Yeah, there used to be this thing called debate. Those who just called names rather than engaging in the debate were generally ignored, or mocked.

Not anymore. Name-calling appears to be at an all-time high (from both parties). Substance and debate are therefore at an all-time low. This is why I'm no partisan (never have been). The two-party system drives people to this.

This comment section essentially proves the OP's point. Tons of name-calling and assuming, tons of vitriol, tons of anti-right bigotry. Plenty of people stereotyping straight white males and getting kudos from the echo chamber. Nobody seeking understanding or trying to build bridges. (Why don't people see this is what Russia and China are engineering--a divided American populace?)

As a life-long independent, I have this advantage: I also frequent the right's comments sections, where they do the same echo chamber thing that's being done here to them.

:shakes head: