While I don’t like to hear about such things as refusing to cover primaries because you are unhappy with the conditions or technology (It’s “CURRENT” for cripes’ sake!), I have always been and continue to be an admirer of Mr. Olbermann for having the courage to use the same weapons as his opponents. If someone flings a handful of feces at you, the appropriate response is NOT an indignant letter to the editor or a mild scolding. You pick up TWO hands of feces and THROW IT AT THEM!!! The only way to beat bullies (as Keith observed the other evening) is a swift kick in the nards.
The above was part of a comment left yesterday on my open letter to Keith Olbermann, which I also posted at Addicting Info. I thought it was a reasonable and fair comment, and while I strongly disagree with the sentiments expressed, I understand that a large number of Liberals are going to part ways with me on this issue. So be it. I’m sick and tired of the screaming, the Sturm und Drang, and the feces-flinging.
WE DESERVE BETTER.
A very wise, scantily-clad Indian activist once said, “An eye for an eye only leaves the whole world blind.” If we begin flinging feces simply because the other side happens to be doing so, we’re playing a game in which the rules are largely set by our adversaries. We play into their hands and we lose our claim to reason. Worse, nothing gets settled and both sides end up smelling like shit and in desperate need of a shower. Arguing with those whose primary tactic is screaming means progress and understanding is impossible and everybody’s blood pressure spikes.
At some point we need to resolve to be the better people. We need to stop playing the game as it’s defined by the Right. We need to stop flinging feces simply because they started it. We’re better than that…and if we’re not, then we need to learn how to be better.
We can ignore it and stop reacting, We need not recognize or condone the screaming, personal insults, and feces-flinging engaged in by those on the Right. Eventually, when they recognize that we’re no longer taking the bait, they’ll realize that it’s no fun when their adversary’s no longer willing to participate.
We have it within ourselves to stop the silliness. It may not bring us any closer to finding common ground, but, to paraphrase Gandhi, “a fistful of feces for a fistful of feces only leaves everyone needing a shower.”
Judging by the tone of some of the comments my post received at Addicting Info, there are far too many people out there willing to be a slave to their anger. I should probably thank them for proving my point more effectively than I could have by myself.
