Like many people lately, I’ve been watching a lot of TV, reading a lot and thinking a lot about the upcoming election. There are so many voices already making public their opinions about the candidates, their spouses (Bill and Melania), the state of the country, the current president (and his wife), rigged elections, the state of our democracy, the bias of the media. No sense joining in the tide with my own opinions.
But there is one thing, maybe not so exciting, in these shrill times, but critical to our well being. There always has to be feeling and fact in politics. It’s hard not to be passionate about things that matter; and its not useful to leave passions out. But there has to be some balance, and we seem out of balance. If it’s just passion, then, what Roger Cohen of the Times said, is worth a lot of our attention. I quote him:
“Rage is also a form of dishonesty because it precludes the reflection that leads to truth.”
So, I ask, what is the truth, the whole case, all the relevant data to support the rage based claims I have read or heard. These are all important claims; if they can be tested by facts, we should act on them or dump them. But facts matter.
“Obama has ruined the country”
“Hillary’s heart is filled with hate”
“We need to build the wall”
“The election is rigged”
I could go on, but you get the point. Prove it or drop it. If you insist on it, keep it to yourself. I'd welcome other claims that have been made which you think and feel should have more facts offered.