What is wrong with 'division'?

[SuperDemocrat]

I keep hearing this from the left and I want to know what is wrong with divisiveness? As a military commander I really did try to weed out divisive talk since it destabilized the military unit as a whole. I really don't know if that is good in society since individuals seem to want to operate as separate individuals who are free to choose what they want to be. Families really don't have any other consideration other than to themselves and not to the societal unit as a whole. It would just seem that if we applied the same military mentality to society we would have to weed out any kind of divisive talk and glorify unity because that strengthens our society.

 

[Slade3200]

I agree, divisiveness and the contest of ideas between liberal and conservative ideologies is a useful and necessary component of our democracy. I believe the President addressed that nicely in his speech at the DNC.

The problem in modern times is there is a lack of respect between both sides and an inability to civilly discuss the contrast of ideas. There are too many lies, posturing, manipulation, and distortion in our politics and media which is causing a blind and ignorant divisiveness which is very damaging. We should be able to honestly present and communicate facts and ideas, be heard and acknowledged by both sides, and reach reasonable compromises to determine our course.

We would be so much more powerful if we could support our leadership instead of constantly trying to block, contradict, and discredit... There is a time for debate and challenge but that seems to consume our political system and we are left with very little time for teamwork and productivity.

 

[Unkotare]

......

The problem in modern times is there is a lack of respect between both sides and an inability to civilly discuss the contrast of ideas. ....

That's not a modern development.

 

[SuperDemocrat]

I agree, divisiveness and the contest of ideas between liberal and conservative ideologies is a useful and necessary component of our democracy. I believe the President addressed that nicely in his speech at the DNC.

The problem in modern times is there is a lack of respect between both sides and an inability to civilly discuss the contrast of ideas. There are too many lies, posturing, manipulation, and distortion in our politics and media which is causing a blind and ignorant divisiveness which is very damaging. We should be able to honestly present and communicate facts and ideas, be heard and acknowledged by both sides, and reach reasonable compromises to determine our course.

We would be so much more powerful if we could support our leadership instead of constantly trying to block, contradict, and discredit... There is a time for debate and challenge but that seems to consume our political system and we are left with very little time for teamwork and productivity.

Yes...divisiveness is useful to democracy but if it wasn't would you suppress it in order to promote democracy? It is kind of a hypothetical situation in which you would have to suppress speech that you deem as not useful for the democratic process. Shouldn't such divisiveness exist for its own merit and not have to be useful to the whole in order for it to be allowed to exist?

 

[oldsoul]

The problem in modern times is there is a lack of respect between both sides and an inability to civilly discuss the contrast of ideas. There are too many lies, posturing, manipulation, and distortion in our politics and media which is causing a blind and ignorant divisiveness which is very damaging. We should be able to honestly present and communicate facts and ideas, be heard and acknowledged by both sides, and reach reasonable compromises to determine our course.

I couldn't agree with you more on this. The rest of your post...kind of a mixed bag, but you got the fundamentals spot-on.

 

[Slade3200]

I agree, divisiveness and the contest of ideas between liberal and conservative ideologies is a useful and necessary component of our democracy. I believe the President addressed that nicely in his speech at the DNC.

The problem in modern times is there is a lack of respect between both sides and an inability to civilly discuss the contrast of ideas. There are too many lies, posturing, manipulation, and distortion in our politics and media which is causing a blind and ignorant divisiveness which is very damaging. We should be able to honestly present and communicate facts and ideas, be heard and acknowledged by both sides, and reach reasonable compromises to determine our course.

We would be so much more powerful if we could support our leadership instead of constantly trying to block, contradict, and discredit... There is a time for debate and challenge but that seems to consume our political system and we are left with very little time for teamwork and productivity.

Yes...divisiveness is useful to democracy but if it wasn't would you suppress it in order to promote democracy? It is kind of a hypothetical situation in which you would have to suppress speech that you deem as not useful for the democratic process. Shouldn't such divisiveness exist for its own merit and not have to be useful to the whole in order for it to be allowed to exist?

