing in something passionately and being a f--king zealot.  But everyone's actions do affect all of us, so I understand why it angers people who think they've nailed the solutions and nobody listens to them.  There's also a pretty big problem with people remaining unwiling to even acknowledge the flip-side of any given coin, even if for no other purpose than to understand your own views better.\n\nAs for internet users, I hope everyone else realizes that this is not the way to spread serious ideas or engage in meaningful discussions of topics with no real, finite solutions--  I mean rapping a little here and there about $h!t is all good, a few remarks to get each other open, but nobody's solving serious problems online.
258169
Political views are based off of one's morals and values - THAT cannot be helped. Where a lot of people go wrong, though, is in seeking media outlets that support their point of view rather than challenge it.\n\nTo be truly informed, one must look at the so-called liberal media and the so-called conservative media - with a gain of salt. One should do as much research as possible and then decide if the evidence shape his views or if he lets his views shape the evidence.
1122907
I think some people vote with their religion because if they are truly religious, their religion gives them the values they believe in. You are generalizing in saying that 'most people' vote according to abortion and the death penalty. Some people do because they feel they are important topics in their lives. Some people vote according to their economic interests because that is important to them. Some people vote according to their environmental beliefs, because that is important to them. A person's beliefs, whether they are religious or otherwise, make up who they are. Perhaps that's why people sometimes use their religion as a base for their voting habits.
605610
It's because people think they are right and when someone questions their beliefs even a little it scares them.\n\nDiffering opinions should be seen as an opportunity.  They will either change you or support what you believe... they are not about anger and fear.
1022002
Politics is a big money shell game\n\nThe politicians have to court the special interest groups that financed them\n\nNo one is held accountable any more\n\nIt is our age of " Enlightenment"
57454
It's true, we all have our own personal beliefs, yet some tend to lean theirs onto others. They'll say it's "Freedom of Speech." How about "Freedom of Choice"?  I choose to follow my path, which may parallel with yours or go in a different direction, but I'm not going to insist mine is THE way. It's what works for us that we choose the road which to walk.
505631
Because liberals have so much love to give to everybody. They're sort of like Michael Jackson, in that they try to give it to the wrong people. So well intentioned, yet so misunderstood.\n\nWhere as conservatives rely too much on rational thinking to form opinions. Curse this brain of mine! Curse it!
1159638
The success of the US is based on an informed electorate...without an informed electorate citizens will make poor choices in the voting booth.  Responsible political discourse is the duty of every citizen...the sharing and exchange of ideas is critical to the functioning of our country...also, I find people and their opinions extremely interesting.
925993
I think it's means that in order to have an opinion about something, you have to know what you're talking about first.  For example, ask someone if they like a certain poltician.  Make sure it's one they know, even use President Bush if you have to.  A lot of people will give you a clear-cut yes or no answer.  Ask them why, and listen to all of the bogus excuses that most people will give you.  It's quite interesting to see how stupid and dishonest some people really are.
1067369
I can't answer that, but I know you seem to be right.  I try to keep my opinions to myself in public, because I know I cannot be pursuaded to another belief, so why argue?  "They," however, seem to like to get into disagreements and arguments, and I don't give in.  On here, however, I love commenting on some of the silly answers given!  Too bad it isn't like IM so we can discuss some of these things further...
162450
Sometimes it is because they really want to know how others can respond to it.  A lot of questions are loaded, but that is because sometimes people have so much that they think on a subject, and that is reflected in their question.  \n\nSometimes someone does it to try to prove a point.  Sometimes it is a rhetorical question meant to bring up a point of weakness in a faith.\n\nThe answerers can shed light on the topic however to all who would read the question.  Perhaps the one asking will not listen to an objective answer, but other readers might.\n\nI think that most questions asked in this forum are sincere, and people are really seeking answers, or seeking to know how other people may answer the same question.
1056292
Because people like to force their views on other people.
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.
962179
Debates only show the point of view of the debaters. They do \nnot give us more information then we could other wise obtain\nfrom other sources, and they certainly do not make us smarter.\n\nThank you very much, while you're up!
297010
I completely understand.  People argue over something without any evidence or facts to back up what they are saying.  I think they do it just to annoy you and to try to sound intelligent even though they end up sounding like an idiot!
843263
I would say it is "because they know people who vote democrat don't understand economics and they are deceiving them to achieve their own agenda."\n\nThe reasons behind this?\n\nWithout a doubt, the single most difficult fact of public finance to get across to people is the understanding that the burden for the heavy taxation of the wealthy disproportionately falls on the middle class and working poor. People either cannot, or will not recognize it.\n\nConsider the new taxes imposed in the Budget Enforcement Act of 1990. As part of the new taxes imposed by Congress, the law imposed a 10% luxury tax on high ticket items such as private jets and yachts. While many in the working class and the poor cheered because they thought that finally the rich are going to have to pay, they were wrong. The rich did not pay -- everyone else did.\n\nBecause the rich believed the tax was unfair they simply refused to pay it. They canceled contracts for new jets and yachts. The bottom line was that ship-builders throughout New England were forced to close down. A great many hard working men and women who worked in these yards were thrown out of work, and subsequently went on public assistance. So who was hurt? The Rich? No. The working class got hurt.\n\nIn a post-expenditure analysis the GAO reported that the tax generated about $75 Million, but cost the government about $125 Million from a combination of reduced revenues and increased outlays to take care of the newly unemployed.\n\nThere is a simple proposition in taxation policy that (if it were possible) I'd gladly tattoo on the forehead of every single man and woman in government (federal, state and local)\n\nTHE EFFECTS OF TAXATION ALWAYS FLOW DOWNHILL.\n\nIf you overtax corporations -- consumers pay higher prices.\nIf you overtax the wealthy -- the working class pays.\nIf you overtax the middle class -- consumer buying dries up.\n\nUnfortunately, Modern tax policy isn't about raising revenues anymore; it's about making sure one's constitutents feel good that "the other guy" is getting stuck with the bill. The answer, of course, is tax equity; but in these days of polarized politics, what should be a policy based on reason and sensibility has degenerated into another blood-sport.\n\nThanks Jack...
1019367
Everyone wants to be right. They think if they say it loud enough or often enough, every else will agree with them. Politics are based on our beliefs not our knowledge.