debates : intolerance and name calling

ok so I just visited a blog named Crisis Pictures which publish pictures not seen in the usual medias and the subject of which is, guess what-- crisis. that inevitably includes the war in Iraq. Now it's been a long time since I read any opinions about that war, I actually tend to avoid doing it especially when Americans give their point of view. and I've just been reminded of the reason why I stay far away from internet debates about that particular subject involving those particular people.
first, let me say that I am not by any means anti-American. I know great people who are American and the US is a country I really loved visiting. I also have family over there. Anyway, back to the matter at hand. As I was saying, I was visiting this blog and out of curiosity clicked on a thread titled something like "a month in Iraq" (not 100% sure about the title but you get the picture). the pictures were of people wounded and there also were pictures of American soldiers who died in Iraq, with a little background provided (like, X was the father of two children and was a good guy, that kind of thing). then I moved to the comments. 13 pages of them!! I sensed a big debate there and should have avoided reading it but I needed a break and was curious nonetheless. so I read.
What I notice is the way the label "liberal" is always used as an insult by the republican posters. here I thought America was all about diversity but obviously I was misled. Second thing I notice is the too frequent lack of tolerance about the other side's opinions. And the third thing I notice is the abundant name-calling and personal attacks. now that's so low you can walk upon it. I admit to call people names but I do try not to do so during a debate. A debate should be argumented and shouldn't turn into a flame war. And you always should respect the other person's opinion even if you don't agree with it. I mean, we're supposed to be civilized, right ?? Oh but wait, I'm forgetting the world we live in. Civilization doesn't mean shit. Bush is calling himself civilized. right. Nope, I don't believe in civilized people. Besides, what is civilization ? Industry ? Money ? Power ? Weapons? I won't digress any further, this will be for another post.
Jeez I don't even know if my post is making any sense. just some random and angry thoughts after reading those comments. there are some really righteous assholes out there and it's scary to think that they support the one asshole at the head of the world's superpower. am I scared of extremist Islam ? of course. am I scared of extremist America? hell yeah.