I don't think speech should be suppressed, I just think our elected leaders should display more character and respect and lead by example. We are reaching an ultimate low when the elected presidental candidate for the Republican Party spends half his time dishing out below the belt disses on Twitter... We need to be waaaaay better than that. These actions should be shamed, not rewarded.

 

[candycorn]

Yesterday a RWNJ was saying “vote your race”. Yet Obama is supposedly divisive.

 

[Londoner]

Division is fine when it leads to a constructive compromise - but it's dysfunctional when division is purely political, e.g., The Obama years have seen this kind of division where Republicans refuse to pass legislation which originated on their side because they feared Obama would sign it into law - and then they'd be primaried as partners of Obama.

One Party Rule (Republicans 2000-2006) is dangerous. Bush didn't veto one piece of Republican pork. He was left a surplus but ended up doubling the national debt. He was a fiscal train wreck. We expect the Dems to spend big but the Republicans run on fiscal responsibility. This is why Milton Friedman - the founding father of Reaganomics - said the Clinton years were far better than the Bush years - because divided government leads to less spending.

 

[BlackAsCoal]

I don't know about anyone else, but I fully support the divisiveness of the Republican Party. The battle lines should be clear and unmistakable.

The more divisive republicans are, the easier the fight is to win .. which is why republicans have lost on virtually every social issue in this country.

I APPLAUD the giant divide between right and left, democrats and republicans, non-white people and racists.

The time for pussy-footing around serious issues has long past.

Keep it up republicans. Spew that hate like God told you to. :0)

 

[Slade3200]

I don't know about anyone else, but I fully support the divisiveness of the Republican Party. The battle lines should be clear and unmistakable.

The more divisive republicans are, the easier the fight is to win .. which is why republicans have lost on virtually every social issue in this country.

I APPLAUD the giant divide between right and left, democrats and republicans, non-white people and racists.

The time for pussy-footing around serious issues has long past.

Keep it up republicans. Spew that hate like God told you to. :0)

What a joke. there is no winning and losing... We are trying to make solutions to problems... So there is effective and ineffective... Your way is the later

 

[BlackAsCoal]

I don't know about anyone else, but I fully support the divisiveness of the Republican Party. The battle lines should be clear and unmistakable.

The more divisive republicans are, the easier the fight is to win .. which is why republicans have lost on virtually every social issue in this country.

I APPLAUD the giant divide between right and left, democrats and republicans, non-white people and racists.

The time for pussy-footing around serious issues has long past.

Keep it up republicans. Spew that hate like God told you to. :0)

What a joke. there is no winning and losing... We are trying to make solutions to problems... So there is effective and ineffective... Your way is the later

There is winning and losing .. as demonstrated by history .. and confrontation produces results.

Change does not come from talking about it .. it never has. Change comes through demand. We can talk about the demands, but demands they are.

 

[oldsoul]

I don't know about anyone else, but I fully support the divisiveness of the Republican Party. The battle lines should be clear and unmistakable.

The more divisive republicans are, the easier the fight is to win .. which is why republicans have lost on virtually every social issue in this country.

I APPLAUD the giant divide between right and left, democrats and republicans, non-white people and racists.

The time for pussy-footing around serious issues has long past.

Keep it up republicans. Spew that hate like God told you to. :0)

What a joke. there is no winning and losing... We are trying to make solutions to problems... So there is effective and ineffective... Your way is the later

There is winning and losing .. as demonstrated by history .. and confrontation produces results.

Change does not come from talking about it .. it never has. Change comes through demand. We can talk about the demands, but demands they are.

This is an excellent example of what is wrong with this country right now. This absolutely stupid "Us versus Them" mentality. It's dumb, it's divisive, and it's going to ruin our country. You can call it what ever you want, it's destructive. Period. BOTH "sides" are guilty, and BOTH "sides" must come together to find a solution, or we are doomed. The venomous HATE that is obviously behind your statements is what is going to destroy us. YOU, my friend, are part of the problem. The sooner you understand and accept that the better.
We are ALL first and foremost AMERICAN'S.

The more divisive republicans are, the easier the fight is to win .. which is why republicans have lost on virtually every social issue in this country.

