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I'm sure every human has aggressive tendencies, especially if you or your loved one's face a life-threatening attack. However, when it comes to politics, it's our experience that conservatives fall into the live and let live category, and don't often resort to threats nor physical violence. This may have something to do with conservatives working hard to raise families. However, when it comes to Democrats and their leftist allies, there's a long history of their penchant for violence. Life in Portland, Oregon over the past 50 years exposed us to the left's violence. The city has a long history of violent protests, one of which erupted when President George Bush visited Portland in 1991, when a mob of angry anarchists stormed the area near Portland's Hilton Hotel. The experience caused President Bush to label Portland "Little Beirut," a moniker that stuck -- and gave the Left pride in their work. The Left has always exhibited a violent streak. To confirm this read the Portland Oregonian's news report from April 11, 2016. It explains how Portland earned its reputation as the nation's top training ground for anarchist, antifa and BLM rioters -- many of whom will soon be storming the streets of a city near you to support leftist Democrat policies -- not President Trump nor Republicans. https://www.oregonlive.com/living/2016/04/little_beirut_legacy_20_of_the.html

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This article reminded me of the British motor show Top Gear's US special (from 2008), where the three presenters travel across the deep south in used cars. In one of the challenges they are painting "controversial" slogans on each others cars, pro-homosexual, pro-Clinton and anti-patriotic. They have to abandon the joke when they are pelted with stones by locals (presumably conservatives) and seem to be fearinig for their lives.

Of course, it is a TV show, but at least a TV show based in reality. The point here being that there is no natural law stating that only liberals are capable of harassment. The fact that conservatives feel more exposed than liberals might be more due to demographics than actual viciousness. Liberal strongholds are predominantly urban with high population densities forcing people of different persuasions to rub up against each other while conservative strongholds are predominantly rural where you are simply not as bothered by your neighbours.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Top_Gear:_US_Special

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Excellent point, Anders! And thank you for reading my article. BUT, I must disagree with you. Conservatives, especially Christians, have a "live & let live" attitude that prevents them from being disrespectful toward others. When Trump was elected, Liberals I had known FOR DECADES turned on me and others they assumed had voted for him. No Conservative would do that. Many hated Obama, knew he planned to harm America & Americans, but they did not turn on Obama voters they knew. Where do you live? Do you live behind enemy lines?

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As a European I have no experience and, frankly, quite little understanding for the aggressive polarization of American politics.

However, from a distance it sure looks like both sides are guilty of demonizing the other. Of course, I cannot judge the actual feeling of harassment from one's neighbors. But based on their respective online presences conservatives look just as much the bullies as liberals, calling their antagonists libtards, snowflakes and whatnot. And that is even before taking into account the numerous conservative fringe groups; birtherists, Pizzagatists and so forth, who use an even more intimidating language.

So, despite my lack of personal experience, I still think the population density factor is at play here. From my own observations I know that conservatives are perfectly capable of bullying online. If they do less of it in real life that should be due to practical factors like not living close to any bulliable liberals rather than an innate goodness.

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Sep 3, 2023Liked by Diane L. Gruber

It would seem that you have little understanding of America

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Moved from Chinook to Klipsan Beach and had no issues with anything or anyone since that time. I fly the flag 24/7 with a light on it at night, and have been thinking of adding a second flag on my small shed next to the garage that is MAGA for Trump 2024. I doubt seriously if anyone cares, the vast majority of my neighbors are week-enders and are only here a couple of times a month. They are older, so I assume they are more on the conservative side than liberals. If anything comes of my experiment, I will let you know. Edie

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Jul 12, 2023·edited Sep 3, 2023Author

Edie: You & I are not currently living behind enemy lines. Diane

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What do you call the incredibly socialist state of Washington?

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