Thoughts in an Airport

"Everyone is entitled to their own opinions, but everyone is not
entitled to their own facts."

Daniel Patrick Moynihan

It amazes me to read or hear the blather that proceeds from the mouths
of pundits or politicians that reaches the world at large unchallenged.

The idea of a considered remark seems - in today's world - passé. The
idea of a rigorous mind engaged in a vigorous debate based on fact -
rather than feeling - seems similarly out of style.

When Rudy Gulliani can state - unchallenged - that no terrorist attack
ocurred while George Bush was president is both amazing and
disturbing. Did history already forget 9/11?

I suppose I should not be surprised that our fixation on 15 minutes of
fame trumps all other considerations.

But surely those called Christians should be immune to such deception
being as they are called "people of the book". Purportedly, both they
and those of the Jewish faith rest their beliefs - not on whim or
fancy - but on words long ago recorded and many times considered.

Unfortunately, these who should be leading us upward, instead lead us
astray.

As one considers the American populace, with it's ignorance of history
and an attention span measured in seconds, the phrase "blind leading
the blind" takes on a whole new meaning.

Particularly when we witness a Sarah Palin speech or John Boehner
addressing a Tea Party rally.

When did the nation founded by such great minds as Jefferson and Adams
lose it's capacity for critical thought?

When did the nation that saved the world from Hitler and Stalin lose
it's common sense?

dg


Sent from my iPod

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