Letting It Be is only successful when everyone does it, Del, when we grant all differing points of view the same respect and dignity that we want for our own. I understand the difficulties of doing so and I agree with you completely on the points you raise. While the impositions of any one belief structure on others or the proclaiming of superiority and truth over others is only offensive here, when it occurs within the education system, or the legal system, it is dangerous and wrong. But there is a distinction between the active and legitimate fighting of that kind of intrusion and the angry, repetitive, non-productive, often juvenile sniping and argument that one sees here. I don't think George and I are advocating some kind of rollover and play dead policy in real life(George? Passive acceptance???? Haaaaaaa).
But the truly serious issues that you mention are better served in reality. What is actually gained here by this arguing and name-calling? No one changes anyone or anything. No one reads the long posts of an opponent. They skim them with an eye for a weak word, a phrase that offers an opportunity to counter, not with any attempt to understand or consider the possibility of some truth or honesty in the writer or a chance of concord or understanding.
We can't defeat the fanatics here and they can't convert anyone. Does anyone really believe there is efficacy in these efforts? I suppose one could argue that by engaging in the written word, some attempt at communication is at least being made, some resistance being offered. But I'm not sure I believe that any longer. It seems to me to be a giant stalemate where people just enjoy the sound of their own voices and the feelings of satisfaction they derive from the exercise. Interaction is limited by the amount of posturing and declaiming. The greatest danger lies in believing this is a valid substitute for real involvement, for actually getting out there and working for change, fighting to protect your rights. The anger here is often false.
I know that you have fought long and hard at school board meetings and in public forums against the infiltration of doctrine rather than facts into education. I admire you greatly for that. That is where the battle needs to be fought. This? This is cocktail chatter. A distraction. Intellectual masturbation. It has a place, but it can't RE-place. |
