2008 Woodie Awards
SWEENEY'S SIDE: Everyone has something to say about politics
Many people want to talk about issues but aren't willing to listen
John Sweeney
Issue date: 3/31/08 Section: Voices & Times
|
No matter a person's formal education, personal experience or overall awareness of current events, it seems everyone has something to say when it comes to politics.
This is wonderful because it brings us together as people.
While it long has been considered taboo to discuss politics or religion in public, that normally doesn't prevent us from engaging in passionate - and sometimes heated - conversation about such issues.
Many people frown upon the discussion of politics and religion possibly because of the unpleasant exchange that often ensues.
The root of the problem lies in the fact that everyone seems to want to speak about these issues but few seem willing to listen.
All of this makes sense, of course. These are the topics of deepest conviction for many people. Everyone wants his or her voice to be heard, and people sometimes forget that others have the right to talk, as well.
This is a shame because you can learn so much about a person by listening to them explain and describe particular religious or political beliefs.
If parties are respectful of one another and make concerted efforts to listen as intently as they speak, perhaps this matter wouldn't be taboo. But, as it is, many forces are at work doing their best to keep anyone from actually talking about anything. Popular news networks are among some of the most notable offenders.
Debating the issues is a group of people shrieking at one another over podiums, across round tables or via satellite hookups.
All you have to do is tune into any of the major news networks to see people such as CNN's Wolf Blitzer, Fox News Channel's Bill O'Reilly or MSNBC's Keith Olbermann discuss with other "experts" issues of the day.
But the so-called kings of CNN, NBC, Fox News, CBS and ABC aren't the only offenders here. Some of the most heinous perpetrators of "debating the issues" have sought, or currently are seeking, the highest elected office in our land.
In recent years, the inability of politicians to truly discuss issues seems to be growing more severe. The game of politics used to mean saying what you meant in such a way that it appealed to as many people as possible.
Be the first to comment on this story