I have noticed that many of our (or your) political oppositions come in all different backgrounds and this influences what reactions they have to our (your) ideas. I find that there are some that actually care what we have to say or at least ask for proper sources. Every now and then I find someone who is actually interested in reading or looking something up. I give mine up but if I ask for theirs? Its a hit or miss. In fact, half the time, they cite a source that is generic like the Census.gov (which is still good but it takes snapshot data for inequality for example and misses the bigger picture). This even goes for discussing social policy with someone who is socially conservative, to those I respect. So, for me, it works both ways. When it comes to ideas that are hard to challenge (smart, efficient, less powerful government vs larger with more wealth distributive qualities) its difficult. I certainly agree and study about the smaller government that spends less money by the way. However, when I hear the views from Reich, Krugman, Chomsky, Klein or some other intellectuals that beleive in statism, I hear more fallacies and red herrings than I do from actual data or statistics. Keep in mind, these are the top intellectuals that have a major influence in politics. There are times that I would agree with Chomsky but the other great deal of the time, absolutely not. With that said, in order for all of us to be more honest with ourselves, we should read from these opposing viewpoints as well. I just think that in order to win people over is not to use the same methods as our opposition but with fighting in an intellectual sense. At least more than we think we do at this point. I am surprised when I hear people say to me, Wait....are you saying the middle class income isnt as bad as it sounds?!? After Ive tried explaining household individual income rising, less people in households, etc. but it makes no difference half the time because it requires a great deal of time to learn these things. To learn them on your own. Im at a loss for words at this point. How the hell are we going to win any elections with smart, fiscally conservative politicians if our oppositions doesnt want to hear us?
Posted on: Wed, 29 Jan 2014 05:24:12 +0000