It's a good thing the Democrats of 1964 did not "win" their fight to stop the Civil Rights Act of 1964. So YOU could have a better life. Wake up, the Democrats are just as much to blame as anyone else.

Keep it up republicans. Spew that hate like God told you to.

This is an example of the same HATE that racists spew. YOU are no better than them. HATE is HATE, it matters not who you are or who you HATE.

 

[BlackAsCoal]

I don't know about anyone else, but I fully support the divisiveness of the Republican Party. The battle lines should be clear and unmistakable.

The more divisive republicans are, the easier the fight is to win .. which is why republicans have lost on virtually every social issue in this country.

I APPLAUD the giant divide between right and left, democrats and republicans, non-white people and racists.

The time for pussy-footing around serious issues has long past.

Keep it up republicans. Spew that hate like God told you to. :0)

What a joke. there is no winning and losing... We are trying to make solutions to problems... So there is effective and ineffective... Your way is the later

There is winning and losing .. as demonstrated by history .. and confrontation produces results.

Change does not come from talking about it .. it never has. Change comes through demand. We can talk about the demands, but demands they are.

This is an excellent example of what is wrong with this country right now. This absolutely stupid "Us versus Them" mentality. It's dumb, it's divisive, and it's going to ruin our country. You can call it what ever you want, it's destructive. Period. BOTH "sides" are guilty, and BOTH "sides" must come together to find a solution, or we are doomed. The venomous HATE that is obviously behind your statements is what is going to destroy us. YOU, my friend, are part of the problem. The sooner you understand and accept that the better.
We are ALL first and foremost AMERICAN'S.

The more divisive republicans are, the easier the fight is to win .. which is why republicans have lost on virtually every social issue in this country.

It's a good thing the Democrats of 1964 did not "win" their fight to stop the Civil Rights Act of 1964. So YOU could have a better life. Wake up, the Democrats are just as much to blame as anyone else.

Keep it up republicans. Spew that hate like God told you to.

This is an example of the same HATE that racists spew. YOU are no better than them. HATE is HATE, it matters not who you are or who you HATE.

Spare me the 'we're all in this together, we're all Americans' crap. Save that bullshit for the cowards.

African-Americans have been in this country for more than 400 years .. and have only been relatively free for 51 YEARS .. AND, even that relative freedom came through demand. The reason the Civil Rights ACT finally happened was because of the demand for change by black people who forced the political hand.

Hate is not passive .. and only a fool deals with it passively. You hate me .. expect that I will hate you.

 

[oldsoul]

I don't know about anyone else, but I fully support the divisiveness of the Republican Party. The battle lines should be clear and unmistakable.

The more divisive republicans are, the easier the fight is to win .. which is why republicans have lost on virtually every social issue in this country.

I APPLAUD the giant divide between right and left, democrats and republicans, non-white people and racists.

The time for pussy-footing around serious issues has long past.

Keep it up republicans. Spew that hate like God told you to. :0)

What a joke. there is no winning and losing... We are trying to make solutions to problems... So there is effective and ineffective... Your way is the later

There is winning and losing .. as demonstrated by history .. and confrontation produces results.

Change does not come from talking about it .. it never has. Change comes through demand. We can talk about the demands, but demands they are.

This is an excellent example of what is wrong with this country right now. This absolutely stupid "Us versus Them" mentality. It's dumb, it's divisive, and it's going to ruin our country. You can call it what ever you want, it's destructive. Period. BOTH "sides" are guilty, and BOTH "sides" must come together to find a solution, or we are doomed. The venomous HATE that is obviously behind your statements is what is going to destroy us. YOU, my friend, are part of the problem. The sooner you understand and accept that the better.
We are ALL first and foremost AMERICAN'S.

The more divisive republicans are, the easier the fight is to win .. which is why republicans have lost on virtually every social issue in this country.

It's a good thing the Democrats of 1964 did not "win" their fight to stop the Civil Rights Act of 1964. So YOU could have a better life. Wake up, the Democrats are just as much to blame as anyone else.

Keep it up republicans. Spew that hate like God told you to.

This is an example of the same HATE that racists spew. YOU are no better than them. HATE is HATE, it matters not who you are or who you HATE.

