People Who Disagree With You Aren’t Stupid
November 3, 2008 by Stephen Palmer · 2 Comments
There’s nothing like a heated election to bring out passion — and disrespect — in people.
I was recently engaged in a conversation about Barack Obama where the following comments were made:
“You are wasting your breath. There are too many idiots out there who have no rational though [sic] when it comes to this thing we call voting. How else could a guy with absolutely no credentials (other than being black) get this close to being president. People are dumb. Then you have fools who thing [sic] that Bush screwed up enough that we need to vote Democrats in to get change going. Little did all the idiots know, but they were electing the american version of Yassir Arafat. I would like to congratulate the American people for being freaking morons of the highest order.”
And today I edited a comment on this site from a member who labeled those who disagree with him as “slow learners.”
Interesting. The implicit assumption that underlies such comments is that everyone who disagrees with the speaker is an idiot, dumb, a fool, a moron, and a slow learner.
There are two problems with this kind of approach: 1) there’s truth in every perspective, and 2) it negates our responsibility to persuade.
Truth In Every Perspective
As uneducated as I am, I do try to read frequently. I have yet to read anything or explore the perspective of any individual without finding something valuable and true.
I find truth in the writings of Karl Marx — he described and accurately diagnosed a severe problem, that of aristocratic exploitation by using the force of government to favor those with capital over those with little or none.
I find truth in Hegel — his dialectic approach has added to my own thought processes immensely (as witnessed by this article).
I find truth in Qu’ran, the Torah, the Old and New Testaments, the Tao Te Ching, and the Bhagavad Gita.
I find truth in the perspectives of John Keynes, John Stuart Mill, Gunnar Myral, John Galbraith, and Herbert Marcuse.
To clarify, I also find a lot of falsehoods in each of these — as I do in the writings of “conservatives” and in the perspectives of the Founding Fathers. The point is that people who disagree with you aren’t stupid — they simply have a different perspective based on their nature and nurture, their background and their education. And there’s much value to be gained from the people with whom you disagree the most.
Labeling those who disagree with you as “stupid” is a great way to lose out on a valuable perspective that could help you to hone your own views and become more effective in the battle for freedom.
The Responsibility of Persuasion
Let’s assume for a moment that those who call others “dumb” are right. Being right doesn’t give you license to denigrate; it gives you the responsibility to persuade with love and patience. Those who feel that they are the most “right” have the most responsibility to help others to see their perspective.
If it’s true that you’re right, then why would you push people away by calling them idiots and morons? If it’s true that you’re right, then why aren’t you serving and uplifting, rather than attacking, those with whom you disagree? If it’s true that you’re right, shouldn’t you be doing everything in your power to persuade others to your side/perspective/cause? And how does name-calling and condescension help that effort in the slightest? When was the last time you won anyone to your side by putting them down?
Conclusion
Those who are the most passionate should be the most loving, kind, and patient. Those who feel the strongest about their positions should serve those with a different position the most. “Liberals” aren’t any more or less stupid than “conservatives.” Republicans in general are no more or less educated or patriotic than Democrats. There’s truth to be learned and value to be gained from socialists and libertarians alike.
When you find yourself in a heated discussion, step back and strive to find the good, the true, and the valuable from the person you disagree with. The world will be a better place, peace will trump conflict, and you’ll find that you attract and persuade far more effectively.
None of us have a monopoly on truth. But if we did, being right is a call to serve, not a license to vilify.
(By the way, if you think I’m self-righteous for posting this, be assured that I’m also talking to myself. Those who know me well know that I have a history of conflict and condescension. How do you think I’ve learned that it doesn’t work?)
Recommended Reading:
Are You Asking the Right Questions?
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Declaring National P.O.O.P. Day
October 4, 2008 by Stephen Palmer · 3 Comments
My three year-old daughter Liberty is in the “potty talk” stage, where she finds every excuse to relate everything she says to feces and/or flatulation, including the Pledge of Allegiance.
She recently recited the Pledge and ended it with, “…with liberty and justice for poop.”
At first I laughed. Then, as I realized how relevant her words were, it wasn’t funny anymore.
The “Emergency Economic Stabilization Act” passed by Congress and signed by King George on October 3, 2008, was Washington taking a $700 billion dump on the head of every American.
I found another meaning in Libby’s innocent words: In a gross act of injustice to ordinary American’s, Washington thought it expedient to dole out “justice” to the poop perpetrated by the Federal Reserve, Wall Street, and idiotic corporations. America is now the land where stupid crap pulled by the big guys gets tossed to the little guys; the aristocracy get the protection of the government at the expense of common Americans.
