Reading the opinion section in our two morning papers today it struck me again that there is no discourse in this country anymore. It's nothing but a persistent and annoying game of gotcha. From the editorials to the letters to the editors, we are no longer a people where discussing the issues and reaching a reasonable conclusion is encouraged. We are no longer the type of people who can have honest disagreements. No, we are a people that goes for the jugular and our only mission is to minimize, patronize, and simonize.
Newspapers no longer refuse to print letters that are obviously out of touch with reality. For example, one letter in today's Arizona Republic calls "Democratic talking points (lies)." That's just false on its face. Another Howl(er) states "global warming is a myth." I guess those scientists have no clue, but a guy sitting at a computer in his den does. Another attempts to paint a bond issue as a tax increase, which is like saying a car loan means an increase in income.
This "gotcha" game is everywhere in city, state and federal legislatures. There is political infighting everywhere and on every issue. Whether is the state legislature and the governor arguing over immigration or funding English education for kids, everything is done not with the best interests of the people in mind, but the next election cycle. It's only March and the senatorial race between Jim Pederson and Jon Kyl is already negative.
The bottom line is I don't think too many people these days could sit down in a room, discuss a problem and reach a decision without name-calling or insulting someone's mother or heritage. The result of this the creation of animosity, distrust and division. So much for the pledge of "One nation..."
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