I've posted this sort of comment before, but I think it bears repeating, particularly in light of the recent "photoshopgate" stuff that's being bandied about, with questions of whether or not it's ok to suggest shooting people as a form of political satire.
I think with very few exceptions, those who show an active interest in politics, do so with the best of intentions. They have a personal vision of sorts that they feel will make society healthier for the broad benefit of all. They may disagree, sometimes very strongly and emotionally, but I think at their core, whether they are Conservative, Liberal, NDP, Green, or whatever - they have a wish to make society better.
And that has to be respected at least on a certain level.
The reality is that politics, while so very stupid, is also so very important, and one thing that I think raises western democracies (as imperfect as they are) with many other nations, is the ability to disagree without resort to violence, and to at least in theory, allow for broad unfettered discussion on matters of public interest.
To that extent, all bloggers and posters are participating in an amazing experiment in free speech and democracy. There has been nothing like what we are doing here, on the internet, in the history of the world. To be able to instantly reach out and communicate with people all over the globe, unfettered by the subtle and not-so-subtle hand of the state or even the owners of mainstream media is an amazing thing.
We should take a moment to look at that for the incredibly valuable thing that truly is.
And, at least at this moment, pause to respect all of those who care enough to sit at a keyboard and share their thoughts and ideas with us, even if we disagree with them to the core of our being.
2 comments:
Great Post.
Merry Christmas and Best Wishes for 2010.
Thanks CS.. same to you and yours!
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