People should take responsibility for their words and this prophetic video should be watched by anyone participating in public discourse:
The bottom line is that demonizing people simply is not costless. In the final analysis we are all citizens of this great nation and while we may disagree on policy we should be mindful of the powerful ties that bind us together. When we were attacked on 9/11 the terrorists drew no distinction between conservatives and liberals. Both Democrats and Republicans stormed Omaha Beach. We Americans are all on the same side.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I believe Mr. Ramirez hits the nail right on the head, and I think the points made should be well taken. Too much time is spent in our current political culture taking sides and drawing party lines, and to what end? Often the result is one side bantering back and forth with the other about what is right and what is wrong all in the name of trying to save “face” in the eyes of their party affiliation and political constituents. But the result is the situation or topic of discussion often stays the same, and little progress is made towards solving the actual problem being debated, whatever that problem might be. Moving forward, I think huge strides can be made if those looking to solve the problems of our great nation spend less time pointing out the flaws in the oppositions argument, or in their demeanor in general, and spend more time focusing on the problem at hand and how the differences in opinion might be reconciled with one another to create the best possible solution for all parties involved.
ReplyDeleteThe drawing of political lines, and the distinctions between republicans and democrats, or conservatives and liberals, needs to be placed behind us. The focus needs to be not on what party do I represent, but on how can my party and our thoughts, beliefs and principals contribute to a well functioning solution, while simultaneously paying credence to those of the other side. Republicans shouldn’t look at democrats as the opposition, or vice-a-versa, but each should look at the other as a political body that has different viewpoints and concerns to bring to the table. Then, instead of trying to find a way to demonize the other side’s argument, more time can be spend towards reconciling the differences that are present. The point is, as Mr. Ramirez points out, rhetoric matters, and can in fact go a long way in facilitating more timely resolutions to the problems but before all of us as “Americans” who really are all on the same side of the battle.