Political Dialogue

Tonight, my wife and I planned to sit at home and watch a movie entitled, The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada. No such luck. The DVD was inoperable, much to my chagrin. So, instead, we started to watch another DVD movie, Constantine, with Kenneau Reeves. After about 2 minutes of that, I'd had enough. Fantasies about people possessed by the devil aren't my thing.

Yesterday, on NPR (I don't recall the program), I had the opportunity to listen to a couple of political pundits, one a Democrat and one a Republican, talk about politics in a more or less rational way. While I took issue with the Republican's positions on most issues, I found one thing he said to be worth thinking about. He said, and I'll paraphrase here, "People tend to listen to and watch news for affirmation, rather than information." He pointed out that Republicans tend to watch Fox and that Democrats tend to watch CNN...and he pointed out, correctly in my view, that their political leanings are apparent. Sure, CNN airs a conservative program on Headline News opposite Larry King, and Fox probably has its share of less right-wing crap than is its typical fare, but the big picture says the media does have a point of view. I don't argue that the media should hold no political perspective, but it would be refreshing to hear them admit it. NPR and PBS are the only ones that, I think, try hard to present all angles, but I think they lean toward left, and I'm on that side.

Back to his point...people listen for affirmation instead of information. I am afraid that is true, even of me. While I do enjoy hearing right-wing extremists being excoriated by the media, I would really rather hear rational arguments or positions presented so I can make up my own mind.

On occasion, I do hear a reasonable, rational, persuasive argument from a conservative that makes me take note and think. The only time it happens is when the conservative is respectful and thoughtful and lucid. I think liberals will be more effective in making their cases about things that are important (in my view) when they behave respectfully and argue forcefully, rationally, and persuasively. I'm guilty, far too often, of simply dismissing conservatives as imbeciles...that's not the way to make friends and influence people.

Off the soapbox. Getting ready for a whirlwind overseas trip next week...it's going to be an experience! I do look forward to getting back home on November 12.