I subscribe to this blog, and they posted this on Monday. I thought I'd share. http://artofmanliness.com/2008/09/21/how-to-debate-politics-civilly/
Good read. You would think that its common sense, but no. I wish more people felt that way. What gets me is that people side with their party on pretty much every issue. Wow can we all be so alike that most of see things only two ways in this country? Thats amazing. There should be no divorce than either if we just married to someone from our party! Oh happy day.
I am independent, and I wait for somebody to make sense. I never vote along partly lines. I have been in government so long that I seriously struggle with cynicism. Most candidates don't inspire me, it is all so "sound-byte" superficial. Left and Right are both wrong on most issues. The real issue is excessive self-interest and far too little principled idealism. Too bad, Ross Perot proved to be largely a nut case, because he had a few good ideas. I am convinced of one thing, the smartest people in this country are not in politics, just the richest.
Thanks, wes. I wish the quoted article was stickied here. In fact, I wish it was posted as the rules for posting here. I would follow them if others did. And I think it would make for some really great conversations.
Yes, thanks, wes. Hey, Batman... we've had a few good, gentlemen-like discussions... don't let anybody tell you different. I've agreed way more than some the ilk I've been grouped with, as have you. We all can pretty much agree to disagree usually... and there are extremes on both sides. What I find funny is that some see you and I, Batman, as extremes of either side.... while we both know there are others on here farther out to the ends of either side of the spectrum. I trust that for the most part, you and I are held in the regard of gentlemen for the greater part of our time on here... Disagreements come naturally. It's the responses that have to be learned.
True, IROC it. I've been a terrible jerk here. And often. But I try not to be. That is, to people who aren't to me. We don't agree about hardly anything but you've never been a jerk about it. So I feel obliged to respond in kind. Same goes for Refman and weslinder and others. (I have been a jerk to giddyup when he wasn't to me and I apologize for that, but it's mostly because he kept insisting we all reply thoughtfully to viral smear emails.) I really like talking about this stuff, not just fighting about it. I don't care about winning fights here because, well, what's the prize for that? I'd rather have actual debates. I think you're wrong about just about everything to tell the truth. But I appreciate that we can "debate politics like a gentleman." I think my favorite part of the article in the OP is the part about how political discussion was once considered noble and important. Today it is considered impolite to even raise the subject - not just at dinner parties but anywhere. Political discourse and debate is our duty as patriotic Americans; it is not "poo-flinging." But we have a responsibility to be respectful in our disagreements if we want to change perceptions about that.
The Art of Manliness continues its long tradition of dispensing epic nuggets of win. A must-subscribe for every warm-blooded male.
I actually had one of my more enjoyable political debates a couple weeks ago arguing on the side of the Republicans. Great thread weslinder. I'm glad to see you posting more since you haven't been as much ever since I've been granted access to this forum. I officially want to buy you a beer.
I'm sick and tired of that old psalm singing Indianapolis politician Mad Max and IROC you and Batman Jones are oily-Gammon churchgoing specimens and you weslinder are simply a classical ingoramus.
One of the biggest misconceptions is that there is much difference at all between the two sides to begin with. I vote for the challenger in everything I can because that is the only practical way I can voice my dissatisfaction with the status quo. The idea is if people keep losing their seats in government maybe somebody will come along one day who gets it. When things start looking better maybe I'll vote for incumbents.
Politics historically divide and polarize people into factions. I find that republicans tend to support republicans and Dems support Dems and independents tend to swing back and forth (there's only 2 choices in any election) I think the real issues are rarely addressed in a political campaign today there are galvanizing issues, even if they aren't clearly understood they seem to divide people based upon personal worldviews. Debate is often not a search for truth, but a war of worldviews. It would be nice to see more respectful, considerate and mature debates, but I guess war is hell even in the cultural wars.
Disagreement in politics does not a pinhead make Try you darndest to see the other side Concede a point where appropriate Don't use inflammatory language Stick to the facts So, going by these guidelines for civil debate, did Obama or McCain fair better in the first presidential debate? It's interesting how some critics are giving points to McCain for belittling his opponent, while taking points from Obama for pointing out common ground between the candidates. I think something we're sorely lacking in this country is an ability to discuss politics with civility and respect. By that standard, I think Obama did far better tonight.
Obama did slightly better, but neither did well. Obama certainly conceded more points, and rightly so. McCain had opportunities to the same. Both seemed more interested in playing gotcha than debating the issues, though.
