Please keep partisanship civil.

I recognize that politics is, ultimately, about taking sides, and I certainly don't expect any one contributing to this reddit to adopt some artificial, abstract position or idealized neutrality. You are welcome, so far as I'm concerned, to debate any given point from the position of your favored political persuasion. You're a Democrat? Feel free to press the Democratic position. Republican? You're free to do the same. Libertarian? Tea Partier? Anarcho-Capitalist? The more the merrier.

There are only two rules that I request everyone abide by:

1. Stick to the issues. That means, first and foremost, no personal attacks against other redditors. If you see someone engaging in that sort of behavior, follow your down vote up with a comment about why. Link them to this post if it helps make the point. Flagrant repeat abusers will be banned. If someone is really pushing your buttons and you simply can't contain yourself, make your response a PM to that person. Either way, I don't particularly like it, but when I'm wearing my moderator pants, my main concern is for preserving an atmosphere of civil discussion.

2. Explain your partisanism. This one is less obvious than it may seem. I have a theory. We take so much in political discourse for granted that we sometimes forget to make essential logical connections that will help others understand our position. If you're engaged in partisan debate with someone else, don't just point out where you think they're wrong; explain why you hold the position you do. If all else fails, start at the bottom. Because we're used to taking so much for granted, it may feel slightly stupid to say something as basic as, "Republicans generally believe that government intrusion stultifies social progress, and I'm a Republican in that regard," but I believe such frank, straightforward and basic statements can do a great deal to promote discussion that is both illuminating and constructive.