Monday, March 05, 2012
Intemperance
This is a useful reminder to intemperate bloviators. As Rush Limbaugh is learning, harsh words backfire. He is now working to keep advertisers for his show after his blast at the Georgetown law student. Perhaps there should be more lessons of this kind from the clergy rather than the clergy leading the way in damning opponents. Hellfire and brimstone work only for a few. Others, the majority, turn away. The most powerful, long-term persuasion is reasoned argument. This, of course, flies in the face of down-and-dirty politics that many use today. Sooner or later, however, citizens grow sick of accusation and counter-accusation. There are times for strong words but those are rare. They should always be balanced by civility to heighten their effect.
Comments:
Post a Comment