I think it's doable. There are some issues that will undoubtedly turn into a battle of ad hominem attacks but for the most part I think it's feasible to stick to the issues and not the personal attacks.
*crosses fingers*
I think so as well. I'm a political science major(along with one in econ) currently (and am rocking a solid 4.0 in those classes) and LOVE it. I like talking politics. Having been both poor, and rich in my life (well.. my family situation) I have an ability to empathize with both sides of the arguments.
"But lost you're just a kid". I've been helping my dad with his taxes since I was 15 and have been following politics since I was 14. I give a damn about several of the issues.
So to start off. My moms side of the family is immigrants. Super liberal. Loved Hillary. Acted like children when they lost. My dad's side is uber conservative. 1%er who works 50+ hours a week(something that I've taken from him. Why I'm posting so late). Me? Unlike my parents I'm somewhere in the middle.
Examples
I'm all for gun regulation, but banning it entirely is stupid. Gun training should be like drivers ed imo. I could theoretically go to downtown Denver and run over 50 people before the cops show up. We need to educate our population better. I think this wouldn't solve the problem entirely, but it would help out significantly in the long run.
I'm a fiscal conservative. I think the progressive tax is nonsensical. Contrary to popular belief, most rich people I've encountered have not only earned their money fairly, but have worked their asses off to get it. Just because they make more, doesn't mean their percentages should go up based off of their earnings. The government takes 1 out of every 2 dollars that he earns. I also believe that some federal programs should have their funding decreased(notice how I didn't say cut) as I believe that if the people truly want to keep something they will pull together and fund it themselves.
Socially, I'm pro choice, all for gay marriage(some of my best friends are gay/lesbians) but hate political correctness. That doesn't mean that I'm an advocate for racism, very much against it actually. But the first amendment exists to protect contreversial speech so long as it is not overly obscene, or shows the intent to harm, etc. As a person of color, I have experienced racism, but those people to me are uneducated lost causes that I honestly feel sorry for more than anything. They'll never be able to grow up. For example: I think it's utterly stupid that people find the term "Islamic Terrorism" offensive. That term does not implicate all practitioners of islam as terrorist. The phase, "All muslims blow up buildings" would do that, and is incredibly offensive. There are domestic terrorist, and even christians have participated in terrorism.
I'm all about productive discussion. If there is something about the country that does scare me going forward, it's the media. Both sides. Fox and CNN are equally crappy. They all try to push their own damn agendas and a lot of idiots fall for it. They believe moreso in the headlines than the cold, hard facts, and ultimately, they are one of the catalysts for the society we live in today. People need to form their own damn opinions.
That's enough for me. I want us to keep it Civil. Some members who threaten others(we all know who) won't. Will likely call half of us losers, but that's okay.
Ladies and Gents. Let's discuss.