I'm becoming fairly negative about the idea of effective discourse. Few people want to understand other views.

I think people need to strive to understand other views, An educated mind can comprehend a concept without embracing it....It's also good to acknowledge validity even if what's correct is surrounded by FAKE NEWS or utter illogic.

I also think it's essential to criticize your own side. It seems like both sides of every issue just get more extreme and many arguments are basically strawman idiocy discussing the extremes. We protect our tribe, even when they're wrong and defy the "enemy" even if they're right.

I think there's some factual criticism for both sides of every issue, even issues I agree on.

Twenty years ago I was definitely a liberal, but thanks to extremists and not criticizing our extremists, I now say I'm just a left-leaning moderate. It's odd though, bc my core stances haven't really changed.

I try to remain neutral on here when it comes to politics, but some take things too far and that's when I speak up. If by chance you are referring to the recent spat I had with someone on the Senate Community group, I apologize if anything I said offended you and or caused you to question this site, as you seem to be a decent guy.

I'm assuming (lol you know what assuming does) is left of center and believes in GCC, GLBTQ equality, pro-choice....

Just one idiot's opinion, but if you can't factually criticize anything you endorse and usually find SOMETHING valid in those you disagree with, then I'd say you're extremely biased.

Has anyone seen the Tedtalk about the Black guy who infiltrated the alt-right and even some racist groups? If a black man can see some validity in outright racists, why can't we strive to understand those we disagree with?

"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.". Aristotle.

Most political and social conservatives have forgotten what the term "civility" means-- if they ever knew.

I would kinda agree but not entirely people usually stick to topic but any time Trump is mentioned comments start that aren't related to the topic that's just bashing him or his supporters. I find it absolutely ridiculous to talk down to or to wish harm even something simple as a slap to people for who they support politically or for any opinions and outtakes they have on life. We are all people and not everyone is going to agree, I work with mostly democrates and Trump haters but I still get along just fine with them. I didn't like Obama being in office for 8 years and never talk down or brought harm to anyone I took my medicine and moved on. Of course I would make my case and points on matters I never acted in the manner I see these days with society. Nothing is solved with bashing on either side right or left issued need to be addressed and dealt with. I support the right and no we aren't perfect and our plans and ideas don't work for everyone but the same is for the left.

Hellbent, I feel you! I have turned away frompolital debates and am now completely immersed in doing things to change what I don't like. I went to vote on the school budget yesterday. The two volunteers welcoming me were prominent people in our community. They were not aware that their whole way of doing business would have to change now that no migrants are coming to pick the apples and that China is buying their soybeans from other places.
See, educating citizens about the real, local impact of decisions made in haste and for no real reason except political ones is not popular. So, as much as I like to debate, i will not participate beyond this post.

I just accept there is no getting thru to some truly religious folk. If I don't mind them otherwise I just stay away from religion, if possible. The problem is emotions, too many can not remove themselves from the emotional triggers long enought to have a conversation on an intelligent level. This applies to religion and politics.
There are groups within this site - the trump pinata is for bashing all things trump. Mostly for the completely frustrated to vent, vomit, rage and then return to 'normal' society w/o the pent up crap.
I not had any expriences on this site I would concider negative.

It's difficult, but not impossible.
Please hang in there.

Agree, however we ought to keep trying...

I hear you...

You know the "Intellectual Dark Web"? It's a bunch of people who aren't afraid to talk about stuff that gets panties in a bunch.

It totally shouldn't be a thing. But it is.

Most of us has some bias or another.... if all we want is like minded conversations to affirm some personal belief system then we are only preaching to the converted and that can be stultifying....

Ok brother... tell me more.

I go through the same thing off and on...it may have a lot to do with where we are emotionally at a given time. We may be looking for something that may or may not be found here or any where else, except a therapist’s couch! Maybe it has something to do with living through many phases of social orders and seeing how destructive some phases seem more so, than others! We need reassurance that the world is not REALLY falling apart! Then we try and have an in depth discussion and find other people appear to be scattered, in their knowledge and wisdom! This is my perception...

You're seeking validation - otherwise there wouldn't be a need to debate nor would there be this whine about how difficult it is to debate. The whine is likely a result of people not readily agreeing with your position. I never feel the need to debate because there are far more worthy things to talk about. Am I going to spend my time conversing with someone that disagrees with every political point I have to offer i.e., fact in my opinion or am I going to talk to people with similar interests like gardening? I choose gardening over debating with some misguided individual that Trump doesn't have their best interests at heart. Find other things to talk about people are weary of politics and social controversies - this site is one forum that allows you to distance yourself from all the noise.

The almost instant reversion to name-calling, third grade tactics and pissing contests is disheartening. I find that often a simple question asked from ignorance draws the most venomous responses instead of an explanation of why the responder finds the question offensive.
Quite often a responder will interject a political remark (it seems to me) just because they think it is cute or clever, but it has no relevance to the thread. Is it a ploy to get attention? Trolling? After all there is a category for that for those who wish to talk about politics. Why not keep it there?
Or I may be wrong, that's always a possibility for people being people.

I can debate with anyone with an opposing view a lot of the time we discuss we include our own egos and beliefs subconsciously or consciously and this is something that causes communication breakdown. Listening to respond is better method of discussion than waiting to respond

I think it can be difficult because people sometimes get a little heated and then a side issue arises and the original conversation goes off track. But if you have the patience to trawl through the replies you will often find that there are people further down the thread trying to have a sensible conversation with you. Keep trying!

I gave my view and asked for a response and guess what no one replied.

Agnostics, and atheists, are not immune to stupidity.