And to think that they pulled it off in the name of the little guy — you know, “Main Street.”
My little carefree Libby, innocent and precious beyond words, has no idea what landed on her, her children, her grandchildren and beyond that Friday of infamy, the day where America sold the last remnants of her soul to the devil of expediency.
National P.O.O.P. Day
In honor of my daughter Liberty and every other innocent American who will be scraping Washington’s and Wall Street’s poop off their lives for generations, I hereby declare October 3rd to be National P.O.O.P. Day. The acronym P.O.O.P. stands for:
- P: Punish at the Polls
- O: Ownership
- O: One American
- P: Prepare
Punish at the Polls
Break free from the tyranny of two-party mediocrity, monopolization, and rationalization. Throw off the shackles of “the lesser of two evils” thinking. Stop compromising with your vote. Vote your conscience. Vote on principle.
The Founders viewed elections as “mini-revolutions,” and it’s time for a revolution. Punish every Senator and Congressman who voted in favor of the bailout bill by booting them out of office. (See how your representative voted here.) Show them who is in charge. And in case you haven’t heard, there are more than two presidential candidates in the current election.
Ownership
With the advent of National P.O.O.P Day, it’s time for every American to stop the insanity of irresponsibility and apathy. Take ownership for your life and your results. Take ownership for your education, your career, your income, your financial health, your spiritual moorings. Stop selling out to false security and accept the responsibility of freedom.
“That government is best which governs the least, because its people discipline themselves.” -Thomas Jefferson
One American
It’s time to cast off our feelings and attitudes of futility, helplessness, and hopelessness. You can’t do everything, but you can do something. Do it. Stop waiting for social validation — act. Never underestimate the power of one individual acting from conscience.
Do something good, anything. Every day. Get out of debt. Write a book. Write to your Congressman. Read to a child. Love your spouse. Forgive your brother. Turn off the blasted TV and read the Federalist Papers instead.
You are One American, and America is nothing but the aggregate of all its Ones. Be the change. Make a difference.
“Immortality will come to such as are fit for it, and he who would be a great soul in the future must be a great soul now.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson
Prepare
There’s no easy fix to the problems that have been amassing for longer than a Century. Make no mistake — we are in for hard times.
Prepare.
- Spiritually: Deepen your relationship with God. Develop faith and overcome fear. Pray and meditate daily. Find that “connection in the stillness” and hold onto it like your life depends on it, as it indeed does.
- Financially: Get out of debt. Spend less than you earn. Produce more than you consume. Build cash reserves. Invest in hard, collateralized assets.
- Temporally: Build a year’s supply of food and water. Learn how to grow a garden. Become an emergency preparedness expert.
- Mentally: Turn off the TV and devour the classics. Become a constitutional scholar. Understand what you’re fighting for.
- Socially: Expand and strengthen your relationships and networks. This will both extend your sphere of influence as well as give you resources in difficult times. Associate with like-minded people. Discuss the classics with your family and friends.
“Giving up the illusion that you can predict the future is a very liberating moment. All you can do is give yourself the capacity to respond — the creation of that capacity is the purpose of strategy.” -Lord John Browne of Madingley
Throw the Poop Back
The poop has hit the fan. And it’s time for us to start flinging it back. In a good, productive way.
The principles within National P.O.O.P. Day represent the People taking back their power by assuming their responsibility. This new National Poopyday (as opposed to “Holiday”) represents us throwing back the crap that has been thrown on us against our will and in violation of our beloved Constitution.
The early American colonists had the Boston Tea Party. Our generation has National P.O.O.P. Day. Support National P.O.O.P. Day by emailing this to everyone you know and publishing it in full in every possible venue. When the air finally clears — however long it takes — we’re going to have our Republic back.
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I heard it on…Princess Bride?
October 4, 2008 by Aspen Eggimann · 1 Comment
“Do you always begin conversations this way?”
The most humorous conversations are peppered with quotes from the classic movie Princess Bride. If you haven’t seen it, stop reading and go watch it. Like any good classic it gets better and more applicable each time seen.
What can we learn from this classic? Let me point out a few lessons that I think fit perfectly with our times.
1. When I hear our presidential candidates use the word “change” every couple of minutes, unfailingly Indigo’s voice comes into my head saying, “You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.”
Change is not being in Afghanistan versus Iraq, or visa versa. It is getting out of foreign nations we shouldn’t be in.
