There seems to be an inability to discern, thus resulting in kneejerk attacks.
I wish the facts mattered to these folks, Peach. I really do. It would make it possible to discuss this critical issue rationally with them.
A couple of times a few months ago I actually stumbled onto an illegal immigration thread and was able to ask questions and get answers. And I was able to post my issues and why I think the president's guest worker plan isn't the worst thing in the world. And none of us fought.
It was a rarity. I learned something from the thread and I think a freeper or two was able to think about the issues differently as a result of one or two of my posts.
We weren't trying to change each other's minds but were trying to learn something.
It's really unfortunate that we have some freepers who can't admit mistakes when they've been proven wrong (ie, Simcox) and it's also unfortunate that most times when I/we enter these threads, the feelings are so hardened on both sides that nothing is ever learned or actually discussed.
I don't remember FR being this bad before, but maybe it's because I stayed away from flame war issues before.
For example, I know there were different opinion about Elian Gonzales, and much as I had a strong feeling about it, nothing that happened with that unfortunate situation was going to affect national security.