# What is it about politics that makes otherwise normal people go batshit?
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-it-about-politics-that-makes-otherwise-normal-people-go-batshit/265177
**Category:** The BBQ Pit
**Created:** [September 20, 2004, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-it-about-politics-that-makes-otherwise-normal-people-go-batshit/265177 "2004-09-20T19:41:12Z")
**Posts on this page:** 20
**Page:** 4
### Author:  [@World\_Eater](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/World_Eater)
#### Post date: [September 22, 2004, 12:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-it-about-politics-that-makes-otherwise-normal-people-go-batshit/265177/61 "2004-09-22T00:30:24Z")
> [@Loopydude](#):
>
> It’s very simple: In politics, not only do some people have really fucking stupid ideas, those really fucking stupid ideas are something _I_ may have to put up with on a daily basis, should those ideas be voted upon favorably. Sometimes, after having the umpteenth Really Fucking Stupid Idea™ foisted upon me, and then being confronted with Still Yet Another Really Fucking Stupid Idea (patent pending), I lose it; I go batshit crazy. Crazier than a shithouse rat, even. It’s a natural response.
Hence you Username. 😃
I think that might have been me **John**.
---
### Author:  [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)
#### Post date: [September 22, 2004, 12:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-it-about-politics-that-makes-otherwise-normal-people-go-batshit/265177/62 "2004-09-22T00:39:23Z")
In some cases, I think there is a weird desire by certain people to WANT to perceive themselves as victims. They like the feeling of anger that it entails. And so everything becomes personal, even when it’s clearly not. This mindset is most often observed in undergraduates at cushy schools with too much time on their hands. They need to feel aligned with the oppressed and put-upon in this world.
If I’m not angry to the point of delerium, I’m not alive.
If you want to see a good movie that illustrates this type of behavior, watch _Citizen Ruth_. If you don’t laugh your ass off at BOTH sides, you’ve got a problem.
---
### Author:  [@World\_Eater](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/World_Eater)
#### Post date: [September 22, 2004, 12:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-it-about-politics-that-makes-otherwise-normal-people-go-batshit/265177/63 "2004-09-22T00:49:15Z")
> [@John Mace](#):
>
> In some cases, I think there is a weird desire by certain people to WANT to perceive themselves as victims. They like the feeling of anger that it entails. And so everything becomes personal, even when it’s clearly not. This mindset is most often observed in undergraduates at cushy schools with too much time on their hands. They need to feel aligned with the oppressed and put-upon in this world.
I think it’s more exasperation then anger. It is with the people who consider themselves well informed at least. I find myself asking over and over who believes this line we’re being fed?
> [@](#):
>
> If you want to see a good movie that illustrates this type of behavior, watch _Citizen Ruth_. If you don’t laugh your ass off at BOTH sides, you’ve got a problem.
I’ll check that out.
---
### Author:  [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)
#### Post date: [September 22, 2004, 1:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-it-about-politics-that-makes-otherwise-normal-people-go-batshit/265177/64 "2004-09-22T01:04:49Z")
> [@danceswithcats](#):
>
> Since we’re supposed to be about fighting ignorance, can’t both sides lay down their vitriol, stop the foaming at the keyboard, and give it a rest? There’s over a month to go for Og’s sake.
Are you crazy? America hasn’t had this much **fun** with an election since 1972! 😃
---
### Author:  [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)
#### Post date: [September 22, 2004, 1:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-it-about-politics-that-makes-otherwise-normal-people-go-batshit/265177/65 "2004-09-22T01:05:56Z")
> [@World Eater](#):
>
> I’ll check that out.
If you like political satire, you should enjoy it. It stars Laura Dern and has a hilarious minor appearance by Burt Reynolds.
---
### Author:  [@Loopydude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loopydude)
#### Post date: [September 22, 2004, 1:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-it-about-politics-that-makes-otherwise-normal-people-go-batshit/265177/66 "2004-09-22T01:08:57Z")
> [@BrainGlutton](#):
>
> Are you crazy?
Yes. Batshit crazy.
---
### Author:  [@pervert](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pervert)
#### Post date: [September 22, 2004, 2:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-it-about-politics-that-makes-otherwise-normal-people-go-batshit/265177/67 "2004-09-22T02:43:17Z")
> [@Danalan](#):
>
> I don’t have an answer to the OP – but I admit I have a problem. I am increasingly irrational where Bush is concerned. Yesterday I flipped off the driver in front of me when he looked into the rear view mirror. Why? He had a Bush bumper sticker. I used to just glare. Now I gesture. What’s next?