Change in education is not working on “No Child Left Behind” as was suggested in the VP Debate. Change would be getting the Federal Government out of education and and giving that power back to the parents and states.
2. As for the bailout just passed in Congress;
“Think it will work?”
“It would take a miracle.”
One senator, after changing his vote to yes on the economic bailout, said that the fear on Wall Street was going to affect Main Street.
Maybe it is time that Wall Street be afraid.
As a nation we cannot continue on in our current economic situation. We have become a nation that consumes more than it creates, spends more then it earns, and takes more then it gives.
Wall Street does affect Main Street, so let us start the process of changing our economic strategies as a nation. Having the government there to catch business when it falls only prolongs and extenuates the long range problems we will face.
3. Longfellow said our nation was a “ship of state” and that all humanity hung upon its fate. If that is the case where is the watchmen crying, “Look! The cliffs of insanity!”
4. I always get a funny feeling when I hear someone in government make statements about easing the burdens of the American people, having the government look out for the middle class and defending the common workers of America. For as the Dread Pirate Roberts said, “Life is pain… Anyone who says otherwise is selling something.”
It is human nature to tend to fall into a trap of wanting things to be easier, to not have to think about problems and to let someone else do the dirty work for us. But it is better to do the work then buy up the services of the government and let it run our lives.
In closing, “Let me explain — no there is to much — let me sum up.”
First, understand that the current debates between presidential candidates are not about change in policy; they are about change in approach.
Second, as uncertain as the future of our economy is right now, “bailouts” aren’t going to help. Ronald Reagan once said that you can talk to a child until you’re blue in the face about spending — or you can cut their allowance. Giving more money isn’t going to cure the mismanagement of it. Our $700 billion dollars is only a band aid on a gaping wound.
Third, lets listen to people who are telling us we are headed towards disaster.
Fourth, now is the time to reclaim the responsibility of self-governance and watch over our nation and communities. Lets stop abdicating our responsibility to others in exchange for convenience.
And next time you watch Princess Bride, think about government — I promise you’ll learn a lot.
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How Was Work Today?
September 27, 2008 by Aspen Eggimann · 5 Comments
I had to hold back a laugh a few days ago when I heard the above question. My cousin had just asked it to his brother in law.
The reason for my laughter? I was caught up in seeing the huge difference in the two people having this conversation about work. My cousin, David, had just gotten back leading a group, myself included, backpacking and exploring in Mexico. As part of his work he takes small groups down to Copper Canyon on cultural/humanitarian work. The trip goes thru the third world area of Copper Canyon to visit the Tamarah indians. Filled with helping people and moment by moment adventures. When he is not in Mexico he teaches wilderness survival. He doesn’t do it for money and he certainly doesn’t do it for prestige. He does it because its his passion, his dream.
As he asked his brother in law the “How was work today?” question I thought I saw a twinkle in his eye. “Oh you know, its work.” was the long faced reply. He brother in law is a banker.
Neither one leads a life the other should be leading. But one has a job, the other a dream come true.
After the humorousness of the moment was gone I was left deeply impressed by what I had seen. And it made me think a lot about my life and those around me.
I am sure most have heard the quote;
“Most people spend their lives working at a job they don’t like, to get money they don’t need, for things they don’t want, to impress people they don’t like.”
This may be an extreme statement on first hearing it, but for most it rings partially true.
Many people lead a life wishing they could do or be something they aren’t doing. They have a dream that they want to live, and yet when asked if they are living that dream they aren’t.
I believe everyone has a dream. Maybe from childhood, maybe not, but its real none the less. Dreams are important to an individual. When talking to people about their dream they come alive, their eyes sparkle and their voice gets excited. And then comes a statement I am sure we have all heard and said, “Oh well, maybe someday.” and the sparks are gone, the passion fizzles out and they go back to life just thinking about their dream.
Men and women all have a dream. Not just some or those who have thought about it or have been told they should have one. I mean ALL. Every single person if you search long enough has a dream inside them. And most of them aren’t living it.
The excuses for not living a dream are wide ranging. No money, no time, no resources, no skills, no support. In other words, no reason.
Why don’t we live our dreams?
Simple question, hard to answer. The answer is hard because it is so elusive. You really can’t tell why exactly. The excuses we use are just that… excuses. So what is the real reason? Fear? Laziness? Lack of faith?
If you are scared well… you should be. Living a life of dreams is scary. Not in the spooky sense. But in the difficulty and challenges. Its not easy and you will be tried, talked out of it, have road blocks put in your way and cross into unknowns. Yes it is scary. But worth it? Completely.