Spare me the 'we're all in this together, we're all Americans' crap. Save that bullshit for the cowards.

African-Americans have been in this country for more than 400 years .. and have only been relatively free for 51 YEARS .. AND, even that relative freedom came through demand. The reason the Civil Rights ACT finally happened was because of the demand for change by black people who forced the political hand.

Hate is not passive .. and only a fool deals with it passively. You hate me .. expect that I will hate you.

First and foremost, your assumption that I hate ANYONE is patently false. I do not give in to such a destructive emotion. I hate no one.

Secondly, unless, and until, the majority of our society accepts that first and foremost we are all humans, and in this country nearly all of us are Americans, there will only be separate and not equal. I judge people on the content of their character, gee where have I heard that before? Apparently you do not, at least not in a political sense.

Third, since you brought up African-Americans specifically (no the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is not about race, it is about equal treatment despite differences in appearance and opinion/beliefs), are you aware of the FACTS that:

1. Slaves from Africa where brought here, originally, by the British (primarily)
2. That said slaves where "captured" by rival tribes (in many but not all cases)
3. And that under British rule it was illegal to free a slave as long as the original "owner" lived?

It's not in the text books, it's not taught in public schools, and it is widely unknown to those who have not done the study necessary to learn these things. Why do you think that is? And please leave political name-calling out of it, I desire a CIVIL discussion, and will tolerate nothing less.

 

[BlackAsCoal]

I don't know about anyone else, but I fully support the divisiveness of the Republican Party. The battle lines should be clear and unmistakable.

The more divisive republicans are, the easier the fight is to win .. which is why republicans have lost on virtually every social issue in this country.

I APPLAUD the giant divide between right and left, democrats and republicans, non-white people and racists.

The time for pussy-footing around serious issues has long past.

Keep it up republicans. Spew that hate like God told you to. :0)

What a joke. there is no winning and losing... We are trying to make solutions to problems... So there is effective and ineffective... Your way is the later

There is winning and losing .. as demonstrated by history .. and confrontation produces results.

Change does not come from talking about it .. it never has. Change comes through demand. We can talk about the demands, but demands they are.

This is an excellent example of what is wrong with this country right now. This absolutely stupid "Us versus Them" mentality. It's dumb, it's divisive, and it's going to ruin our country. You can call it what ever you want, it's destructive. Period. BOTH "sides" are guilty, and BOTH "sides" must come together to find a solution, or we are doomed. The venomous HATE that is obviously behind your statements is what is going to destroy us. YOU, my friend, are part of the problem. The sooner you understand and accept that the better.
We are ALL first and foremost AMERICAN'S.

The more divisive republicans are, the easier the fight is to win .. which is why republicans have lost on virtually every social issue in this country.

It's a good thing the Democrats of 1964 did not "win" their fight to stop the Civil Rights Act of 1964. So YOU could have a better life. Wake up, the Democrats are just as much to blame as anyone else.

Keep it up republicans. Spew that hate like God told you to.

This is an example of the same HATE that racists spew. YOU are no better than them. HATE is HATE, it matters not who you are or who you HATE.

Spare me the 'we're all in this together, we're all Americans' crap. Save that bullshit for the cowards.

African-Americans have been in this country for more than 400 years .. and have only been relatively free for 51 YEARS .. AND, even that relative freedom came through demand. The reason the Civil Rights ACT finally happened was because of the demand for change by black people who forced the political hand.

Hate is not passive .. and only a fool deals with it passively. You hate me .. expect that I will hate you.

First and foremost, your assumption that I hate ANYONE is patently false. I do not give in to such a destructive emotion. I hate no one.

Secondly, unless, and until, the majority of our society accepts that first and foremost we are all humans, and in this country nearly all of us are Americans, there will only be separate and not equal. I judge people on the content of their character, gee where have I heard that before? Apparently you do not, at least not in a political sense.

Third, since you brought up African-Americans specifically (no the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is not about race, it is about equal treatment despite differences in appearance and opinion/beliefs), are you aware of the FACTS that:

1. Slaves from Africa where brought here, originally, by the British (primarily)
2. That said slaves where "captured" by rival tribes (in many but not all cases)
3. And that under British rule it was illegal to free a slave as long as the original "owner" lived?

