Why Aren't We Debating Politics?

In my April 30 article, Are We Separated By An Abyss? I posed some rational questions facing our nation. I asked for feedback from Liberals and only two bothered to respond. Needless to say, I am very disappointed.

In my article I did not offer any position. I asked five questions. I asked for Liberals to represent their personal positions with regard to Economy, Taxes, Energy, Foreign Policy and Defense. I was very careful to ask only questions. I did not take a position on any of the topics. I made sure the questions were neutral, in that I merely pointed out some of the difficulties we face and asked for suggestions as to how these particular individuals would address the issues. My purpose, and I stated it in the article, was to begin a dialog where we discuss issues and not screech at each other.

That only two bothered to respond really chapped my ass. There are hundreds of articles on AC arguing back and forth on our political differences, but most of these are not in the vane of "Let's discuss," but more along the line of "You're and idiot, I'm right, and here's why," and I am no less guilty of that style of writing than is anyone else, but I was offering a platform for us to rise above the fray.

I particularly asked that we can discuss our differences in an adult manner. I was trying to take the high road. Seems only two folks wanted to walk that path with me, and I truly appreciate Jeff Musall and my old buddy Deez in that they responded in the nature I asked. They were forthright and their answers were rational and reasonable in nature, and while I may disagree, these two gentlemen took up the challenge. They clearly demonstrated they are interested in debate and not just yelling at the opposition. Thanks, you Liberal nuts! j/k

As to the rest of you, what the Hell is your problem? Are you not interested in debate? Are you so sure you and your position are above reproach to the point that your positions are no longer open to debate? Or is it something else? Let's explore.

I know my questions were reasonable, so that's not the issue. I know my questions were fair and rational. There were, as I wrote in the article, no "Do you still beat your wife?" type questions, no leading questions and no pre-formed conclusions on my part as to the potential nature of a respondents reply. I asked that we discuss the above named issues in the interest of productive dialog. And the two who did respond took me at my word, and I at least feel I was talked to in a fair and debate style manner - my goal in asking the questions.

I know Jeff and Deez are not the only two Liberals on AC, so what's up? I'm left to ask some questions, hoping someone has the guts to step up and offer some theories as to why my invitation was so poorly received.

Lacking any CP's reasonable or truthful reply, I am left to assume the following, erroneously perhaps, but nonetheless:

Some Liberals are not interested in debate as they are certain as to the moral superiority of their positions.

Some Liberals do not want to actually talk about issues because they would rather screech at Conservatives.

Some Liberals do not feel Conservatives are worth bothering with for a myriad of reasons: Conservatives are stupid, Conservatives are not worth wasting one's precious time upon, Conservatives are bullies and will not debate issues, etc.

Conservative positions are factually superior, therefore dangerous to debate. (Not my first choice, but I had to throw it out there)

Or, are there some AC issues, such as:

Engaging me in debate will generate page views and future clout for my Conservative positions, thus making it appear I and my positions are valid, thus validating Conservatives in general. This is a silly reason, as a potential respondent can do a s Jeff did and debate me by posting their own article, thus generating their own clout without contributing very much to my own. Seems like a good solution to me.

Afraid I may gain a following, thus harming your power.

And I'm sure there are other considerations, but these are the ones that come to mind off the top of my head.

How do I deal with this situation? That question was a waste of server bytes, as it was entirely rhetorical because I already know how I will deal with this. I will default to one of two positions. The first is that many Liberals feel their positions are morally superior, therefore why debate a troglodyte like me. Debating me will only serve to imply relevance to my positions, thus raising questions as to the validity and moral superiority to Liberal dogma.

The second default position I will adhere to is that I'm too damn smart for ya, therefore, again, I may shine a bad light on Liberalism and it's proponents, although I am sure that is not the case, but I could hardly resist offering it as a valid reason. More than likely, it is actually that some Liberals are so damn sure they're smarter than we Conservatives, why bother debating us?

Anyway, whichever it is, you had your chance. Lacking any future writer stepping to the plate and offering to debate issues in a rational manner, I will assume no one is interested in actually solving issues, reaching common ground or gasp! actually admitting the other side has some validity to their positions. Sorry if you don't like that, but lacking anyone stepping up, I will just have fun with pointing out the insanity of Liberal dogma.