Despicable nature of partisan politics

[ylwjacket]

I have talked to several friends who, like me, have had their kids experience fallout from the recent Presidential elections.

In my case, my kids (Grades 8 and 10) questioned Obama's experience, and were ridiculed by a large number of peers. In some cases, the ridicule was hostile and aggressive. My kids have actually lost friends over it. My 10th grader had a teacher who started to grade her papers aggressively after discussing the election in class. I called that teacher, and put an end to that immediately.

I have a friend who lives, evidently, in a more conservative part of town, who was the other way around - he and his family supported Obama (yes, we're still friends anyways ), and his kids were aggressively ridiculed for it. In his case, his teachers had a lot to say, and were harder on him. My friend actually was afraid to call his kid's teacher, for fear of longer-term retribution.

Another friend has a son in 9th grade who is transferring after this semester. He goes to private school, and he made the mistake of liking Obama, and he saw things change for him afterwards.

In my case, I figured it was isolated, and it was handled by me talking to the teachers. But, hearing this over New Year's with a couple of others makes me think this is more widespread than I thought.

It is despicable that politics has come to this. We have to get this turned around in this country in a hurry, or it will do us in before the economic crisis does.

Have any of you experienced these types of situations? Why is it we can't have dialogue any more?

[lakai]

Aside from the problems with the teachers, the issue isn't really political. This past election really seemed to really divide the country in many ways. In all honesty I thought it was downright disgusting. Unfortunately the issue with politics in the classroom can't be avoided.

[Quicksilver]

Your right "It is despicable".
But it's the people that are despicable.

I guess the old saying is true, If you wish
to keep your friends, better it is not to discuss
religion or politics. ........

[B-Line]

Politics is now and has always been, a dirty business.

I have Republican friends who think I'm a Democrat. I have Democrat friends who think I'm a Republican.

Everyone thinks, "If you don't agree with me, than you must be one of them!"

Never-mind the fact that I form my own opinions that have nothing to do with party politics.

People become so obsessed with their views that they feel that anyone who doesn't agree with them must be crazy. That they are right and everyone else is wrong.

But it's not a new thing. This has been going on since "man" learned of the wheel.

[ylwjacket]

Originally Posted by B-Line

Politics is now and has always been, a dirty business.

No doubt, it is a full contact sport. Which is probably why I love it.

Originally Posted by B-Line

People become so obsessed with their views that they feel that anyone who doesn't agree with them must be crazy. That they are right and everyone else is wrong.

And your point is? Oh wait, if it's not my point, it doesn't matter anyways.

I guess I am just really disappointed that high school kids are being dumped on by their teachers. That is absolutely wrong.

[statdoc]

I think this started in 2000 (Bush/Gore election), not this one. Very ugly then, and got even worse over the past 8 years.