It's not in the text books, it's not taught in public schools, and it is widely unknown to those who have not done the study necessary to learn these things. Why do you think that is? And please leave political name-calling out of it, I desire a CIVIL discussion, and will tolerate nothing less.

First, I never suggested that you hate anyone .. my comment was about those who do.

Secondly, I don't hate white people .. I hate republicans and racists who demonstrate hate towards non-white people. THAT is their character, not their color. Maybe you should study King a bit better .. just as you should study other elements of what made civil rights possible.

Do not presume that you know more about the African journey to America than I do. I know all about what you've said .. and none of it makes any difference to anything today. The Brits abolished slavery long before the US did .. the Mexican government refused slavery and slave-holders .. which is what the Alamo was all about .. and they provided safe-havens for runaway slaves and refused to return them to slave-holders.

I am engaging in a civil conversation, but you don't get to dictate what I say in that conversation. I'm not a democrat, haven't been for many years .. but if you're trying to convince me that democrats are just as evil as republicans on the issue of African-Americans, you're barking up the wrong tree. That's an argument you cannot win

 

[kaz]

What a joke. there is no winning and losing... We are trying to make solutions to problems... So there is effective and ineffective... Your way is the later

There is winning and losing .. as demonstrated by history .. and confrontation produces results.

Change does not come from talking about it .. it never has. Change comes through demand. We can talk about the demands, but demands they are.

This is an excellent example of what is wrong with this country right now. This absolutely stupid "Us versus Them" mentality. It's dumb, it's divisive, and it's going to ruin our country. You can call it what ever you want, it's destructive. Period. BOTH "sides" are guilty, and BOTH "sides" must come together to find a solution, or we are doomed. The venomous HATE that is obviously behind your statements is what is going to destroy us. YOU, my friend, are part of the problem. The sooner you understand and accept that the better.
We are ALL first and foremost AMERICAN'S.

The more divisive republicans are, the easier the fight is to win .. which is why republicans have lost on virtually every social issue in this country.

It's a good thing the Democrats of 1964 did not "win" their fight to stop the Civil Rights Act of 1964. So YOU could have a better life. Wake up, the Democrats are just as much to blame as anyone else.

Keep it up republicans. Spew that hate like God told you to.

This is an example of the same HATE that racists spew. YOU are no better than them. HATE is HATE, it matters not who you are or who you HATE.

Spare me the 'we're all in this together, we're all Americans' crap. Save that bullshit for the cowards.

African-Americans have been in this country for more than 400 years .. and have only been relatively free for 51 YEARS .. AND, even that relative freedom came through demand. The reason the Civil Rights ACT finally happened was because of the demand for change by black people who forced the political hand.

Hate is not passive .. and only a fool deals with it passively. You hate me .. expect that I will hate you.

First and foremost, your assumption that I hate ANYONE is patently false. I do not give in to such a destructive emotion. I hate no one.

Secondly, unless, and until, the majority of our society accepts that first and foremost we are all humans, and in this country nearly all of us are Americans, there will only be separate and not equal. I judge people on the content of their character, gee where have I heard that before? Apparently you do not, at least not in a political sense.

Third, since you brought up African-Americans specifically (no the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is not about race, it is about equal treatment despite differences in appearance and opinion/beliefs), are you aware of the FACTS that:

1. Slaves from Africa where brought here, originally, by the British (primarily)
2. That said slaves where "captured" by rival tribes (in many but not all cases)
3. And that under British rule it was illegal to free a slave as long as the original "owner" lived?

It's not in the text books, it's not taught in public schools, and it is widely unknown to those who have not done the study necessary to learn these things. Why do you think that is? And please leave political name-calling out of it, I desire a CIVIL discussion, and will tolerate nothing less.

First, I never suggested that you hate anyone .. my comment was about those who do.

Secondly, I don't hate white people .. I hate republicans and racists who demonstrate hate towards non-white people. THAT is their character, not their color. Maybe you should study King a bit better .. just as you should study other elements of what made civil rights possible.

