This post is not to argue about pro’s and con’s of selectively editing artifacts of and references to U.S. Last week I was listening to callers in what started out as a debate over whether certain statues of historic figures would be removed from locations throughout New York City in response to several recent events in the country involving violence and acts of hate.
While Francis Scott Key may have had battlefields and cavalries on his mind when he wrote those famous closing lines of the Star-Spangled Banner, the context of this question in today’s world is very different. To arrive at a magic answer was a journey through constructive verbal sparring infused with philosophical debate, presentation and interpretation of facts, data, and experiences, respectful provocation, and an understanding that differences of opinion do not equate to division among people. But – as Billy Joel sings – something happened on the way to that place. And for me that begs the question, “Is America really still the land of the free and home of the brave?” One of the things I used to really enjoy about talk radio (deliberate word choice of “used to”) was constructive debate. Listening as individuals artfully and at times colorfully debating the merits of issues was intellectually stimulating and often prompted me to rethink my own stance on issues.
I listen to talk radio during my daily commute as I find it enlightening to hear different perspectives on the same topic, even ones I think know a lot about. It also reminds me that – in almost every circumstance or challenge discussed – there are often at least two “right” answers and how we are wise to consider a multitude of perspectives in discussions and decision making.
0 kommentar(er)
