The Col: It's supposed to be outrageous... why?

Is it because....

http://www.bagofnothing.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/CapturePaintingOneNationUnderGod.JPG

???

(V): I'm telling ya , I wonder when the next civil war will start in the USA. The hate between the left and right is at a level I have never seen before.I blame the media on both sides for amping up the discourse to a large degree , but the politicians have done nothing to calm things down.I used to be able to watch the cable shows from both sides of the fence , but now both make me ill with their childish "gotcha" garbage.I long for the days when journalists just report the facts , and their was a degree of respect from both sides.Issues can be discussed in a calm mature bipartisan manner , but it's so rare these days.

The Col: America seems to be unique I guess, as having fought a cold war while living a cold civil war at the same time. It's crazy. If it doesn't change then it could end up with another civil war or at the least some major riots.

The media is just one of the interested groups, and you are right.. the politicians are not stopping it. The money involved and as such 'liquid assets' is too big.

"but now both make me ill with their childish "gotcha" garbage.I long for the days when journalists just report the facts"

Reading between the lines seems to be a needed skill these days I go to the Independent or Guardian if I need more in depth.. less bull

(V): I really think the media is the main reason behind it.It started on the right, but the left have decided to hit back just as hard , which is fair of course, but both sides should really bring it down to a dull roar for the sake of the country.Of course here in Canada there is division between the left and right(I always vote conservative, can't stand our Libs) but the discourse is nothing close between our divisions.A new station started a few years ago (dubbed Fox News North) It's even too extreme for most Canadian conservatives such as myself, and has many guest from Fox News , but it's audience is very small http://www.sunnewsnetwork.ca/

The Col: We are lucky in the UK, the extremes have to act responsibly regarding what they say or find themselves in court. The UK practices responsible free speech

We also have laws that require those who spin bull to apologise.