As for being lazy there really is no other reply then to get off your rump and start working. This life is short and there is no time to waste.
There is an old western quote that says;
“The cowards never started and the weak ones died on the way.”
At least start. Then you can figure out the rest as you go. But the truly strong start living their dreams now.
If we live a life without faith then it is no life. You were given your dreams for a reason and there is no power that would give you dreams and desires only to not give you a way of fulfilling them. Have a little faith.
“To dream anything you want to dream. That’s the beauty of the human mind. To do anything that you want to do. That is the strength of the human will. To trust yourself to test your limits. That is the courage to succeed.” - Bernard Edmonds
We are limitless in our capabilities, endless in our resources and have and untold potential to build anything we can imagine. So why hold back?
What is the one thing that makes you come alive? The one thing you would die for, or more importantly, live for?
What is your dream? And what do you need to do to start living it?
Move the Cause of Liberty by (1) subscribing to the Sentinel, a free weekly newsletter boldly illuminating the principles of freedom in a darkening nation, and (2) pledging your Life, Liberty, and Sacred Honor to the Cause by signing the Declaration of Dependence.
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The Constitution: A Rallying Point
August 31, 2008 by Aspen Eggimann · Leave a Comment
“Where are we going from here?”
I’ve been wondering this a lot lately, in regards to America. I hear and read theories about the Information Age and what it will bring, I learn about historical cycles predicting what to expect in the future, and observe the numerous political agendas proposed for the nation, yet still this question remains in a large part unanswered.
It may be difficult or nearly impossible to answer with clarity exactly where we are going, or to make a prediction that would quiet the concerns for the future. While pondering the question I read the following quote from Thomas Jefferson:
“Though written constitutions may be violated in moments of passion or delusion, yet they furnish a text to which those who are watchful may again rally and recall the people.” –Thomas Jefferson to Joseph Priestley, 1802
A written document that immortalizes principles and provides ongoing direction for generations is essential to maintain a strong and free nation.
“The Constitution is a written instrument. As such, its meaning does not alter. That which it meant when it was adopted, it means now.”
– South Carolina v. United States, 199 U.S. 437, 448 (1905)
The principles remain fast in the document, though the actions of men may not follow those principles. The violation of a constitution was foreseen by the Founders as inevitable; men would lose their perspective and deviate from the Constitution in moments of passion — no matter how much the “chains of the Constitution” bound them down. Having a written constitution does more than bind men for a time, however; its real strength is that it provides a rallying point for the People to turn to when the nation flounders and when guidance is needed.
It’s clear that we have deviated from the Constitution in many ways throughout our history, and recent years have been no different. From the repeal of habeas corpus for specified “enemy combatants” to the Patriot Act, we can see the distance we have come from the founding.
The governments’ disregard of our founding document was brought home to me when I read the following story from Ron Paul:
“In 2002, as war with Iraq loomed, I proposed that congress officially declare war against Iraq, making clear that I intended to oppose my own measure. The point was to underscore our constitutional responsibility to declare war before commencing major military operations, rather than leaving the decision to the president or passing resolutions that delegate to the president the decision-making power over war. The chairman of the International Relations Committee responded by saying, ‘There are things in the Constitution that have been overtaken by events, by time. Declaration of war is one of them. There are things no longer relevant to a modern society. We are saying to the president, use your judgment. [What you have proposed is] inappropriate, anachronistic; it isn’t done any more.’
What a relief that we have people in our government who will keep us posted on which constitution provisions they have decided are no longer ‘relevant!’” [Ron Paul; The Revolution: A Manifesto, pg 53]
As a nation that has disregarded its constitution and now strongly questions its stability and future freedom the question, “Where are we going from here?” demands our attention. We have, through fear and passion, given up much of our freedoms. But it need not continue. For we will decide what is next. By using the Constitution as a rallying point to recall a people we will regain the freedom and prosperity that the Founders fought for.
In the end our freedom and our future lie with those that are watchful, those that will take initiative in restoring the Constitution. As Thomas Edison said, “The strength of the Constitution, lies in the will of the people to defend it.”
If the question remains, “Where are we going from here?”, the answer is “Exactly where we take ourselves.” If Jefferson is right, if moments of passion will pass and those who are watching can rally the people, then let it be back to the Constitution.
Have YOU read and do you understand the Constitution? Will you become a constitutional scholar and help restore the American Republic?
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