Can't We Just All Get Along? Really.

As I toil this Labor Day, like every other day; I listen to the radio or I should say, what has replaced the radio, that is internet streaming.

On one of my favorite programs played an interview with Stephen Meyer who wrote a book about Intelligent Design. Now before the hate comes in; can't we just listen to the argument?

Well I did and I found the subject fascinating. I did have questions. I wish it was a call-in and not 'Best of' because boy did I have questions. I am not saying I completely buy or discount it; but it is the idea that is intriguing and deserves respect and scrutiny.

I decided to go to Amazon and check on the book. Perhaps I can read a passage and seek out reviews; but like fiction what I found was not a meshing of coherent discussions but either outright cheerleading or irrelevant venom. Can't we just discuss the merits? Can't we actually converse without the kneejerk childish politics?

I guess not. And that saddens me. In the long run that dooms us all intellectually and if you look at movies and television we have already started getting in the coffin.

This reminds me of a recent Facebook argument I was drawn into with someone who was clearly uninformed on the facts of a matter and whose most famous response to me when I tried to explain a point of legal procedure was "I call Bullshit" when I mentioned that I was an attorney and do work for the judicial system.

I know there is a movement these days not acquire things but experiences. You do that by opening your mind and seeking different points of view rather than going to a forest and sitting under a tree.

I mentioned fiction and I have found that many who review fiction do so the same way. I don't really believe people read anymore; they simply make judgments about an author or publisher and write reviews to leave some mark or damage someone else's wallet.

It is sad.