Filed by KOSU News in Politics.
June 13, 2012

This morning’s post about the special election to fill the House seat left vacant by the retirement of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, D-Ariz., has readers from both sides of the political divide warning about extremism.

“Tony Montana” says he’s a “long standing Republican.” He worries that some in the Tea Party might push “conservatism … to its far right extreme.”

“Although there are some issues that it can legitimately help inform, there are many others that are simply too extreme for mainstream Republicans … not to mention main stream America. A few Tea Partiers add a welcome kick to the Republican blend but, we have to be careful about making the enchilada … TOO hot! …”

“qis qis (qis)” identifies as a “long standing Democratic voter,” but agrees with “Tony Montana” — saying that too much spice from his side could have a negative impact on the behavior of blue states.

“I don’t want to see the Democrats answer by electing far left extreme candidates. It will only make the gridlock worse.”

“Justin Walker” chimes in with a couple rules that might help keep things from only getting worse “as we move toward November.” Rule number one?

“No matter what your opinion is, we are all in this thing together. Let’s act like brothers and sisters instead of assuming people with different opinions are either idiots or are out to get us.”

(Marissa Alioto is an intern on NPR’s Social Media Desk.) [Copyright 2012 National Public Radio]