First, I would like to apologize to anyone that joins this group where I used ugly descriptive terms in reference to a political persuasion that did not match my Progressive opinion in previous threads. It obvious that there are polarized views on political opinion. That being said I would like to have a civil discussion on opinions from those who may identify themselves as Democrats, Liberals, Progressives, Conservative Republicans, Tea Party Republicans, or traditional Republicans. I will not use any terms to describe a person with an opinion that I disagree with using any derogatory name.

I believe that if we take time to use a forum in a constructive as opposed to destructive manner, we may begin to see communications where we agree on some topics, as well as points we don't agree on in a rational civil tone. So let me start...

Blue state, red state. Big government vs. small government. Gun rights vs. gun control. A******n control vs. pro choice. Common good for all Americans vs. Socialism. Today our country is driven by the politics of extremes. To paraphrase a humorist - Republicans think of Democrats as godless, unpatriotic, Volvo-driving, France-loving, elitist latte guzzlers, whereas Democrats dismiss Republicans as ignorant, NASCAR-obsessed, gun-fondling religious fanatics. An exaggeration, for sure, but the reality is still pretty stark. Congress is in a perpetual stalemate today because of the two parties' inability to find middle ground on practically anything - and driving America to revolt.

Don't let these politicians continue to manipulate and divide us. Can I get a consensus we who are republicans and democrats actually agree about the most important things? For instance, I believe republicans and democrats are both fed up with both the republican and democratic parties, because it has become obvious that both parties serve Wall Street and the military-industrial complex at the expense of Americans.

It’s an old tactic: Get your opponents to fight amongst themselves so that they will get weaker and you can pick them off one by one. Gaius Julius Caesar coined the phrase “divide et impera” (divide and conquer) to describe it. He used it in his war against the Gauls, but in the millennia since then it has also become a very common political strategy. Again and again, the ruling classes of various societies at various times have used this trick to keep the people in line, to make ordinary people fight each other - both literally and figuratively - and forget about the people who are really making the mess. It continues to be used today all over the world, sometimes with great success. But sometimes people figure out what’s going on, and refuse to be divided.

Whether the wedge being used is religion or employment status or race, the strategy is the same: divide and conquer. Corporate America knows that it cannot fight all Americans at once. So they must turn us against each other if they are to win. If we are to win - WE THE PEOPLE - must stand together!

DHelix,
Thank you for renouncing the polarizing name calling language. We must address this polarizing wedge in our discussions and make every attempt to overcome it. I welcome someone who opposes my positions. Sometimes it sharpens my perspective, other times I find myself changing views.
I do not think it is Corporate America that is the cause though. There are powers much larger that are unrecognized, under the radar, and working covertly to subdue the Republic of USA.
How could a no name rookie senator get to be POTUS without someone pulling the strings of this puppet we call the US Gov't. Some point to the Bilderberg Group, but I propose this is just a smaller subset of the greater world banking elite.
The Chinese are using the US Dollar's Global Reserve Currency Status to out-gaming us. Their currency is slated to replace the US Dollar as the next Global Reserve Currency (Google the italicized phrase and see the latest).
The massive printing of US Dollars by the Fed is causing a devaluation that only those outside the US can so plainly see (as we are in the bubble). If you want sources to research, you can view my profile and review my posting list. There are a couple very long posts in there detailing the PetroDollar issue, some shocking stuff.

I'm surprised the guys in black masks haven't kicked in my door to take me to indefinite detention for making those posts.

Hung with Republicans and the Tea Party years ago, but had to cut them loose.
I tried to warn others as to what they were going to do.
Yes people, they think they are smart and the American people (v**ers) are stupid.
They have been practicing on you for more than 30 years.
If you want your child to do something, what do you do or say?
And you wonder why we are so fragmented. This is because they can control you better that way.
I will say it again people, what Republicans and the Tea Party say to you, not what they say behind closed doors. Sorry to have to say that, but it is the t***h.
I wish I had saved my warnings years ago. Anyway, good luck people. I wish you well.

Hung with Republicans and the Tea Party years ago, but had to cut them loose.
I tried to warn others as to what they were going to do.
Yes people, they think they are smart and the American people (v**ers) are stupid.
They have been practicing on you for more than 30 years.
If you want your child to do something, what do you do or say?
And you wonder why we are so fragmented. This is because they can control you better that way.
I will say it again people, what Republicans and the Tea Party say to you, not what they say behind closed doors. Sorry to have to say that, but it is the t***h.
I wish I had saved my warnings years ago. Anyway, good luck people. I wish you well.