I'm glad you have some insight into the mess we've created, and that such knowledge yields the solace of solutions. Yet, I fear the apocalypse before our better angels descend to the circle of hell known as the Texas Legislature.
I was impressed years ago by a field experiment organized by Professor James Fishkin (U.T. Government Department) and others regarding deliberative political discussions in which groups achieved positive outcomes after discussions between persons who were initially in disagreement. Similar research continues.
The problem, of course, is there are few incentives or opportunities for people of different political groups to meet and listen to one another. Even in my classroom experiences over the years, students often seemed unyielding and adversarial when differences arose.
Fishkin's experiments relied upon an audience amenable to persuasion by rational argument and reasonable discussion. Such audiences still exist; but they are overwhelmed by the noise and vehemence of so many closed-minded partisans in our modern culture.
Thanks for sharing your insights. I believe that many politicians' shift to indifference is predicated by the fact that many schools no longer offer civics classes to students. Many teachers feel that they cannot discuss political trends, even in a neutral manner.
I'm glad you have some insight into the mess we've created, and that such knowledge yields the solace of solutions. Yet, I fear the apocalypse before our better angels descend to the circle of hell known as the Texas Legislature.
Until then, have a happy new year. Many thanks.
I was impressed years ago by a field experiment organized by Professor James Fishkin (U.T. Government Department) and others regarding deliberative political discussions in which groups achieved positive outcomes after discussions between persons who were initially in disagreement. Similar research continues.
The problem, of course, is there are few incentives or opportunities for people of different political groups to meet and listen to one another. Even in my classroom experiences over the years, students often seemed unyielding and adversarial when differences arose.
Fishkin's experiments relied upon an audience amenable to persuasion by rational argument and reasonable discussion. Such audiences still exist; but they are overwhelmed by the noise and vehemence of so many closed-minded partisans in our modern culture.
Thanks for sharing your insights. I believe that many politicians' shift to indifference is predicated by the fact that many schools no longer offer civics classes to students. Many teachers feel that they cannot discuss political trends, even in a neutral manner.
Ugh. Thanks, Deece--I hadn't thought of Frank Corte in years. What did happen with him in the end?
As far as I know, he is a prosperous businessman in San Antonio.
❤️