September 20, 2006That’s My Story and I’m Sticking to It
I first met him on the streets by Vanderbilt University in Nashville when I was 19. A friend introduced us. I don’t know why he had such an impact on me, but I immediately knew I was meeting a man with a huge destiny – a man who would have a tremendous impact on the world.
I follow his career and am excited that he recently signed a contract for a new book titled Attack on Reason. I am interested in the topic and I like what this man has to say and how he says it. His name is Al Gore, and I like him.
Now, that’s a risky disclosure.
In my perfect world, where everyone says what they mean and mean what they say without being mean when they say it, sharing a political opinion isn’t risky. People respectfully ask questions, share their own experience and opinions, stay open to adapting their thinking to incorporate new information, and everyone walks away feeling enriched and knowing more than when they started.
In the imperfect world, people don’t ask questions because they assume they already know everything they need to. They don’t offer their opinions; they tell others how it is. They don’t attack points, they attack the speaker. They don’t consider the possibility of learning anything, and everyone walks away more entrenched in their own thinking than they started.
I once heard a speaker talk about a powerful meeting he had with a former President of the United States. It was an engaging story, but nowhere in the presentation did he mention who that president was. It was obvious the speaker was concerned that if he named the president, it would trigger a reaction and invite rejection. He was concerned about what response naming a political figure would get in this imperfect world.
How do your react to the topic of politics? Are you one of those who punish others for their political opinions and attempt to shut them down? Are you one of those who allow themselves to be silenced? Or do you say what you mean, mean what you say without being mean when you say it, and allow others the same?
I take a risk when I name the politician I’m referring to. But until further notice, I admit to liking Al Gore. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.
What’s your story? Are you sticking to it?
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Congratulations, Meryl, on a calm, reasonable comment about why you like a controversial politician. It’s distressing to me to see how political discourse has become so polarized and irrational. Several commentators have remarked on how President Ronald Reagan and House Speaker Tip O’Neill were able to respect each other even though they disagreed politically.
In my perfect world, the same person could find things to praise and criticize about both Bill Clinton and George W. Bush. Let’s evaluate policy proposals based on all the relevant facts, not who is for or against a particular proposal.
Comment by Darrell Turner — September 20, 2006 @ 1:25 pm
I like Al Gore as well.
Comment by Cheryl Abbott — September 21, 2006 @ 9:40 am