Where Has All the Reason Gone!

This will probably not be a popular post. But, popularity is seldom a proper motive for taking action.

It seems the politics of destruction has come to the weblog world. It's not enough that the professional politicians have been slinging the mud, now intelligent (?) adults reduce themselves to the tactics of children, all for the sake of proving they're right. My hope is that this post will prevent a policy of mutual destruction, and the harm that may come to the innocent bystanders that are looking for optimism and opportunity.

The apparent goal of one blog is to dig up all the dirt possible to besmirch the reputation of a fellow entrepreneur. This self-proclaimed defender of conservative values, and a particular networking business, has adopted the policy of name calling and unsubstantiated accusations. So far the pronouncements have been based on a "he said-she said" line of attack. Such arrogance may play well to the sympathetic crowd, but runs counter to one who seeks a reasoned discussion or debate.

Reason demands that the facts be truthful, and presented without editorial comment. Present your argument, and substantiate it with examples. If the facts don't bear out the assertions, the debate will be lost. Leave out the emotional tirades and verbal abuse. Beware of the "body" language conveyed. Such negative inclusions only degrade one's view.

Shakespeare, in Henry V wrote, "Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more; Or close the wall up with our English dead. In peace there's nothing so becomes a man as modest stillness and humility: But when the blast of war blows in our ears, You know your places: God be with you all" (Act III, Scene i). I guess the only thing to be gained in this battle is the privilege of seeing the "enemy" surrender or die. How sad! One of the reasons that our republic has experienced economic success is competition. There is room for a multitude of options for those with an entrepreneurial bent. Maybe we'd be further ahead by practicing the "modest stillness and humility" of peace, rather than taking our "places" in the battle.

Let's practice the principle of caveat emptor, but avoid the slanderous attacks. One can disagree, and even promote his personal beliefs and differences without demeaning another human being. One who will make such a choice will make a genuine difference in the lives of those they seek to influence. Let reason reign!

Remember,

Always make a difference.