After the end of the partial government shut down last week \u2014 and most politicians wanting to distance themselves from the dysfunction as opposed to examine their role within it \u2014 Pres. Obama gave a speech addressing the issue and his coming policy priorities.\u00a0 One line stood out to this semi-humble blogger:<\/p>\n
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\u201cAnd now that the government has reopened and this threat to our economy is removed,\u00a0<\/i>all of us need to stop focusing on<\/i><\/b> <\/i>the lobbyists,\u00a0and the bloggers,<\/i><\/b>\u00a0and the talking heads on radio and the professional activists who profit from conflict,\u00a0and focus on what the majority of Americans sent us here to do…\u201d<\/i><\/p>\n
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I agree with his line discouraging the influence of lobbyists; ever since the lobbyist laws were eased during the Carter administration in the late 70\u2019s, the polarization has exponentially digressed with each succeeding president.\u00a0 Hence, contrary to the latest to suggest (i.e. Redford, Robert)<\/i> that the opposition to Obama is rooted in racism, the Intramuralist\u2019s strong belief based on historical study is that the increased access of lobbyists (and their money)<\/i> to the elect is the primary, polarization driver (and divider).<\/i><\/p>\n
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Nonetheless, giving Obama the respectful benefit of doubt, my sense is what the President was attempting to say is to avoid those sources of influence which incite as opposed to inform.\u00a0 The challenge, however, is that his words also encourage the extinguishing of opposing opinion.<\/p>\n
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In that sense, it seems he is only encouraging what so many of us already do.\u00a0 We routinely tune into sources where we know we will find the likeminded.<\/p>\n
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Where has this belief stemmed from that it\u2019s wisest to only listen to those who think identical to ourselves?\u00a0 Where has the justification arisen that it\u2019s wisest to omit oppositional thinking?\u00a0 Where is the wisdom in thinking that opposing opinion is wrong or even bad?\u00a0 Have we become so arrogant in our thinking that we are threatened by those that think differently than we do?<\/p>\n
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Unfortunately, it seems, instead of examining the argument and weighing the wisdom or potential lack of it, we are wired to react.\u00a0 We respond immediately via passion or emotion without ever weighing the wisdom of another\u2019s words.\u00a0 Friends, regardless of intellect, if we cannot entertain opposing thought and respectfully dialogue about it, what does it say that our own opinion cannot stand up under such scrutiny?<\/p>\n
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The discomfort I have in Obama\u2019s most recent encouragement is that it avoids the scrutiny.\u00a0 I don\u2019t, however, believe he\u2019s any different than the rest of us.\u00a0 We<\/i> often choose to avoid the scrutiny.<\/p>\n
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A wiser approach would mean to engage in the dialogue.\u00a0 Don\u2019t immediately react.\u00a0 Listen.\u00a0 Weigh the wisdom.\u00a0 Be respectful.\u00a0 Omit the insults.\u00a0 Ask good questions… Does it make sense to keep borrowing money?\u00a0 What are the long term implications?\u00a0 Is there a true economic benefit to immigration reform?\u00a0 Are other motives in play?\u00a0 Is Obamacare working?\u00a0 How can health care be more effective and cost-efficient?<\/i><\/p>\n
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Ask the questions.\u00a0 Don\u2019t avoid the scrutiny.\u00a0 And allow your opinion to be changed if it cannot hold up to respectful examination.\u00a0 That goes for each of us.<\/p>\n
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Let me also note that the President asked us to stop focusing on the bloggers.\u00a0 Yes, that would include me.\u00a0 Hmmm… only one more word…<\/p>\n
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Beware. \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n
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Respectfully,<\/p>\n
AR<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
After the end of the partial government shut down last week \u2014 and most politicians wanting to distance themselves from the dysfunction as opposed to examine their role within it \u2014 Pres. Obama gave a speech addressing the issue and his coming policy priorities.\u00a0 One line stood out to this semi-humble blogger: \u201cAnd now … <\/p>\n