Do not presume that you know more about the African journey to America than I do. I know all about what you've said .. and none of it makes any difference to anything today. The Brits abolished slavery long before the US did .. the Mexican government refused slavery and slave-holders .. which is what the Alamo was all about .. and they provided safe-havens for runaway slaves and refused to return them to slave-holders.

I am engaging in a civil conversation, but you don't get to dictate what I say in that conversation. I'm not a democrat, haven't been for many years .. but if you're trying to convince me that democrats are just as evil as republicans on the issue of African-Americans, you're barking up the wrong tree. That's an argument you cannot win

Damn Republicans, going around thinking everyone should play by the same rules, that's just pure hatred of black people, I fell you.

Why is it you think blacks can't compete on a level playing field again? You think you're not smart enough? Or you're just too lazy. Maybe it's just you, not all blacks, did you ever consider that? I've seen no evidence blacks can't compete fine on a level field

 

[SYTFE]

As a military commander

lol, you've never been a "military commander." Hilarious how all of the conservatives on this forum are either former military commanders, former intelligence agents, or professional IT workers. You're a fraud.

 

[BlackAsCoal]

There is winning and losing .. as demonstrated by history .. and confrontation produces results.

Change does not come from talking about it .. it never has. Change comes through demand. We can talk about the demands, but demands they are.

This is an excellent example of what is wrong with this country right now. This absolutely stupid "Us versus Them" mentality. It's dumb, it's divisive, and it's going to ruin our country. You can call it what ever you want, it's destructive. Period. BOTH "sides" are guilty, and BOTH "sides" must come together to find a solution, or we are doomed. The venomous HATE that is obviously behind your statements is what is going to destroy us. YOU, my friend, are part of the problem. The sooner you understand and accept that the better.
We are ALL first and foremost AMERICAN'S.

The more divisive republicans are, the easier the fight is to win .. which is why republicans have lost on virtually every social issue in this country.

It's a good thing the Democrats of 1964 did not "win" their fight to stop the Civil Rights Act of 1964. So YOU could have a better life. Wake up, the Democrats are just as much to blame as anyone else.

Keep it up republicans. Spew that hate like God told you to.

This is an example of the same HATE that racists spew. YOU are no better than them. HATE is HATE, it matters not who you are or who you HATE.

Spare me the 'we're all in this together, we're all Americans' crap. Save that bullshit for the cowards.

African-Americans have been in this country for more than 400 years .. and have only been relatively free for 51 YEARS .. AND, even that relative freedom came through demand. The reason the Civil Rights ACT finally happened was because of the demand for change by black people who forced the political hand.

Hate is not passive .. and only a fool deals with it passively. You hate me .. expect that I will hate you.

First and foremost, your assumption that I hate ANYONE is patently false. I do not give in to such a destructive emotion. I hate no one.

Secondly, unless, and until, the majority of our society accepts that first and foremost we are all humans, and in this country nearly all of us are Americans, there will only be separate and not equal. I judge people on the content of their character, gee where have I heard that before? Apparently you do not, at least not in a political sense.

Third, since you brought up African-Americans specifically (no the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is not about race, it is about equal treatment despite differences in appearance and opinion/beliefs), are you aware of the FACTS that:

1. Slaves from Africa where brought here, originally, by the British (primarily)
2. That said slaves where "captured" by rival tribes (in many but not all cases)
3. And that under British rule it was illegal to free a slave as long as the original "owner" lived?

It's not in the text books, it's not taught in public schools, and it is widely unknown to those who have not done the study necessary to learn these things. Why do you think that is? And please leave political name-calling out of it, I desire a CIVIL discussion, and will tolerate nothing less.

First, I never suggested that you hate anyone .. my comment was about those who do.

Secondly, I don't hate white people .. I hate republicans and racists who demonstrate hate towards non-white people. THAT is their character, not their color. Maybe you should study King a bit better .. just as you should study other elements of what made civil rights possible.

