HyperSyllogistic.com
Title
Hypersyllogistic: Partisanship Rehab
Description
In far too many places, discussion consists of partisan hacks yelling talking points and harsh insults at each other. CNN's Crossfire enshrined the format, and even though that insipid program no longer pollutes the airwaves, its poison still affects discourse everywhere. Most highly-rated programs on the cable news channels are shout shows: The O'Reilly Factor, Hannity & Colmes, Hardball, etc. Even news segments outside the "shout show" domain embrace the adversarial setup, with opposing pundits interrupting each other nastily.
Of course, Crossfire and its progeny aren't the sole authors of today's noxious arguments. Rush Limbaugh, Michael Savage, Neal Boortz, Michael Moore, Ann Coulter, and their ilk in radio, television, and film have given credibility to smearing people with whom one disagrees. I concur with some of these pundits, especially Boortz, on a few issues, but their rapacious diatribes contribute to the overall rudeness of modern debates.
This malicious bickering and pontificating has seeped into general politics. Party operatives and loyalists scream perjoratives to and about their political foes, giving no thought to working with them for the common good. Forget bipartisan compromise and mutual understanding. Only the agenda for one's own side matters, and anyone who doesn't adhere to it is a heretic who deserves contempt. (That reminds me of the behavior of most religious sects.)
Languages
English
Contact
- NA
-
- Washington DC
- United States 20052
-
