Our public discourse is dead. There is no attempt anymore to debate, to get into a good argument and see if minds can change. It has become about exercising power - about hailing one's own opinion, demonizing one's opponent, and not allowing dissent. Our opponents are our enemies. Those who disagree with us are evil, stupid, corrupt, irrational, and hate America and what it stands for. Our opinions are based on facts and reality; our opponents live in some fantasy land made up out of whole cloth.
This is not something only the left or right does. We all do it. I have done it. Those who have commented here on this blog have done it. It is a disorder that has infected our body politic to the point that we would rather ignore those with whom we disagree once we have achieved a certain amount of political power, than continue to engage in debate.
I am tired of it. Our country is tired of it. I do not wish to engage in that nonsense anymore. It achieves nothing. It accomplishes nothing. It proves nothing. We have forgotten that real debate and disagreement are possible while personal relationships can remain unaffected. I would rather engage in a heated exchange over something of vital importance then go somewhere and have dinner with my interlocutor than rhetorically beat that person to a pulp and bask in my glory.
It is partially to that end that I have included one right-wing blog on my link list, and visit there daily. I have posted there, and tried more and more to make sure my comments never strayed beyond the point at issue. The reason for public debate is to come to an agreement on certain means toward the end of making our society better - not more efficient, but more free; not more economically independent, but just more equal; not to protect those who pay our legislators the most, but to guarantee equality before the law - not to prove who is right. That is a game in which I no longer wish to participate.
Debate can be heated, because the stakes are so high. Part of my anger at the Bush Administration is their role in aiding and abetting the destruction of public discourse through manipulation, deceit, and a preference for symbolism and rhetoric over substance. I am not just angry that we were lied to about the war. I am angry that the Administration held the American people in such contempt that they continued to lie even after they were caught. They honestly believe power is its own end and reward, even though their actions have has such destructive consequences.
Let us be serious then. Let us never flag nor flinch. Let us also respect the fact that those who disagree with us are Americans who work, raise families, pay taxes, and are trying the best they can within the rules of public discourse as they are now set to express themselves. Let us make sure we accord to others the same honesty of purpose even if we can find fault with their political preference. I hope from now on that this blog becomes a model for a way to put forth serious ideas without ever sinking to insult or cant. The stakes are too high to fail.
Virtual Tin Cup