Do not presume that you know more about the African journey to America than I do. I know all about what you've said .. and none of it makes any difference to anything today. The Brits abolished slavery long before the US did .. the Mexican government refused slavery and slave-holders .. which is what the Alamo was all about .. and they provided safe-havens for runaway slaves and refused to return them to slave-holders.

I am engaging in a civil conversation, but you don't get to dictate what I say in that conversation. I'm not a democrat, haven't been for many years .. but if you're trying to convince me that democrats are just as evil as republicans on the issue of African-Americans, you're barking up the wrong tree. That's an argument you cannot win

Damn Republicans, going around thinking everyone should play by the same rules, that's just pure hatred of black people, I fell you.

Why is it you think blacks can't compete on a level playing field again? You think you're not smart enough? Or you're just too lazy. Maybe it's just you, not all blacks, did you ever consider that? I've seen no evidence blacks can't compete fine on a level field

Incredibly stupid.

 

[kaz]

This is an excellent example of what is wrong with this country right now. This absolutely stupid "Us versus Them" mentality. It's dumb, it's divisive, and it's going to ruin our country. You can call it what ever you want, it's destructive. Period. BOTH "sides" are guilty, and BOTH "sides" must come together to find a solution, or we are doomed. The venomous HATE that is obviously behind your statements is what is going to destroy us. YOU, my friend, are part of the problem. The sooner you understand and accept that the better.
We are ALL first and foremost AMERICAN'S.
It's a good thing the Democrats of 1964 did not "win" their fight to stop the Civil Rights Act of 1964. So YOU could have a better life. Wake up, the Democrats are just as much to blame as anyone else.

This is an example of the same HATE that racists spew. YOU are no better than them. HATE is HATE, it matters not who you are or who you HATE.

Spare me the 'we're all in this together, we're all Americans' crap. Save that bullshit for the cowards.

African-Americans have been in this country for more than 400 years .. and have only been relatively free for 51 YEARS .. AND, even that relative freedom came through demand. The reason the Civil Rights ACT finally happened was because of the demand for change by black people who forced the political hand.

Hate is not passive .. and only a fool deals with it passively. You hate me .. expect that I will hate you.

First and foremost, your assumption that I hate ANYONE is patently false. I do not give in to such a destructive emotion. I hate no one.

Secondly, unless, and until, the majority of our society accepts that first and foremost we are all humans, and in this country nearly all of us are Americans, there will only be separate and not equal. I judge people on the content of their character, gee where have I heard that before? Apparently you do not, at least not in a political sense.

Third, since you brought up African-Americans specifically (no the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is not about race, it is about equal treatment despite differences in appearance and opinion/beliefs), are you aware of the FACTS that:

1. Slaves from Africa where brought here, originally, by the British (primarily)
2. That said slaves where "captured" by rival tribes (in many but not all cases)
3. And that under British rule it was illegal to free a slave as long as the original "owner" lived?

It's not in the text books, it's not taught in public schools, and it is widely unknown to those who have not done the study necessary to learn these things. Why do you think that is? And please leave political name-calling out of it, I desire a CIVIL discussion, and will tolerate nothing less.

First, I never suggested that you hate anyone .. my comment was about those who do.

Secondly, I don't hate white people .. I hate republicans and racists who demonstrate hate towards non-white people. THAT is their character, not their color. Maybe you should study King a bit better .. just as you should study other elements of what made civil rights possible.

Do not presume that you know more about the African journey to America than I do. I know all about what you've said .. and none of it makes any difference to anything today. The Brits abolished slavery long before the US did .. the Mexican government refused slavery and slave-holders .. which is what the Alamo was all about .. and they provided safe-havens for runaway slaves and refused to return them to slave-holders.

I am engaging in a civil conversation, but you don't get to dictate what I say in that conversation. I'm not a democrat, haven't been for many years .. but if you're trying to convince me that democrats are just as evil as republicans on the issue of African-Americans, you're barking up the wrong tree. That's an argument you cannot win

Damn Republicans, going around thinking everyone should play by the same rules, that's just pure hatred of black people, I fell you.

Why is it you think blacks can't compete on a level playing field again? You think you're not smart enough? Or you're just too lazy. Maybe it's just you, not all blacks, did you ever consider that? I've seen no evidence blacks can't compete fine on a level field

Incredibly stupid.

