When my students bicker, it’s not exactly an intellectual debate:
“Yes you did!” one will shout.
“No I didn’t!” screams the other.
Frequently, there’s nothing to do but send them to the office for a cool-down. That’s probably as it should be. They are nine and ten years old.
When the adults do it, I fear for my (probably all-but-forfeit) future social security check. In this first decade of the 21st century, adults don’t challenge each other’s ideas anymore. They just shout, as evidenced by the health care rallies in Raleigh on Wednesday.
“Yes we can!” shouts one side.
“No you can’t!” shouts the other.
Let’s exchange ideas, not invective.
Here’s your open line.