This week . . . looking back over the July political “debate ” it’s hard to not to be discouraged. Can the language of reasonable, respectful, even if passionate, disagreement find a place in this environment? And if not, where does that lead us? How do we sustain the freedom and fairness that define America without having a way to reconcile strongly opposing views? Or are our disagreements so wide—is the distrust, anger and fear of the opposing view so deep—that there is simply is no way to reconcile? Each of us must decide. And one way to start that decision process is to imagine beyond the snarling faces of the self-serving “leaders” spewing out this venom, and turn to your neighbor or work mate or family member with whom you disagree, and ask yourself: Is he/she truly your enemy? Is accusing, insulting, cursing, damning, rejecting that person worth the destruction of the American idea? Or is it perhaps worth trying, whether through compromise, persuasion or bargain, to work to resolve your disagreements rather than crush your neighbor or workmate or family member? Each of us must decide.
When reading these examples, check the above list and ask yourself: regardless of whether you agree or disagree, is this really advancing an intelligent resolution through the persuasive, rational arguments of advocacy…or simply fueling the fire of conflict through the divisive, emotional manipulations of polarization?
Here is a recap of some of the blue and red polarizing headlines from the month of July.
Blue Headlines
The entire GOP are traitors. It’s that simple.
Conservatives Have Been Traitors For Over 200 Years
Republicans are ready for the Russian takeover—so long as it pisses off the left
After Helsinki, cracks have formed in the right-wing dam of delusion
Mitch McConnell’s Top Strategist Endorses Trump’s Treason As GOP Midterm Strategy
House Republican lies about conservative ‘censorship’ on Fox News
Republicans Drop Any Pretense Of Standing For Anything Except Power
Republicans Can Not Govern Honorably
Far-right voices are frothing about a looming civil war
Republicans try to deflect criticism by accusing the left of becoming ‘unhinged’
Trey Gowdy proves he is a complete fraud
Open Carry Racism: The Right-Wing Fever Dream That Made the Trump Era Possible
Far-right online message board users celebrate Annapolis newsroom shooting
Conservatives hope an ampersand will help defeat marriage equality
Red Headlines
The Democratic Party Is A Domestic Terrorist Organization
Are Democrats Immune to Cry Wolf Syndrome?
Leftists Don’t Oppose Kavanaugh. They Oppose the Constitution.
Watch The Left Celebrate Killing Babies
The Left Is Always Wrong: NATO Edition
The Left is Always Wrong: Election Meddling Edition
Since When Do Democrats Hate Russia?
Figures. Liberal Hacks Attack Governor Mike Huckabee for Denouncing MS-13 Killers and Rapists
GOP KNOCKS IT OUT OF THE PARK, Releases Brilliant and Ruthless Ad Against the Democrats
Liberals Melt Down Over Justice Kennedy Retirement and It’s Glorious
Far Left Vandals Hurl Brick Through Nebraska GOP Office Windows – Leave Graffiti Message on Street