>
> Just the sight of a Bush sign makes me furious. While out walking the other day, I saw a company that has a Bush banner – I seriously considered throwing rocks at the building. Since there were people standing around, I didn’t – I just glared and spit in their direction.
>
> I’m angry, really angry. I’ve been angry for 4 years. Maybe the only thing keeping me in check is the possiblity of prison – can’t go there. Civil disobedience, no problem. Offensive behavior, yep. Assault, no.
>
> If, heaven forfend, Bush actually wins an election, I’m not sure what I’ll do. I hope it’s just depression, again, and not that I go off the deep end. But I’m invested like never before. I truly believe that this election will decide the future of the planet. It’s not business as usual.
>
> I feel like it’s life or death.
It is not. Be calmed.
Go find a book about the civil war. Or perhaps even about the presidential campaign of Jefferson. Stay away from anything newer than 1960. Those might be too fresh. Learn a little more about what political campaigns and political rhetoric was like 100 years ago and you might see this season in perspective.
In the meantime remember that most American’s don’t vote. They don’t precisely because it is not a matter of life or death. Keep your passion for the political process, that’s a good thing. But lose the hatred. It will only poison your mind. I’m speaking from experience here.
---
### Author:  [@Equipoise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Equipoise)
#### Post date: [September 22, 2004, 2:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-it-about-politics-that-makes-otherwise-normal-people-go-batshit/265177/68 "2004-09-22T02:52:11Z")
You know what? I don’t LIKE being told I shouldn’t be angry.
Like this.
> [@John Mace](#):
>
> In some cases, I think there is a weird desire by certain people to WANT to perceive themselves as victims. They like the feeling of anger that it entails. And so everything becomes personal, even when it’s clearly not. This mindset is most often observed in undergraduates at cushy schools with too much time on their hands. They need to feel aligned with the oppressed and put-upon in this world.
>
> If I’m not angry to the point of delerium, I’m not alive.
Fuck you. Bush stole the election. That’s why I’VE been angry for 4 years. He stole the election (want to talk movies? Watch **Unprecedented** ), then spent 4 years running this country into the ground while people slept, or didn’t care, or encouraged, or saw and were appalled. He’s still doing it. He’ll keep on doing it if re-elected.
Tell me I’m playing the victim? Fuck you. You’re undecided my ass. You know exactly who you’re going to vote for.
Anyone who isn’t a crazy-loon right-winger (who’d vote for Bush even if he promised to nuke Europe), or doesn’t vote at all because they’re “tired of the debate” or whatthefuckever pansy-assed I-Hate-My-Country-So-THERE! reason they give, needs to look at this page:
[http://www.thousandreasons.org/](http://www.thousandreasons.org)
It’s only the beginning. Tell me we have no reason to be angry. I dare you.
The right-wing spent 8 years piling on Bill Clinton for stupid little shit (which was crazy, because Democrats had far more reason to be upset with old Bill than the average Republican), then used their evil Republican Noise Machine to turn a good, fine, decent man like Al Gore, who would have made an excellent president and who almost certainly would have stopped 9/11 before it happened, into a joke. Then they stole the election, then, once they were in power, had the nerve to say “we all need to get along…we need to stop the anger and hatred” which gave them license to do anything they wanted, and if we complained, we looked like the insane loonballs.
Fuck that shit! I’m angry and I have REASONS to be angry. Reasons that are quite a bit more important than getting a fucking blowjob, then lying about it out of embarrassment.
---
### Author:  [@pervert](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pervert)
#### Post date: [September 22, 2004, 3:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-it-about-politics-that-makes-otherwise-normal-people-go-batshit/265177/69 "2004-09-22T03:13:37Z")
> [@Equipoise](#):
>
> Tell me we have no reason to be angry. I dare you.
You don’t have any _ **REASON** _ to be angry.
What? He dared me!
---
### Author:  [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)
#### Post date: [September 22, 2004, 3:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-it-about-politics-that-makes-otherwise-normal-people-go-batshit/265177/70 "2004-09-22T03:20:27Z")
> [@Equipoise](#):
>
> then used their evil Republican Noise Machine to turn a good, fine, decent man like Al Gore, who would have made an excellent president and who almost certainly would have stopped 9/11 before it happened.
You’re nuts. I really do hope Bush wins now. How will that make you feel? Huh???
