An Experiment in Left and Right
October 22nd, 2007 - Written by Joey
After a Saturday spent with folks hailing from all over the political spectrum, a few of us (four, to be exact) have decided to do something a
little different.
Two ‘rightie’ bloggers (myself and Ryan Evans from “Arclightzero“) and two ‘leftie’ bloggers (Charlie Quimby from “Across the Great Divide” and Bruce from “The Same Rowdy Crowd“) are going to do our very best to attempt to be civil to each other, and try to carry on diplomatic conversations on current issues.
Charlie has laid out the ground-rules, which are based on understanding why the ‘other side’ thinks as they do. “Seek first to understand, then to be understood” is the theme, from my perspective, anyway.
Apparently, Charlie has been wanting to do something like this for over a year, but he hadn’t found “the right partner to get it going”. I’m honored that he chose Ryan and I.
We are going into this knowing that we will more than likely never ‘convert’ those who don’t agree with us. The idea is simply to come to an understanding that may create a new level of respect, and possible diplomacy. Each of us has life experiences that have helped to mold our way of thinking on issues, and hopefully, we can can relate through understanding those life experiences as a starting point.
I’m sure that we’ll catch a little flack for this from our conservative and liberal brothers and sisters, but as I’m sure most of you who know me realize, I don’t really care. We all have to live together in this country, and we’d best find a way to do it without “hating on each other”.
The media and our political leaders have done an amazing job of driving a wedge even further between us, and frankly, I’m tired of them capitalizing – either politically or monetarily – off of our disdain for each other. I’m all for capitalism, unless I’m being pimped out against my will, or being conned into it. The experiment is a concerted effort to possibly end some of this business of disdain, if only between four American citizens.
We’re not trying to change the world, here. I don’t think any of us is arrogant enough to believe that, but you never know what can happen when people who disagree, agree to be respectful and understanding of each other.
With that said, this experiment will not change the main content of my blog. Once a week (maybe less) you will find an interaction between the participants. We are going to attempt to do it in more of a ‘conversation’ fashion, rather than ‘point/counterpoint’, because this seems to be a better way to gain understanding. No pontificating, no bloviating…I think you get the picture.
With that said, I hope that my regulars and new readers will find this experiment not only entertaining, but encouraging.
Feel free to let us know what you think!
October 22nd, 2007 at 7:20 pm
Hey Pheisty,
I’ve been laying pretty low since the Blogoshpere event on Saturday, just checking out the different blog entries from the many attendees. I have been quite impressed with the comments posted, and have really enjoyed the pictures everyone has shared as well.
Most important though, is what we all took home with us. Obviously it wasn’t just fired raku clay, but a willingness to come together to discuss our issues, and focus on how we can better understand the back grounds of our neighbors, and how it affects our positions in politics. I agree that doing so may not change the way another thinks, but it may help in finding a solution to the common problems we all face in our lives, and together as a country.
I want Chad at the Grizzley Groundswell to be proud of the results here, which was the intent of the gathering itself. I also want to mention how impressed I was with your son, and his knowledge and confidence while discussing the issues that most kids don’t even take care to listen to on the news each day. As a veteran mom myself, I was glowing with pride! You are an awesome example for your children, and I am honored to be your friend.
I will be checking back on all the blogs of those in attendance that day, and hope that progress can be made towards a better future for us all. Understanding is good, but nothing will replace good old fashioned hard work!! That is obvious here…being a watchdog such as yourself is a lot of hard work, and I am glad we have you here to keep us informed!
Blog on girlfriend, you are making a difference!
October 23rd, 2007 at 8:04 am
Interesting,
I wish you 4 the best of luck.
~Teddy Bear
October 24th, 2007 at 4:54 pm
Well, I’ve decided to stoke the fire a bit.
I’m hoping to draw out some more people and try to foster this whole “understanding” thing that we’ve established as an important starting point.
I think you and Charlie have an awesome thing started and I can’t wait to jump in on it. In the meantime, I am going to try to brainstorm some topics that are controversial (but not inflammatory) that we can use to build off of. This spark is very fragile, and I fear that it will be really easy to extinguish if we don’t nurture it
October 24th, 2007 at 8:22 pm
Stoke away, Ryan!
I’m having a great time exchanging thoughts with Charlie. I’m actually learning quite a bit, as well, which is a huge benefit we get when we listen to each other.
We do need to nurture the ’spark’. It can easily be lost.
Please do think of some topics! That would be great! The next on my ‘wish list’ is man-made global warming.