General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Why I am taking a break from DU. [View all]spin
(17,493 posts)I don't consider people who hold different political views from mine to be either evil or stupid.
A person's political views are often based on the political views of their parents and their own life experiences.
When I talk politics with others I often avoid arguing with them as that is futile but I do my best to understand why they feel the way they do. For example if I am talking to a gun owner who has a significant amount of money invested in his gun collection and owns semiautomatic firearms, I can understand his reluctance to vote for a candidate who wants to see a new Federal Assault Weapons Ban enacted. If I am talking to a fundamentalist Christian who believes the Bible is the liberal word of God then I can understand why he votes for people who he see as conservative Christians. When I am talking to a conservative who believes in a strict interpretation of the Constitution then I can see why he votes for a candidate who promises to nominate only conservative justices for the Supreme Court. When I talk to a liberal individual who favors equality for all races and sexual orientations then I understand why he votes for progressive candidates. If I talk to a person who is concerned about global warming I realize that it's unlikely that he will vote for most Republicans.
However one thing I have commonly found while talking with others that there is a large amount of frustration with those we elect and send to Washington DC to represent us. Nothing ever seems to change no matter who we elect and many feel that big money owns those we elect and in effect is running our nation for their profit.
The level of discontent if not anger has risen to the level that helps to explain why both Betnie and Trump did so well. Far too many people are sick and tired of our political establishment and both major parties.
If our two parties wish to survive much longer it might be wise for both to start figuring out issues they can work together on which would help improve life for all in our nation. Otherwise we may find the "Kick all the bums out" movement finally gathering steam and many long term politicians out of a job. Unfortunately that would mean our nation would lose a lot of valuable experience at the highest levels of government.