Some users have come to this thread to answer this question honesty and openly. Without cussing or name calling or anything.
I think it’s shameful for people to be downvoting them. Downvote something for being off topic, or for being violent or hateful that’s fine. But for having an opinion that’s different from yours in a thread specifically asking for that?
There are always going to be people who you disagree with. On every topic.That kind of behavior will only push people away.
I asked this question because I really want to try to understand people who are different than me and hold other opinions than me. Broaden my horizon. Maybe help people question their own reasonings.
So, I asked a question on a topic I don't understand. I hope people will answer honestly and that people who disagree will avoid persecuting that honesty.
Good for you that's a great attitude to have. Having honest and open conversation in good faith is so valuable and healthy. Keep it up and don't let those types get you down.
I totally agree about the common ground. Understanding has to occur on both sides. You must be willing to listen before you expect anyone else to.
I think for a lot of people its very similar to religion.
If you grew up in the church, the priest/pastor was a nice guy, church events were very central to the community, he spoke at Nannas funeral. You might not be religious but the broader concerns about "the church" ring a lot more hollow because you have seen the positive side.
If you grew up somewhere that was very republican and your local and state reps did the meat and potatoes of their jobs well, why would you have anything against them? Your community was nice, nobody was racist or homophobic (that you noticed), the schools were funded, people had jobs. You have seen with your own eyes that Republicans arent evil.
Downvotes only push people who care about the numbers away. People who care about discussion will only be pushed away by vitriol being sent their way via replies and DMs.