I feel like that guy with his finger in the dike — and increasingly I’d like to stick my fingers in my ears.<\/p>\n
Reading the blog posts the last 72 hours here at the In Box has been disheartening. Really, honestly, depressing.<\/p>\n
It’s not that we all disagree. That’s the cool part.<\/p>\n
I think there are legitimate differences of opinion out there about how our country (and our congressional district) should move forward.<\/p>\n
Activists on the right are truly frightened of what they perceive as government over-reaching, oppressive taxation, and an agenda that doesn’t reflect their traditional values.<\/p>\n
Activists on the left are terrified that many of what they perceive as their liberties — the right to choose (or not choose) an abortion, the right to marry whom they like — are imperiled. <\/p>\n
Those are deeply entrenched positions, granted. It’s incredibly hard, as Republican Dede Scozzafava learned, to stake out a middle ground.<\/p>\n
But really. Those of us posting here aren’t politicians. We have the luxury of talking openly, playing with ideas, listening to others, responding in complex ways.<\/p>\n
But some of the posts to this site, from the right and left, are predictable, thoughtless, and nonsensical. Not to mention hateful. <\/p>\n
The idea that conservatives are part of an “American taliban”? That’s nuts, plain and simple. <\/p>\n
And the idea that liberals are “Marxists” or “Maoists”? Please. <\/p>\n
Sheesh. It’s embarrassing. It’s not even remotely thought-provoking. You know what it is? It’s boring.<\/p>\n
There are a kajillion websites out there where you can go to flame your perceived enemies. You can echo-chamber yourselves until you’re blue in the face.<\/p>\n
But next time you come to the In-Box, before you hit Enter…stop.<\/p>\n
Slow down. Think for a second about the sources of your information. Think about the other side’s point of view. <\/p>\n
Consider that these are people whose kids go to the same schools as yours, who attend the same churches, who (yes) share conversation at their public radio station’s website. <\/p>\n
They are your fellow citizens, and your neighbors. If they’ve come to think differently from yourself, that’s kind of interesting, right? <\/p>\n
What does it mean? Is there anything in their argument that got you thinking?<\/p>\n
Above all else stop with the name calling. It’s the ultimate sign of a callow argument. If you think NCPR is bad, or liberal, or milk-toasty, make an argument.<\/p>\n
If you think Sarah Palin is the wicked witch, make your case. Don’t just grab for the same tired talking points.<\/p>\n
Think Frank Rich’s argument is kookoo? Wrestle with it. Debunk it with facts.<\/p>\n
Cite errors, cite judgments or interpretations you disagree with. But spare the profanity and the schoolyard razzing.<\/p>\n
Remember. The best way to prove that your side is smart and thoughtful and convincing is to be smart and thoughtful and convincing…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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