May 17, 2005

It's ALL in the DELIVERY

How many times have we heard: "It's not what you say, but how you say it?"

While I rarely post on the subject of politics, I read it voraciously.

I have found I am less interested in engaging in political debate these days because I rarely feel I have something unique to offer.

However, I will make one personal observation. Beware of the individual who invites you to discuss and debate an issue, then boasts: "No one has yet to make an argument which has changed my mind."

The arrogance is simply astounding!

Please correct me if I am wrong, but I thought the purpose of debate was to bring all sides of an issue into the light for frank evaluation, deliberation, and discussion.

It is a search for the truth, if you will, through principle, reason, and logic.

Yes, we all have preconceived notions, ideas, and beliefs regarding each subject; however, why bother to engage in debate if the proverbial YOU has already decided pre-debate that no one can change your mind?

It is fine to feel strongly about a position and I applaud passion and conviction, but for the exercise to be worthwhile, please remember we need to leave ourselves open for change, particularly when the facts and logic dictate one is in order.

Now that I have THAT off my chest, what I really wanted to post about was the considered and well-reasoned thoughts of this gentleman regarding the "transparency that is crucial to credible blogs" and how that relates to the "profound difference between political leftists and down-home conservative blogs."

It is an interesting read. Very well done, Mark.

H/T to both Harvey and Phin

Posted by Christina at May 17, 2005 08:39 PM

Comments

Some people can't understand the meaning of "debate" because the concept of someone other than themselves being right is such an alien concept. The exchange of ideas leads to enlightened thinking. Alas. Some poor people have a dim (or even shot!!) bulb and will forever remain in the dark.

Posted by: Junebugg at May 18, 2005 02:18 AM

I agree. Most of the time, what passes for debate is actually two sides screaming at each other, but neither side listening.

I never attended the fancy debating classes, but in my life, I have learned to approach a debate with an open mind. And more times than not, I learn something new.

Posted by: Joe Wiess at May 18, 2005 03:20 AM

It depends upon what color your glasses are, and what you call "conservative blogs" versus "liberal blogs".

I have seen what could reasonably be labeled "conservative blogs" advocate things that in any rational light would be called fascist, and I have seen what could reasonably be labeled "liberal blogs" try to "invite and persuade".

The generalizations of the post you link to are rather shallow, and I'm surprised you feel it is "considered and well reasoned", given that if you cast a wider net the generalizations are quickly proven false.

Unfortunately, the preconceived notion brought to this particular discussion is the one that is explicit in the post you link to, which is "political leftists want to command and direct".

Take off the glasses and carefully examine a wide cross-section of self-proclaimed "liberal", "conservative", and "centrist" weblogs. I suspect you will soon discover to your dismay that they ALL have a "command and direct" tendency.

The dicatorial tendency is inherent in human nature, and all humans (including myself) indulge in it far more often than we ourselves fully realize without external (to ourselves) assistance.

Sadly, most refuse to recognize that external assistance, choosing instead to view it as an attack, and nothing is learned.

Posted by: Jack at May 18, 2005 02:27 PM

Minds are very seldom changed in debate - as one of my readers said people are interested in taking sides and hearing over and over again that their side is right.

Posted by: Ruth at May 19, 2005 01:43 AM

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