Originally Posted by irateplatypus

bravo.

however, i think the driving factor behind most of the vitriol is the mistaken idea that we're all after the same thing. sometimes it is assumed by both sides of a discussion that all are working towards the same end-state. this is untrue and is a fruitless (dangerous?) premise on which to ground a debate.

another thing that i've come to realize is that not everyone wants successes/victories/justice etc. there are some who, for whatever personal reason, don't want anything good in life. there are people who embrace fear, people who manufacture shame, people who feel entitled to things they did not earn, people who sneer at those who are better and want nothing else but to bring them low, people who exploit the misery of others.

now, i know that disagreement with my own views does not place a person into one of those boxes. i don't equate difference of opinion with such dreadful things... but i do recognize that there are people who do fit such an awful description. i have met people with whom i can find no common ground simply because they desire nothing more than an end to their own miserable existence and the abolition of joy for anyone else.