Can people have a mature conversation about politics without name-calling?

[Seekingcreativity]

Not with a huge number of people chiming in.

[Vejadu]

It's possible, but not likely. The anonymity of the Internet allows people to rant and insult behind the shield of their computer, saying things they'd never say to someone in person. This brings down the quality of the discussion and allows name-calling to flourish.

I enjoy discussing politics, but I have no reason to insult someone for disagreeing with me (though I may take offense and react if you coarsely and directly insult my political or religious beliefs). I might think someone may be misguided, naive, or outright mean, but it does no good to call names. It defeats the purpose of coming to a forum where people on both sides discuss issues, hopefully to find some middle ground.

If you want to rant about how much you hate Repuglicans or Democraps, go over to FreeRepublic or DemocraticUnderground, where you can join in with the army of like-minded name callers who just want to rant about the other side.

[Wyndsong71]

Originally Posted by jade408

Sometimes, it appears, it is just easier to skip the debate and go straight into stupid, idiot, libertard, leftist, nazi, republican't, and all sorts of other insults.

Why bother with discourse, when you can straight into playground? </sarcasm>

I think this thread gave you your answer!

[shooting4life]

Just read this thread that was just posted about a comment Sarah Pallin made. Not a single person responds to the article, everyone bashes the speaker. If you believe she is an idiot then refuting her points should be easy, and I don't even agree with her.
Breaking News: Governor Sarah Palin Warns 'The Feds Are Stockpiling Bullets To Use Against Americans' (She Has A Point)

[Katarina Witt]

^^Funny how so many of you keep telling us Sarah's irrelevant when it suits your purpose!