How to read a political debate without really listening

I am amazed at how similar debates occur across the world. The same arguments, or lack of them, spun to support an individual’s agenda. Talking points are the latest “dumbing down” of the debate itself but there are a few tips that can allow you to evaluate someone’s knowledge or position. Debate is never about how loudly one talks, it is about presenting an idea with supporting arguments. The louder the volume, the less one has to say. A speaker will use volume to bully the listener into submission. So if you hear someone yelling you can change the channel. They have nothing to say to you.

The immigration debate is raging, perhaps because congress is trying to pass a bill that a greater number of Americans do not want. No matter how the debate progresses, I find it quite interesting that both Republicans and Democrats want this thing to go through. In other words both special interest groups and corporate America want this piece of legislation to pass. The different interests at play should make us all think.

So if there is such great support why all the debate and how do you determine which part has something to say?

It seems that politicians are somewhat concerned about future elections. Personally, I did not vote for any Texas politicians who supported the amnesty position. In fact, I was thinking I would vote for a democrat for president for the first time in my life however, the candidate I like, supports amnesty. Therefore, in the next elections, instead of voting for a candidate, I will be voting against a candidate, again. The politicians are attempting to push this debate on Americans. Americans have already made up their mind, they either want open borders or they do not. A debate about whether Amtrak should receive public financing would generate greater participation.

It is amazing how this debate is progressing. It supports my theory about volume of the language and the lack of argumentation. Supporters of amnesty, open borders, the North American Union, or whatever you want to call it, shout or use words that attack their opponent personally. The first rule of debate is that it is not personal. An intelligent and informed person should be able to debate either side of an argument. It means they understand the question of discussion and can make an informed decision. They then choose arguments to support one side or another. Words like Racist, Demagogic, Isolationist, are like raising your voice. They attack the person and not the topic of debate.

In conclusion, remember if someone shouts or uses words to denigrate people of a different viewpoint, you can change the channel. They have nothing to say that is worth hearing.