tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123849968205458438.post9124912644736547629..comments2023-10-25T12:07:00.274-04:00Comments on Footnotes and Commentary: ManipulationRolland G. Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17099817349797405854noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123849968205458438.post-53931943234568017662010-08-26T11:57:49.242-04:002010-08-26T11:57:49.242-04:00I argue the point with friends, colleagues, and ad...I argue the point with friends, colleagues, and adversaries that it is good and just to be on opposing sides of issues, just as long as you know why you are on the side you are on. Your points today about society being “lazy” are accurate and alarmingly true. It never ceases to amaze me to ask someone about why they support an issue. When doing just that, I have received some grand and idiotic glares or, in some instances, I have received the response of “Pastor said so” or “Because Rush said so, or the paper said so, or Channel X said it was true.” <br /><br />People, in general, do not want to take the time to research an issue, to truly examine the relevance of the issue to their station in life, and then choose a side based on their earned knowledge. That is especially sad in this age of technological advancement we live in where all types of information, albeit some more credible than others, are within our grasp within minutes of typing in any subject we so choose to find.<br /><br /> I do believe that it is healthy and very much necessary to have varying and differing beliefs, thoughts, opinions, and disagreements about each in our country, with the opinions of these thoughts, beliefs, and opinions being based on some valid research, practical knowledge, and self-experienced insight pertaining to personal relevance. It is just as unhealthy and counterproductive to have whole communities and societies (as we do today in mega churches and those who are guided by News and Media Markets of questionable integrity) who are mislead by, as you put it, “the bully pulpit.”<br /><br />We do have a freedom of choice in the great USA, however, I don't think our forefathers meant us as a citizenry to be blindly lead by those who shout from the highest roof tops with the loudest bullhorns.<br /><br />As always, thank you for your musings and opinions. Have a good day and a great weekend.Topher08https://www.blogger.com/profile/11588192963059390447noreply@blogger.com