Something I’ve experienced traveling around the state is that there is a palpable fear of even letting your friends know you are a Democrat, or even in line with what Democratic politicians are doing. There’s vandalism that takes place here, and people are scared of that. Having your yard sign stolen or your flag taken down is one thing, but having your car keyed or trash left in your yard, that’s another. I know people who have been harassed after they are outed as a Democrat, and then people give them trouble. People hear those stories. They’re not fake. They’re not made up. I’ve seen and heard some really ugly language.
I’m not a Dem (I’m a Leftists), but this pretty much sums it up. The Right plays dirty. They aren’t bound by any sense of decency. I’d say the only way we can beat them is to respond with our own violence (which I, personally, detest). I don’t see us beating them because they don’t believe in rules of engagement. Sorry to be so demoralizing in this post.
Excellent point. I was just thinking to myself “why has politics been taboo to talk about in person for so long in the US?” It certainly doesn’t benefit the voting public. And it does seem to make it easier to sow discord and divide us.
When you talk about these things in person it turns out people often have ideas that aren’t simply clones or this side or the other side.
Also when you talk face to face, being a total dick like some are online carries more social risk (and, let’s be honest, a small physical risk also).