---
### Author:  [@Muad\_Dib](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Muad_Dib)
#### Post date: [September 22, 2004, 3:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-it-about-politics-that-makes-otherwise-normal-people-go-batshit/265177/71 "2004-09-22T03:31:57Z")
> [@Cluricaun](#):
>
> The Republicans seem to have become the last great hurrah of Puritanism in this country. For the red states, the opportunity to crush the dwindling spirit of the “60’s” is at hand, a chance to revert to the good old days again (Aug. 3-Sept. 16 1953) while the blue states recoil in horror at seeing almost 40 years of progress handed over to the very narrow minded zealots from whom we needed to wrest control of the nations destiny in the first place.
>
> There is no more important battle to come again in which direction we go as a nation, and as a civilization. The promise of a new millennium could be dulled quickly if we allow things such as science and knowledge, peace and prosperity, harmony and understanding to be laid wayside by fearful bigots and the ignorance and intolerance our culture has masquerading as religion to steer our course.
>
> What could really be more important?
You could not be more wrong **Cluricaun**.
We wish to turn back the clock to _at least_ before Roosevelt. Privatizing Social Security should be the appropriate nail in the coffin for the New Deal. That would take us to the 20’s, not 50’s ya big silly. 😃
---
### Author:  [@Starving\_Artist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Starving_Artist)
#### Post date: [September 22, 2004, 3:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-it-about-politics-that-makes-otherwise-normal-people-go-batshit/265177/72 "2004-09-22T03:32:16Z")
> [@pervert](#):
>
> What? He dared me!
No, believe it or not, **Equipoise** is a sweet little old grandmother…who’s lost her mind.
---
### Author:  [@Muad\_Dib](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Muad_Dib)
#### Post date: [September 22, 2004, 3:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-it-about-politics-that-makes-otherwise-normal-people-go-batshit/265177/73 "2004-09-22T03:34:06Z")
> [@Polerius](#):
>
> I wasn’t around these boards during the Monica Lewinsky case, Ken Starr inverstigation, and impeachment. Was there a lot of vitriol then?
>
> A quick search of the term “Lewinsky” brought up some old threads that indicate that the vitriol on SDMB is nothing new
>
> \ BTW, from these old threads, there are a lot of usernames that aren’t around anymore. I guess people just get tired and stop posting \
We had vitriol back then, but it did not “leak out” into as many threads. There would be, literaly, two or three angry threads, and that was it.
---
### Author:  [@Muad\_Dib](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Muad_Dib)
#### Post date: [September 22, 2004, 4:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-it-about-politics-that-makes-otherwise-normal-people-go-batshit/265177/74 "2004-09-22T04:04:06Z")
> [@Loopydude](#):
>
> Yes. Batshit crazy.
With your name I would expect nothing less.
You folks wanna know why things are so angry? I can tell you. There are two reasons.
1. The left feels that the election was stolen from them. The 2000 election was so close ( no, I don’t believe that it is possible to say who got _even_ the popular vote) that it was pretty much a coin flip. A coin flip, that is, that got left to a, _barely_, right-wing majority Supreme Court. So all those on the left feel like Bush was forced on them through unfair and illegitimate means.
2. George W. Bush fulfills, in their minds, pretty much every negative stereotype of a right-winger that the left has. He is, not that I agree with this, a white male, born-again Christian (in that he was a crazy hedonistic fuck-up once, but has now “seen the light”) who uses this to appeal to, successfully even (!), middle America. He is born of “old money”, what’s more, old _right-wing political_ money, he is ignorant and stupid (two very different things) connected to big and unpopular businesses (oil) and is giving them, his “cronies”, special breaks when he can because he is just an ignorant and stupid tool. Because of this he is like salt in their wound of 2000. Because of this every shity thing he does hurts them doubly worse, as if a thousand voices were saying “nyah nyaaah” right to their face.
3. Opal, we will always love you, our dear, sweet Opal.
Is there any left-winger that disagrees with this?
---
### Author:  [@milroyj](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/milroyj)
#### Post date: [September 22, 2004, 4:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-it-about-politics-that-makes-otherwise-normal-people-go-batshit/265177/75 "2004-09-22T04:15:58Z")
> [@Equipoise](#):
>
> [http://www.thousandreasons.org/](http://www.thousandreasons.org)
>
> It’s only the beginning. Tell me we have no reason to be angry. I dare you.
I think you should be angry at yourself for beliving everything you read on the internet. :rolleyes:
And please, do tell, how a President Gore would have prevented 9/11 in the 7 1/2 months between the inauguration and the attacks?
---
### Author:  [@Starving\_Artist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Starving_Artist)
#### Post date: [September 22, 2004, 4:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-it-about-politics-that-makes-otherwise-normal-people-go-batshit/265177/76 "2004-09-22T04:19:01Z")
An attack years in the planning, by the way.
