Reading Al Franken
Al Franken refuses to be bullied by loudmouths, which is the very heart of our idea of a great American.
I've been reading his book, "Lies and the Lying Liars Who Tell Them." It "outs" some of the nasty tactics that have predominated recent American political debate, and promises some possibility of a return to civil discourse.
Simple lessons:
1. Always suspect someone who labels people, especially by saying things like "this is why X [label] hates America." Being labeled is a heartbeat away from being persecuted for belief, and is inherently anti-American.
2. People who yell or shut off microphones do so because they are losing a reasoned debate. Mayor Richard J. Daley used to do it in Chicago (oops - a Democrat).
3. Our country founded by Christians, but on freedom of religion. This was to avoid establishment of any state religion and separate church and state. This was done for an excellent, historically-sound reason. We need non-Christians of any kind to keep us on track with this one, and should thank them for telling us when Christians say things that create a religious government content. Honestly, if you want theocracy, consider relocating to Iran.
4. Al Franken is also prejudiced, opinionated and, in my view, wrong about a bunch of things.
But he's smart. And he's funny, and funny in a way few conservatives appear capable of emulating.
Quick question: if you're conservative, who do you dislike less: Al Franken or Michael Moore? :)
I've been reading his book, "Lies and the Lying Liars Who Tell Them." It "outs" some of the nasty tactics that have predominated recent American political debate, and promises some possibility of a return to civil discourse.
Simple lessons:
1. Always suspect someone who labels people, especially by saying things like "this is why X [label] hates America." Being labeled is a heartbeat away from being persecuted for belief, and is inherently anti-American.
2. People who yell or shut off microphones do so because they are losing a reasoned debate. Mayor Richard J. Daley used to do it in Chicago (oops - a Democrat).
3. Our country founded by Christians, but on freedom of religion. This was to avoid establishment of any state religion and separate church and state. This was done for an excellent, historically-sound reason. We need non-Christians of any kind to keep us on track with this one, and should thank them for telling us when Christians say things that create a religious government content. Honestly, if you want theocracy, consider relocating to Iran.
4. Al Franken is also prejudiced, opinionated and, in my view, wrong about a bunch of things.
But he's smart. And he's funny, and funny in a way few conservatives appear capable of emulating.
Quick question: if you're conservative, who do you dislike less: Al Franken or Michael Moore? :)
posted by John Bernat @ 5:53 PM
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