Why can't we just get along?
-- Rodney King
There seems to be an increasingly uncivil level of political discourse in our society lately; this makes for unnecessarily high levels of tension and unhappiness. Whether a person leans to the Democratic or Republican philosophy, it is important to remember that:
a. Your side is not completely right;
b. The other side is not completely wrong.
Really, both slants do affirm defensible values; it's the relative degree of importance they give them that the sides differ on. However, I'm sure that this promises to be an election season that is dull, nasty, brutish, and, unfortunately, not short. It's too long already.
But this is not restricted to politics. We can see this with the truly virulent and totally unnecessary sniping that goes on between theists and atheists on the internet and, unfortunately, in real life. And that old chestnut to pull out of the embers: sectional differences. Both sides are guilty of re-fighting the Civil War. Moreover, not content with that difference, they make up new ones.
Some people make a lot over CNN/MSNBC/Fox News differences. Yes, an example of the news media has a slant, they all do. Well, maybe not The Sun -- unless you feel strongly about Page 3. Let's remember that they're small stuff; these are all news lite; and this fact renders this dispute the equivalent of a horsefly bite on your behind you're at the beach. Seriously, all televisions and remotes come with an on-off button or a channel selector: become familiar with it. It will save you from woes. Moreover, it doesn't do your blood pressure and your tranquility very much good.
We should be able to have our own opinions, and differ. But it would be nice to do so in a respectful manner. Or, if that is not possible, then speak softly; leave the big stick at home.
Because, however another person's opinion differs from yours, you're stuck with that person by having to live in the same society. Secession is probably not an option. And,when the two (or more) of you have some real peril or crisis, then it's easier to work together. And dammit: You Democrats are stuck with those Republicans, no matter how wrong-headed they are; you Republicans are stuck with those Democrats, even though they're not playing with a full deck! As for adherents of minor parties, they're just written off as the lunatic fringe!
-- Rodney King
There seems to be an increasingly uncivil level of political discourse in our society lately; this makes for unnecessarily high levels of tension and unhappiness. Whether a person leans to the Democratic or Republican philosophy, it is important to remember that:
a. Your side is not completely right;
b. The other side is not completely wrong.
Really, both slants do affirm defensible values; it's the relative degree of importance they give them that the sides differ on. However, I'm sure that this promises to be an election season that is dull, nasty, brutish, and, unfortunately, not short. It's too long already.
But this is not restricted to politics. We can see this with the truly virulent and totally unnecessary sniping that goes on between theists and atheists on the internet and, unfortunately, in real life. And that old chestnut to pull out of the embers: sectional differences. Both sides are guilty of re-fighting the Civil War. Moreover, not content with that difference, they make up new ones.
Some people make a lot over CNN/MSNBC/Fox News differences. Yes, an example of the news media has a slant, they all do. Well, maybe not The Sun -- unless you feel strongly about Page 3. Let's remember that they're small stuff; these are all news lite; and this fact renders this dispute the equivalent of a horsefly bite on your behind you're at the beach. Seriously, all televisions and remotes come with an on-off button or a channel selector: become familiar with it. It will save you from woes. Moreover, it doesn't do your blood pressure and your tranquility very much good.
We should be able to have our own opinions, and differ. But it would be nice to do so in a respectful manner. Or, if that is not possible, then speak softly; leave the big stick at home.
Because, however another person's opinion differs from yours, you're stuck with that person by having to live in the same society. Secession is probably not an option. And,when the two (or more) of you have some real peril or crisis, then it's easier to work together. And dammit: You Democrats are stuck with those Republicans, no matter how wrong-headed they are; you Republicans are stuck with those Democrats, even though they're not playing with a full deck! As for adherents of minor parties, they're just written off as the lunatic fringe!
That will happen just before the Ice Age.
ReplyDeleteThe election will occur; the bad feelings will persist.
ReplyDeleteWell said!
ReplyDeleteI agree. Well said. I thought that after 9/11 we'd all pull together, but that was a delusion!
ReplyDeleteI try to stay towards the middle but the Republicans seem to have the upper hand on crazy since the Reagan days.
ReplyDeleteI'm so tired of politicians.
ReplyDeleteJohn -- Thank you.
ReplyDeleteHeidi -- I hope not.
Bob -- Me too
Mike -- I see them both behavingly terribly.
Elvis -- I thought that too.
Duckbutt -- Like a regurgitated taco.
A very well-written and timely post ... well done! And listen to Heidi ... she's not only beautiful, but very perceptive.
ReplyDeleteI think that 85% of the problem is the Republicans.
ReplyDeleteThe problem really lies with the fact that there are no moderates in either party anymore, everyone is too liberal or too conservative..and the fact that republicans are idiots and arguing with them is a waste of time...is a big factor too.
ReplyDeleteEveryone should behave better.
ReplyDelete