On treating each other well; the Commonwealth; Thom Hartmann; Craig Ferguson and Britney's head [View All]

[omega minimo]

A good question:

"Can we try to seek out the kernel of truth in each others comments, and address and accent those? Can we point out the flaws in a way that will help to keep the lines of communication open, rather than help them to shut down? Can we not read the critical parts of each other's comments defensively... not take them personally, even if they are meant as personal insults? I'm asking "can" but I should be saying "could". I know we can... but will we?"


Apparently not

because the tone set in the Rules --for a respectful and thoughtful atmosphere for discussion --is open to too much broad interpretation;
because some are here for the "entertainment" of just messing with people, hidden by the screen;
because of the tendency to see what the reader already thinks (and REACT) instead of consdering what the poster is actually typing;
and because bigotry against subgroups is seen by some as "normal" --which drives away members (and shuts down discussions) that are crucial to Democratic goals.

Thom Hartmann was talking yesterday about how a couple generations since Reagan's rise in 1980 have been schooled WITHOUT civics and without learning what was taught for 200 years about American government's basic principles. His show is a great equalizer to ground people in basic information, important history (not boring!), how to discuss (even with conservative jerks) respectfully and the importance of a return to the concept of the Commonwealth.

If we understand the things we have in common and how we're being suckered to Divide and Conquer ourselves for the benefit of the Flying Monkey Right, we just might treat each other better.

And for those who missed Craig Ferguson's monologue on President's Day, check it out. He came out and said he was going to "do something a bit different" and started with why "there won't be any Britney Spears jokes." He talked from the heart for 15 minutes (!) and was serious and occasionally funny (naturally, not as a gag) about how he was celebrating his 15 years of sobriety the same weekend Britney spent 1 day in rehab and left to shave her head and get tattooes.

He talked about how he wasn't feeling so good about making fun of people all the time. Talked honestly about what he was going through. About relating to what someone else was going through.

On National TV. For. 15. Minutes.

Pretty damn radical. Very human.





http://www.thomhartmann.com
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x253353