About Those Adversaries

» Adversaries vs. Enemies (James Joyner)

Just read the whole thing ... probably the best thing I've seen from Joyner's figurative pen. As one who's had his fallings out with those to my left and to my right, I have a particular revulsion to those on both sides who attempt to vilify those who have taken the unthinkable step to disagree with them. Of course, there's a ping of a sentiment that suggests that such departure is all well and good if, indeed, the real personality of those people have come to the fore. Better their true nature be known and our paths be separated a bit further. I'm not one known to exhibit great comfort in the presence of echo chambers - but there is a line too often crossed by those who think the internet is a playground for personal hatred. Fortunately, the world abounds with good-hearted people - enough of them anyway - who happen to vote any number of ways. I'm proud to call any number of them friend ... even if I do have to cancel out their vote on Election Day.

Still, I find it remarkable that someone such as myself, who happens to be pro-life, favors school choice, and prefers a Proxmirian view towards government spending is considered sufficiently liberal by those who note the lack of an (R) next to my name all while being similarly ill-at-ease with those possessing a figurative (D) even though I favor increased measures for children's health care, public education, clean air/water/politics and public assistance that allows people a second (or third, or ...) chance at the American dream.

Reading through a review copy of Melinda Henneberger's "If Only They Listened To Us", I can't help but notice that what Henneburger captures among her subject matter - female voters - is really just more of an overall human condition more widely existent than is reported. She refers to the notion of "paradoxical motivations" that force voters to choose between options that are not wholly acceptable ... and sometimes end up choosing one that is predominantly unacceptable, but possessive of a more forgivable fault. Trust me, that's as scientific as the book gets. It's a bit more Couric-esque from there on out. Loads of good stuff in it and I have to admit to enjoying the book far more than I anticipated. With a little luck and an ounce of daylight in the personal schedule, I'll try to work in a review. Wish me luck.