I think respect would go a long way on both the street and Capitol Hill. Deciding that one's opponents are stupid jerks promotes partisan rancor, which in turn blocks progress. As fun as it might be to dismiss those you disagree with, saying that however many millions of people are wrong is obviously problematic and untrue. Granted some people blindly cling to their beliefs as you pointed out, but that happens on both sides of the political spectrum; there are morons and geniuses on the left and the right.
Not sure entirely where I'm going with this, just ranting I guess. :-)
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I think respect would go a long way on both the street and Capitol Hill. Deciding that one's opponents are stupid jerks promotes partisan rancor, which in turn blocks progress. As fun as it might be to dismiss those you disagree with, saying that however many millions of people are wrong is obviously problematic and untrue. Granted some people blindly cling to their beliefs as you pointed out, but that happens on both sides of the political spectrum; there are morons and geniuses on the left and the right.
Not sure entirely where I'm going with this, just ranting I guess. :-)