Well, I'm not your classic definition of patriotic, I'm an atheist, I'm on this site (law abiding?), etc.
I still manage to be civil in my interactions. Here and elsewhere.
It's simple, but not for the reasons you list. People think that, for some reason, they have a right to be a dick any time they want to. Maybe.
But I know that if I try hard enough to see where the other person is coming from... If I actually listen to what they are saying instead of just waiting for them to stop talking (or typing) so I can start speaking again... I find that if I am patient I can usually find some common ground. And maybe even respect their position.
Just because we disagree anout something doesn't mean I should call you out and try to make you look bad. And (specifically here on this site) just because our personalities don't click doesn't mean I should try to belitte you every time you dare to post something.
This place is awesome. The wonderful ladies here provide something amazing. Something that is worthwhile and exciting and desired by all the gentemen here. At (usually) a small fraction of what that same thing would cost us in terms of time and money.
Why troll? Because you can. Obviously. But you shouldn't. When you feel the need to get personal and make a negative comment about someone... JUST STOP. And not every petty jab needs to be answered with a return punch.
I really like this site. I just wish we could me more civil.
I yield my soapbox.
How did we get to this point asks the OP. Our nation's culture has been undergoing a major transition from patriotic, God believing, law abiding, family orientated, self providing gentile to the unpatriotic, God defying, lawless, whatever you might be, welfare sucker activist lead by those, Leaders and all, who have moved against the grain since the 60's. Hippies, doppies, gangies, you know who; if you don't; then wth .
Simple, my dear Watson.
Originally Posted by doug_dfw