What's stupid is that you think blacks can't compete on a level playing field and you need the Democrats to promise you a lower bar. That's the completely worst solution and it's an insult to successful blacks who didn't need extra credit for being black

 

[SuperDemocrat]

There is winning and losing .. as demonstrated by history .. and confrontation produces results.

Change does not come from talking about it .. it never has. Change comes through demand. We can talk about the demands, but demands they are.

This is an excellent example of what is wrong with this country right now. This absolutely stupid "Us versus Them" mentality. It's dumb, it's divisive, and it's going to ruin our country. You can call it what ever you want, it's destructive. Period. BOTH "sides" are guilty, and BOTH "sides" must come together to find a solution, or we are doomed. The venomous HATE that is obviously behind your statements is what is going to destroy us. YOU, my friend, are part of the problem. The sooner you understand and accept that the better.
We are ALL first and foremost AMERICAN'S.

The more divisive republicans are, the easier the fight is to win .. which is why republicans have lost on virtually every social issue in this country.

It's a good thing the Democrats of 1964 did not "win" their fight to stop the Civil Rights Act of 1964. So YOU could have a better life. Wake up, the Democrats are just as much to blame as anyone else.

Keep it up republicans. Spew that hate like God told you to.

This is an example of the same HATE that racists spew. YOU are no better than them. HATE is HATE, it matters not who you are or who you HATE.

Spare me the 'we're all in this together, we're all Americans' crap. Save that bullshit for the cowards.

African-Americans have been in this country for more than 400 years .. and have only been relatively free for 51 YEARS .. AND, even that relative freedom came through demand. The reason the Civil Rights ACT finally happened was because of the demand for change by black people who forced the political hand.

Hate is not passive .. and only a fool deals with it passively. You hate me .. expect that I will hate you.

First and foremost, your assumption that I hate ANYONE is patently false. I do not give in to such a destructive emotion. I hate no one.

Secondly, unless, and until, the majority of our society accepts that first and foremost we are all humans, and in this country nearly all of us are Americans, there will only be separate and not equal. I judge people on the content of their character, gee where have I heard that before? Apparently you do not, at least not in a political sense.

Third, since you brought up African-Americans specifically (no the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is not about race, it is about equal treatment despite differences in appearance and opinion/beliefs), are you aware of the FACTS that:

1. Slaves from Africa where brought here, originally, by the British (primarily)
2. That said slaves where "captured" by rival tribes (in many but not all cases)
3. And that under British rule it was illegal to free a slave as long as the original "owner" lived?

It's not in the text books, it's not taught in public schools, and it is widely unknown to those who have not done the study necessary to learn these things. Why do you think that is? And please leave political name-calling out of it, I desire a CIVIL discussion, and will tolerate nothing less.

First, I never suggested that you hate anyone .. my comment was about those who do.

Secondly, I don't hate white people .. I hate republicans and racists who demonstrate hate towards non-white people. THAT is their character, not their color. Maybe you should study King a bit better .. just as you should study other elements of what made civil rights possible.

Do not presume that you know more about the African journey to America than I do. I know all about what you've said .. and none of it makes any difference to anything today. The Brits abolished slavery long before the US did .. the Mexican government refused slavery and slave-holders .. which is what the Alamo was all about .. and they provided safe-havens for runaway slaves and refused to return them to slave-holders.

I am engaging in a civil conversation, but you don't get to dictate what I say in that conversation. I'm not a democrat, haven't been for many years .. but if you're trying to convince me that democrats are just as evil as republicans on the issue of African-Americans, you're barking up the wrong tree. That's an argument you cannot win

Damn Republicans, going around thinking everyone should play by the same rules, that's just pure hatred of black people, I fell you.

Why is it you think blacks can't compete on a level playing field again? You think you're not smart enough? Or you're just too lazy. Maybe it's just you, not all blacks, did you ever consider that? I've seen no evidence blacks can't compete fine on a level field

I actually logged on just to give that a thumbs up. It is unfortunate that most people think that minorities can't compete without being spotted a few points.