Sanity

I just listened to a republican and a democrat debate over a current political issue on NPR. It has somewhat restored my growing-thin hope for politics in this country. Both men had obvious respect for one another and acknowledged the other’s expertise. You could tell they actually listened to one another and thought about what the other was saying rather than what they would say next. They conceded when the other was right and made clear and respective points when they believed the other was wrong, and backed up their own assertions with a thought-through calm rationale rebuttal. EVEN when saying the other was wrong, they still did so with respect and grace. Never once did either of them throw out a sarcastic, dismissive comment, which is sadly all too common. This debate was SANITY. This was reality. Neither side has it all right or wrong. Different perspectives, all with their own rationale. Differences boil down to priorities. The only way we’ll make political decisions that better our lives is through truly open-minded, respectful, thoughtful, rationale debate. Ya, it requires you to actually think, and most of us including myself feel like our mental capacities are already maxed, but our lives are too important not to be well informed on issues that affect them so greatly. This world is one million shades of gray, and how much of that gray you see and accept is a direct indication of intelligence. Black and white arguments are dumbed down. Sarcastic remarks are defensive and ignorant. If someone is using either one, you have to think about why. It either says something about them or what they think of you and neither merits your time or attention.