Having read many posts on this site I have come to some conclusions, or at least opinions.
There seems to be a widely held view that our government is disfuntional. I think that much of the reason for that is that the two parties not only hold diametrically opposed views on many issues, but think that anyone who holds the opposite view is misinformed, dangerous, and even possessing evil or anti American intent. This demonization of the opposition makes it very difficult, if not impossible, to work together reasonably or come to agreement or, that dirty word, compromise. While many decry this inaction, they inevitably blame it on "the other side". Reding the posts on this forum shows a similar attitude by many as our leaders possess, I/we are right, and the other side is wrong or more often, ignorant, or some other derogatory label. What the hell ever happened to civil discourse? What happened to decency and respect for differing opinions. What happened to trying to understand the reason that someone's opinion differs, and that it comes from a sincere belief that it will be for the greater good, even though one may differ on the probable outcome. This forum is a microcosm of the political world, unfortunately and it often isn't a pretty site (sp). The fact is that most elections, at least nationally as well as many local and state, are determined by people unlike those represented on this and other political forums. Most people aren't that into politics and have no interest in getting into nasty partisan debates, and thus never come to a forum like this. They listen to the candidates and many of them read about the candidates and the issues and try to make a reasoned decision on how they will vote. The people on this forum and others largely have no doubt how they will vote and no argument to the contrary will sway them. Knowing that they either parrot the party line, make fun of the other side, link to information that will support their viewpoint and make no effort to understand much less, be supportive of the other point of view. That, in my opinion, is what makes these attempts to make ones arguments on sites such as this an excercise in futility. Your posts may make you feel temporarily satisfied and even superior, but the reality is you are wasting your time, speaking of which, I have wasted far to much time typing this. Have a wonderful day and don't take yourself too seriously.