I'm perfectly capable of having a polite yet spirited conversation with anyone about virtually any subject. I find the discussion tends to be far more interesting when two people seek common ground while exploring theoretical areas of disagreement. The potential to learn something new is far greater as ideas are freely exchanged, not banter dominated by memorized talking points that originated in some book written by somebody else. I write my own books. But it takes two to tango, as they say. Truly scintillating conversation ultimately depends on having a willing and worthy adversary for a vigorous debate. In any debate of interest both participants will clearly articulate their thoughts that have been steeped in logic and reason, without making appeals to emotion or resorting to regurgitated group-think. Both participants in an intellectual discussion must carefully listen to the opposition's point-of-view and make a serious attempt to understand it, if they hope to respond with cogent and effective rebuttal arguments. The problem is that in modern society, most people simply assume what another person thinks based on some preconceived label and would rather demonize and demagogue than persuade their opposition. Mere disagreement frequently inspires fits of apoplectic rage, and sometimes, even violence. Don't believe me? Just look at what's happened with the Berkeley riots. Interestingly, a college professor at Fresno State has also asserted that "college campuses are not free speech areas." The special snowflakes are encouraged to report their fellow students for … [Read more...]
Empowered idiots
I have a confession to make: I've enjoyed watching the movies of Harrison Ford as he pretended to be tough-as-nails archeologist Indiana Jones and rogue space smuggler Han Solo. He's a pretty good actor. Unfortunately, Mr. Ford has also been known to make headlines by saying words that were not scripted for him by a very talented writer. For example, he was recently quoted as saying the human race would soon become extinct unless some form of collective action wasn't immediately taken to "combat climate change." Please stick to your script in the future, Harrison. Now I am not the first writer that noticed a man who owns multiple airplanes -- a man who is completely unqualified to offer an informed opinion about the potential impact of "climate change" still felt free to lecture those of us who can't even afford to fly coach. This man is the same actor bragged to a magazine in 2010 that he would "often fly up the coast for a cheeseburger." Because he could. Apparently we should all pay higher taxes for energy and drive hybrid vehicles so Mr. Ford won't feel guilty about flying to Europe on his own private jet. But if we seriously believed his Chicken Little mentality, why shouldn't we force people like Mr. Ford to immediately give up their private jets in favor of (gasp) commercial air travel? This prima donna burns more gas on one flight to get a cheeseburger than I burn in my much more modest form of transportation over an entire year. Please get over yourself, Captain Solo. Sadly, Mr. Ford is hardly alone with his holier-than-thou attitude. The … [Read more...]
