why do people insist on asking political questions just to stir up conflict?

it does, in fact, help clarify political values and positions

some postings are noxious, but i wouldn't tell folks that they can't post them

there are some strong feelings here

Your question cannot be answered because it is subjective. Not only does the answer depend on the individual answering the question, it also depends on a very broad set of circumstances. Let's say I made an attempt to answer your question. If I'd had a good day I might say that the individual was truly interested in an answer (and did not intend to 'stir up' things) as you inferred. If I was an individual not interested in politics, I might answer your question simply by saying "As someone not interested in politics, I'm wondering why you would care." If I were a person who was a former member of a debate team, I'd relish the idea of sparing with you the answer. Do you understand my point? How about this. There are people who just enjoy arguing.

People post political ideas and beliefs because that is what this country was founded upon. Is to stir emotions in people and raise some alarms and get people out raged yes. If you think that is a bad thing then we should still be in the days of slavery, segregation and with woman without the ability to vote. If that offends you then you have to understand how other people feel when they post. Posting political views is the closet thing that you can get to a protest abut certain topics because it has become illegal to have protests and demonstrations without the proper paper work that you have to get from the government. So they might be looking for others that feel the same as them on a certain subject so that maybe one day we can get back to where the people can make the final decisions on what goes on in our government.

If the sole purpose of the question is to create controversy, then it is likely that they are what is called a Troll. This subspecies believes that any attention is good attention, and will do whatever elicits a response. For comparison, observe the actions of many fans of the visiting team at your favorite sporting event.

If the question is well reasoned, and you feel it is stirring the pot simply because you personally disagree with the opinions of the questioner, that's a horse of a different color. This is a politically oriented question category, so it stands to reason that people will be asking political questions here...

Maybe because it is human nature to provoke fights and watch from the sidelines.Some sort of sadistic pleasure perhaps.

I'll bet that these questions diminish significantly at whatever time American Idol is on TV.

because they have nothing better to do and they are bored.