Why is America Angry? - New England Patriots Forums

PatriotsReign · 06-28-2008, 09:17 PM

Are Americans angry? If this board is a reflection of Americans, it would apprear to be true. It says "Political Discussion" at the top, but I see so much angry attacking by both sides.

I thought I'd find discussion on various current topics and issues...and I have. There are many members here who truly want to discuss issues from both sides of the fence and everywhere in between. I've learned a lot in these discussions too.

But when I see & read the attack threads, I learn nothing and I think we all learn nothing. Sure, we hone our finger pointing skills but beyond that I see no benefit.

Think of the word "Attack"...and then think about what we're doing here on this board. Does each side actually think they will change votes or change people's minds here?

I know it won't change anyone's mind. So the only logical explanations there are to our often vicious attacking is:

-We hate the "other" side

-We're angry at life in general and misery loves company

-It somehow feels good to lash out

-We think we'll uncover something no one else has found

-We want to become popular with others on our side

How can anyone else explain it?

Maybe we are a reflection of the anger Americans are feeling in these difficult times, I don't know. Can anyone give us one positive result of attack threads?

Finally, is anyone keeping score?

FootballYouBet · 06-28-2008, 09:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PatriotsReign

Are Americans angry? If this board is a reflection of Americans, it would apprear to be true. It says "Political Discussion" at the top, but I see so much angry attacking by both sides.

I thought I'd find discussion on various current topics and issues...and I have. There are many members here who truly want to discuss issues from both sides of the fence and everywhere in between. I've learned a lot in these discussions too.

But when I see & read the attack threads, I learn nothing and I think we all learn nothing. Sure, we hone our finger pointing skills but beyond that I see no benefit.

Think of the word "Attack"...and then think about what we're doing here on this board. Does each side actually think they will change votes or change people's minds here?

I know it won't change anyone's mind. So the only logical explanations there are to our often vicious attacking is:

-We hate the "other" side

-We're angry at life in general and misery loves company

-It somehow feels good to lash out

-We think we'll uncover something no one else has found

-We want to become popular with others on our side

How can anyone else explain it?

Maybe we are a reflection of the anger Americans are feeling in these difficult times, I don't know. Can anyone give us one positive result of attack threads?

Finally, is anyone keeping score?

The Dems and Repubs have done a great job of dividing us all while raping the country of all its wealth haven't they? Sad part is most people still haven't realized it.

PatriotsReign · 06-28-2008, 10:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FootballYouBet

The Dems and Repubs have done a great job of dividing us all while raping the country of all its wealth haven't they? Sad part is most people still haven't realized it.

That is sad. It's almost as if we enjoy fighting amongst ourselves and avoid the real issues. Hell, it's easy to argue and attack.

***IcyPatriot*** · 06-28-2008, 11:00 PM

We need a 3rd party ... Americans go to the polls to elect new people who are backed by the same power mongers in the democratic and republican parties which are backed by corporate interests.

***mgcolby*** · 06-29-2008, 12:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PatriotsReign

Are Americans angry? If this board is a reflection of Americans, it would apprear to be true. It says "Political Discussion" at the top, but I see so much angry attacking by both sides.

I thought I'd find discussion on various current topics and issues...and I have. There are many members here who truly want to discuss issues from both sides of the fence and everywhere in between. I've learned a lot in these discussions too.

But when I see & read the attack threads, I learn nothing and I think we all learn nothing. Sure, we hone our finger pointing skills but beyond that I see no benefit.

Think of the word "Attack"...and then think about what we're doing here on this board. Does each side actually think they will change votes or change people's minds here?

I know it won't change anyone's mind. So the only logical explanations there are to our often vicious attacking is:

-We hate the "other" side

-We're angry at life in general and misery loves company

-It somehow feels good to lash out

-We think we'll uncover something no one else has found

-We want to become popular with others on our side

How can anyone else explain it?

Maybe we are a reflection of the anger Americans are feeling in these difficult times, I don't know. Can anyone give us one positive result of attack threads?

Finally, is anyone keeping score?