---
### Author:  [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)
#### Post date: [September 22, 2004, 4:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-it-about-politics-that-makes-otherwise-normal-people-go-batshit/265177/77 "2004-09-22T04:30:03Z")
In answer to the OP, my guess is that people are inherently tribal. Arguing “us” against “them” is instinctive. Being somewhat civilized, we generally keep it within limits because if we poor too much emotion into an issue that others consider trivial, mockery will arise.
But politics is supposed to be about important issues. Especially when there’s a war going on. So now people feel free to indulge in the most extreme of partisan combat and feel justified doing so because of the supposed weight of the issue.
---
### Author:  [@blowero](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blowero)
#### Post date: [September 22, 2004, 7:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-it-about-politics-that-makes-otherwise-normal-people-go-batshit/265177/78 "2004-09-22T07:02:16Z")
> [@John Mace](#):
>
> Yeah, that’s the ticket… :rolleyes:
>
> I think the OP is dead on. Take our good friend **Diogenes**. He’s one of my favorite people to debate with on this board, but it’s gotten to where you cannot have a rational discussion with him about Iraq, or pretty much anything related to Bush. A shame, really.
Yeah, but you’ve just been a _bastion_ of impartiality lately, John. :rolleyes:
Seriously, some of you dudes need to get off your high horse.
---
### Author:  [@World\_Eater](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/World_Eater)
#### Post date: [September 22, 2004, 11:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-it-about-politics-that-makes-otherwise-normal-people-go-batshit/265177/79 "2004-09-22T11:50:26Z")
> [@Muad'Dib](#):
>
> Is there any left-winger that disagrees with this?
Yes.
> [@](#):
>
> 1. The left feels that the election was stolen from them. The 2000 election was so close ( no, I don’t believe that it is possible to say who got _even_ the popular vote) that it was pretty much a coin flip. A coin flip, that is, that got left to a, _barely_, right-wing majority Supreme Court. So all those on the left feel like Bush was forced on them through unfair and illegitimate means.
I don’t give one shit about the 2000 election. People should really let that shit go, it’s not a factor anymore. What’s so important to me is if he’s _reelected_, it’s like the American people putting a huge stamp of approval on what he’s done. We had no idea what it was going to be like this when he was elected, but we do now.
> [@](#):
>
> 1. George W. Bush fulfills, in their minds, pretty much every negative stereotype of a right-winger that the left has. He is, not that I agree with this, a white male, born-again Christian (in that he was a crazy hedonistic fuck-up once, but has now “seen the light”) who uses this to appeal to, successfully even (!), middle America. He is born of “old money”, what’s more, old _right-wing political_ money, he is ignorant and stupid (two very different things) connected to big and unpopular businesses (oil) and is giving them, his “cronies”, special breaks when he can because he is just an ignorant and stupid tool. Because of this he is like salt in their wound of 2000. Because of this every shity thing he does hurts them doubly worse, as if a thousand voices were saying “nyah nyaaah” right to their face.
No, the concern with Bush is he’s going to get us nuked.
> [@](#):
>
> 1. Opal, we will always love you, our dear, sweet Opal.
She’s probably off hacking someone with a kitchen knife! 😛
---
### Author:  [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor)
#### Post date: [September 22, 2004, 11:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-it-about-politics-that-makes-otherwise-normal-people-go-batshit/265177/80 "2004-09-22T11:59:50Z")
> [@milroyj](#):
>
> And please, do tell, how a President Gore would have prevented 9/11 in the 7 1/2 months between the inauguration and the attacks?
Well, there **is** the possibility that he could have.
Any single detail could have stopped 9/11.
Viewed objectively, the Bin Ladin operation had to go off _just right_…or it would have failed.
In point of fact, it was only a partial success–one plane never reached its target, & other aircraft were rumored to on the list of targets to be siezed, but all planes were grounded, far too quickly. Most people forget that. We _did_ stop at least _some_ of the attacks, via air traffic control & the FAA lockdown on flights.
So, given that some relatively simple things threw a monkeywrench into the works— **yes** ; Al Gore **could** have stopped or, more likely, great reduced the effectiveness, of the 9/11 attacks. Bush’s error was to sit in front of those kids in the Texas preschool, & do nothing for the first , critical 15 minutes. Virtually **anything** he could have ordered could have bollixed the Al Qida attack, to some degree.
[Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-it-about-politics-that-makes-otherwise-normal-people-go-batshit/265177.md?page=3)
[Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-it-about-politics-that-makes-otherwise-normal-people-go-batshit/265177.md?page=5)