Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Up or Down

"It is those types of incendiary comments that prevents us from moving forward and advancing the dialogue of peace" she said with her head tilted in disgust.

"I find it deplorable that you are unwilling to make concessions that would benefit the majority" he quickly retorted. Without stopping he took control of the discussion with a tiring list of statistics and opinion polls that would overwhelm Sean Hannity.

"The disincentives that have been forced upon a minority in this house are inexcusable and are based in selfishness." she declaring now standing with both her hands on her hips.

While still dismissively waving his hand to combat her strong tone and posture he replied, "Your person is your responsibility, not mine! If I am to be held culpable for all the woe that befalls you now, when will I be absolved from being your personal guardian? Clearly, your agenda is not limited to hindering my inalienable rights but to usurp them "

After a very pronounced sigh and a slow shaking of her head, she spewed a rant with such repugnance that Keith Olbermann would plagiarize. After a lengthy pause she concluded, "It is imperative that a stand be taken now to prevent your fascist ideals from taking root and destroying the liberties and responsibilities which others have worked so hard to establish and ensure."

I finally could not take it anymore. I had to turn off the tv because I could no longer endure the fruitless 'debate'. "Logan start putting the toilet seat up before you potty or else sit down when you do."

What? You can't imagine my 7 and 6 year old debating the merits and responsibilities of putting the toilet seat up in such a manner? To me this sort of 'dialogue' is a real and constructive as a lot of the 'debates' that are on tv, radio and online

The sports and politics 'news programs' seem to be no longer about informing viewers but in promoting the opinions of 'experts'. These 'experts' bolster their agendas with words and tones that are not engaging but are intended to spurn any other view point. And if the expert's opinions are not enough to hold our attention, we can go online, text or call in our opinion. This allows us to make sure our 'voice is heard' on issues that will continue to be issues long after the 'polls' have closed.

Somehow, by knowing my opinion is 'supported' by a percentage of others that happen to be listening, reading or watching the same source I am is supposed to comfort to me?

It seems our culture disguises opinions as facts and rants as discussions. Too easily, I get caught up in conversations that become competitions. Too easily, I lose focus of what is really productive and get caught up in the futility of trying to prove that my view point is the only view point anyone should have.

Way too easily, I forget how foolish I look and the responsibility my words have.

Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent;
with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent.
Proverbs 17:28
"But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak,
they will give account of it in the Day of Judgement.
Mathew 12:36

3 comments:

David said...

If I left the seat up in my house, I'd be hanged.

Foolish debate is everywhere - I always wonder what Paul said and did on Mars Hill.

Tracy said...

Good word. I relate only too well to your words: "Way too easily, I forget how foolish I look and the responsibility my words have."

Tony C said...

I've noticed since I stopped listening to talk radio and watching television talking heads a few years ago, I harness a much more loving demeanor.

For what it's worth...