Wow....Pot meet Kettle.....

Humility anyone? Our "humble" resident has spoken to us.

PatriotsReign · 06-29-2008, 05:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mgcolby

Wow....Pot meet Kettle.....

Humility anyone? Our "humble" resident has spoken to us.

Your reply is EXACTLY what this thread is discussing. What's up with mg that inspired him to attack (the poster) on an emotional level rather than just comment on the topic on an intellectual one?

Is it possible Mr mgcolby that YOU are one of those who just loves to attack on a partisan level? I'll just have to scan through some of your posts and find out.

So, what do you have to say about the thread topic.

PatriotsReign · 06-29-2008, 05:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by F.B.N.

We need a 3rd party ... Americans go to the polls to elect new people who are backed by the same power mongers in the democratic and republican parties which are backed by corporate interests.

I wish there was a third viable one myself FBN.

My opinion is that Americans are pretty stressed over current economic conditions and are worried about their future and that of their children.

I also believe that somewhere in the 1990's, politics in general turned very ugly. I can't pinpoint exactly when or why, but I know it was then that the 2 parties really polarized themselves into a good guys vs the bad guys scenario which I think is stupid and counter productive.

Patriot_in_NY · 06-29-2008, 06:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PatriotsReign

I with a viable one existed myself FBN.

My opinion is that Americans are pretty stressed over current economic conditions and are worried about their future and that of their children.

I also believe that somewhere in the 1990's, politics in general turned very ugly. I can't pinpoint exactly when or why, but I know it was then that the 2 parties really polarized themselves into a good guys vs the bad guys scenario which I think is stupid and counter productive.

Look elsewhere, that particular sentiment has been with us since our inception as a country and ebbs and flows over time. It has nothing to do with the "anger". We don't live in a time of all that much difficulty from a financial standpoint from a historical basis. *****, many of the poorest of the poor among us have cable TV, flatscreens, access to the internet, cell phones and xBox. There are too many historical examples a of time when our poor ate dirt to survive and something as basic as shoes consisted of old leather and twine. We, for the most part, have no understanding of what REAL hardsh!p is. ***** doesn't flow down our city street like it does in many other parts of the world. We may "react" differently to "hardship" then we did in the past, but it's hard to argue that we, as a society, have it harder then we did at most other times in our history.

That said, I don't disagree wholly with your premise that the anger exists. I think there has been a cultural shift in the past 40-50 years starting with the counter-culture 60's and extending through the selfish 80-90s that has led to a generalized "external blame" mentality. You see it everywhere in daily life. Nothing is our fault and problems are always the "other guys" issue, not mine.

It just extends to politics. It's a helliva lot easier to say "you lefties" and "you righties" then it is to actually sit at the table together and go through the tough practice of reaching consensus and unity. You don't have to look any farther than the mirror to find the problem (all of us). A third party is just a short term solution, because in time, they'll be just as selfish and power hungry as the others. It's a societal issue.... Politics is a reflection (albeit an ugly one) of the greater society.

I'm as guilty as everyone else....... I'm trying to limit it these days because it, as you state, is non-productive, and at times boarders on spiteful and mean. I don't consider myself a mean person and if 95% of you met me, you wouldn't think that either, but that is NOT how I've conducted myself on here all the time either. I'm sure It'll happen again, even as I try not to.

You asked if anyone was keeping score? YES, we all are..... That's part of the problem

PatriotsReign · 06-29-2008, 07:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Patriot_in_NY

Look elsewhere, that particular sentiment has been with us since our inception as a country and ebbs and flows over time. It has nothing to do with the "anger". We don't live in a time of all that much difficulty from a financial standpoint from a historical basis. *****, many of the poorest of the poor among us have cable TV, flatscreens, access to the internet, cell phones and xBox. There are too many historical examples a of time when our poor ate dirt to survive and something as basic as shoes consisted of old leather and twine. We, for the most part, have no understanding of what REAL hardsh!p is. ***** doesn't flow down our city street like it does in many other parts of the world. We may "react" differently to "hardship" then we did in the past, but it's hard to argue that we, as a society, have it harder then we did at most other times in our history.

