Just this morning, I read a great blog about arguing fairly in a relationship. It really hit home because often, in the heat of anger, I find myself resorting to tactics that I would not approve of normally. Shortly after reading the blog, I read about Congresswoman Gwen Moore's remarks last night in the debate over funding for Planned Parenthood. I can't find a full and direct quote directly from Congresswoman Moore, but Michelle Malkin summarized it here:
"Wisconsin Democrat Rep. Gwen Moore argued that abortion was better for unplanned babies than a life 'eating Ramen noodles' or 'mayonnaise sandwiches.'"
I went searching for the whole bit, wanting to see if I could find all of Congresswoman Moore's comments and put them in context. I could not find it in the time I have right now. I was really frustrated that I could only find catty responses to her remarks. I did find a nice biography about her that shows that she herself has struggled through life. She has also dedicated many years fighting to become a voice to those who are often ignored. She is not an awful, ignorant woman. She may have said something a bit ridiculous to make a point, but there is much to admire about this woman. It bothers me that she has been reduced to one ridiculous soundbite, so people (the blogosphere, the reporters, individuals who chitchat about it) spend their time ridiculing her comment rather than discussing the actual issue, which I *think* is, "is it right for the federal government to fund Planned Parenthood?"
One of the things that frequently bothers me in our political debates is the complete descent into nastiness and the complete disregard for decorum and civility. If we cannot ever see another point of view, we are in danger of being easily misled or misguided. If I can see and understand another person's point of view, then I can determine for myself whether I disagree or agree - but I will not be misled by my emotions or my prejudice. If I can promote my own ideas, without degrading anothers, then I know my ideas are worth promoting. Enough for now - out of time!
So, I come over to check out your post (from MM) and imagine my surprise at the link to Pix2Brix. Thanks. :)
ReplyDeleteI've been thinking a lot about the issue and it's problematic. For over a decade I dare say I approached internet discussion with complete absence of emotion. I wanted to focus on the logic and facts. For some reason (that I can't understand) that approach works pretty well with most men (except those who are incredibly sexist and can't stand being challenged by a woman), but terribly with women (if they know I'm a woman). It's somehow deamed "mean" or "unkind" (and you know what I think about kindness).
At the same time, politics became an emotional throw down. Yes, it's on both sides by pundits, but I have come to believe that the actual modus operandi of the left ELITE (and on down) is *mostly* to raise ad hominem attacks. It's *easier* to just point fingers and call names to opponents than to create cogent arguments.
Check out any conservative comment on most blogs, newspapers, rallies, etc., and they quickly speed into a name-calling of conservatives fest.
And here's the problem. It works. Far too many people are actually swayed by fallacies.
"You tea bagger!" "Oh, hahahaha, tea bagger! That's a vulgar term. Yea, funny. Hahahah. Yea, they must be stupid racists. Hahaha!"
That's what political discourse has become? Sheesh.
AMEN! It's the name calling that irritates me the most! Notice how quickly "tea bagger" has gone from being a vulgar term (that had to be explained to most of us) to being completely mainstream and acceptable. And it works far too often. bleh
ReplyDeletenow I have to know if I can emoticon here:
ReplyDelete:) ;) :( :D :P :@
apparently not. ho hum.
ReplyDelete