Why partisan politics ?

[Terminal23]

Why is it that both sides are so dramatically opposed to each other? I mean it just gets more and nastier every day. Don’t these professional politicians realize that we are all in this together? Why the hell do they try to tear the country apart by pitting classes against one another? Being ultra conservative myself, I can see that all conservatives are not alike. Just like all liberals are not alike. I think we need to cut this crap out and run this country the way it was meant to be run. For the people, and by, the people. I propose that all nationally and locally held offices be limited to no more than two, two year terms. Except, for the president, and then we would not have the likes of Ted Kennedy and Jesse Helms. These professional politicians have no clue about average Joe American and what he goes through. I also propose an end to political ads. Whatever we need to know about a person we can read or go see them in public. Because, if we are governed by the average person and not the professional politic, I personally think we would be a stronger country.

But both sides are responsible for partisan manoeverings are they not?

[Terminal23]

But both sides are responsible for partisan manoeverings are they not?

Yes,that's my point.

Well, its a vicious circle. Once you start flinging mud you gotta expect getting hit by mud.

In fact, I think opposing viewpoints or positions are healthy in any democracy. Remove opposition and what do you have but another Iraq.

It is these opposing viewpoints that ultimately guide a nation to take the correct decisions in the long run.

The downside is, as you say, it gets out of hand.

[daveleau]

It has been happening since President Washington was in office. Hamilton (Federalist...vaguely similar to the Republican party, at least in terms of economics) and Jefferson (founder of the Democratic party) were at each other's throats while they served in Washington's cabinet. It is weird that such similar debates have raged for over 200 years. I truly believe both sides have the best interests at heart (even though there are many of those that are corrupt), but have very different ideas of the way things should be accomplished and have very different priorities.

[fosin]

Yea Terminal23, but people with a lot of common sense know better than to be a politician . But yea, I see what your saying. I usually endorse "middle of the road" candidates, but I know the chances of one making it to president is slim to none. But my congressman and governor think pretty close in line with me, so I'm happy for that. I'd vote for limited terms as you recommend. Seems fair since I can't vote some folks out of office in the legislative branch, but they directly affect my way of life.