That said, I don't disagree wholly with your premise that the anger exists. I think there has been a cultural shift in the past 40-50 years starting with the counter-culture 60's and extending through the selfish 80-90s that has led to a generalized "external blame" mentality. You see it everywhere in daily life. Nothing is our fault and problems are always the "other guys" issue, not mine.

It just extends to politics. It's a helliva lot easier to say "you lefties" and "you righties" then it is to actually sit at the table together and go through the tough practice of reaching consensus and unity. You don't have to look any farther than the mirror to find the problem (all of us). A third party is just a short term solution, because in time, they'll be just as selfish and power hungry as the others. It's a societal issue.... Politics is a reflection (albeit an ugly one) of the greater society.

I'm as guilty as everyone else....... I'm trying to limit it these days because it, as you state, is non-productive, and at times boarders on spiteful and mean. I don't consider myself a mean person and if 95% of you met me, you wouldn't think that either, but that is NOT how I've conducted myself on here all the time either. I'm sure It'll happen again, even as I try not to.

You asked if anyone was keeping score? YES, we all are..... That's part of the problem

Great input PiNY! Thanks.

I'm as guilty as anyone else too. I hope I didn't give the impression I was "above" all this, because I'm not...not even close.

But it does wear my down and disappoint me to some extent.

ONe note on your comment about the poor having cable TV. I had a debate with a friend of mine where he said our living conditions have improved immensely since we were kids (1960' & 70's) and I said they haven't.

My rationale was that today in most homes, both parents need to work to make ends meet and to afford nice homes. I think we're far more materialistic than back then, but living conditions today are much, much more fast-paced and stressful. Look at all the running around parents have to do for their children! When I was a kid, we went outside and played until lunch & then until dinner. Parents didn't have to do anything.

Back then, parents didn't worry as much about retirement planning as they must do now. Traffic was less, lines were shorter and people were more patient...or at least it seems that way to me.

PatriotsReign · 06-29-2008, 07:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Patriot_in_NY

Look elsewhere, that particular sentiment has been with us since our inception as a country and ebbs and flows over time. It has nothing to do with the "anger". We don't live in a time of all that much difficulty from a financial standpoint from a historical basis. *****, many of the poorest of the poor among us have cable TV, flatscreens, access to the internet, cell phones and xBox. There are too many historical examples a of time when our poor ate dirt to survive and something as basic as shoes consisted of old leather and twine. We, for the most part, have no understanding of what REAL hardsh!p is. ***** doesn't flow down our city street like it does in many other parts of the world. We may "react" differently to "hardship" then we did in the past, but it's hard to argue that we, as a society, have it harder then we did at most other times in our history.

That said, I don't disagree wholly with your premise that the anger exists. I think there has been a cultural shift in the past 40-50 years starting with the counter-culture 60's and extending through the selfish 80-90s that has led to a generalized "external blame" mentality. You see it everywhere in daily life. Nothing is our fault and problems are always the "other guys" issue, not mine.

It just extends to politics. It's a helliva lot easier to say "you lefties" and "you righties" then it is to actually sit at the table together and go through the tough practice of reaching consensus and unity. You don't have to look any farther than the mirror to find the problem (all of us). A third party is just a short term solution, because in time, they'll be just as selfish and power hungry as the others. It's a societal issue.... Politics is a reflection (albeit an ugly one) of the greater society.

I'm as guilty as everyone else....... I'm trying to limit it these days because it, as you state, is non-productive, and at times boarders on spiteful and mean. I don't consider myself a mean person and if 95% of you met me, you wouldn't think that either, but that is NOT how I've conducted myself on here all the time either. I'm sure It'll happen again, even as I try not to.

You asked if anyone was keeping score? YES, we all are..... That's part of the problem

Hey PiNY, I hope you don't mind that I'm going to steal your link from another post you made and suggest that anyone interested in understanding the differences in Patriotism from a conservative perspective and from a liberal one, read it. It's very well written.

http://www.time.com/time/printout/0,...818195,00.html