From: Dehede011@aol.com
Date: Tue Feb 04 2003 - 12:44:31 MST
In a message dated 2/4/2003 11:42:08 AM Central Standard Time, CCamp@omm.com
writes: How is this achievable? I have a couple of suggestions. Most
arguments have identifiable points of dispute. These points should be
identified and polls should be taken. Polls can be easily made via yahoo or
other sources.
Chris,
That sounds like an attractive idea that upon reflection is highly
defective. During the days when everyone thought the Earth was flat Gallileo
would have been voted down. And, if he persisted I suppose he would have
been censored and possibly even disciplined if he persisted further.
That illustrates why some prefer a republic to a democracy. There has
to been guarantees for the minority. Are you intending to give the majority
the right
to do anything at all that they wish to the minority?
I have saved Amara's latest contribution -- the one beginning, "I
don't see the disagreements here that way. In my view, 'hawks' and 'doves' is
a narrow view, which doesn't help anyone understand each other better because
they are labels that pidgeon-hole someone and closes people's ears that could
be used for listening."
What if her viewpoint or viewpoints had been censored by the vote of
the majority? She presented a view that I would never have imagined she had
and frankly I would have been diminished by not having the privilege of
reading what she has just written.
I believe the term to apply to the present situation is that it is
some form of a dialectic. We argue it is true but we also inform and out of
the complex circumstances of our discussions I believe we grow and learn.
As those that feel timid in presenting their case. Well, in that case
I can only speak for myself. But I am reminded of Carl Sandburg's old story.
Mr. Sandburg was very active at one time in the politics of the Democrat
Party. He saw a friend carrying a club and asked his friend where he was
going. His friend answered that he was on his way to a Democrat unity
meeting. That is not verbatim but close -- I think. So, speak up, we aren't
nearly that bad. <G>
Ron h.
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