Kindness and Analysis

I've been watching a lot of political shows lately, and I thought instead of whining about health care or the Christmas Day attack, I'd share more positive thoughts in a spirit of friendliness and goodwill. I suppose I've got some lingering magnanimity leftover from the holidays... :D

After watching this interview last night, I have to say that, right now, Ron Paul is my favorite Republican at the moment. His views and demeanor are refreshing in such antagonistic times. And just to be clear, both sides are antagonistic; Olberman can be rather inflammatory, as can Limbaugh. Back to Paul - he's so calm; pointing out the flaws of both sides with all the charm of a kind grandfather and the insight of a sage. I wish Paul's fellow fiscal conservatives in the various Tea Party factions would show the same restraint and gentleness as their figurehead. That said, I think I understand why some of the signs in their marches are so venomous. As Paul says in the interview above, this is an anti-establishment movement that has no defined place in either major party, so while citizens affiliated with either party can appeal to their leaders and representatives in DC, these folks have no recourse but to organize marches and protests. Simply put, if think no one's listening, you shout louder. That translates into something akin to desperation and manifests itself with increasingly vehement supporters and decreasingly courteous messages. Look at the drawings of Obama as the Joker, or the sign, "Bury Obamacare with Kennedy!"

Unfortunately, as Paul himself says, such well-intentioned passion for smaller government and less spending can ultimately hurt its own cause. I just witnessed in a heated discussion the importance of style and presentation: Two people ultimately agreed on a point after much civil but tense conversation, but just as they were about to wrap up, one shouted at the other that the discussion should end precisely because they agreed. This of course did not resolve the matter, but made the situation much more unpleasant because the other person was not finished expressing their final remarks and was hurt at the harshness of the first person. The lesson here is that if Unkindness can drive away those who agree, how can it negotiate with others who disagree, much less persuade them to join its cause?

Next, I have to say I feel sorry for Michael Steele. He has the onerous and unenviable task of balancing the demands of the Tea Party while placating the base and taking fire from both sides. Oh, and then there's the midterm elections to prepare. No big deal, right?

That's it for now, but I may post more soon. Take care, and I'd love to hear your comments - especially if you're conservative. Just keep it civil (not that you wouldn't).