Man flies plane into IRS building.

[JoeRedskin]

Originally Posted by Mattyk

I agree you need to find a happy medium. I just don't understand this concept of dumbed down politicians.

Well, I think a lot of the "dumbed down" politician and Palinesque backing is a reaction to the "We're smarter than you, so we know what's best for you" attitude that comes from the left at times.

Again, happy medium is, of course, the best. Education and experience come in many forms. Whether it be intellectual patronizing or anti-intellectual arrogance, each is disrespectful and adds to deepening the division.

For example, Palin ain't the sharpest tack in the box. But - clearly - something she says resonates with a large portion of the US populace. Dismissing this group as stupid idiots who cling to guns and bibles does nothing to further discussion. On the other hand, Palin's backers who dismiss the large group of people who oppose her positions as being out of touch with the real America are equally to blame for the division.

Sure there are idiots on both sides of the aisle, but even extremists may be saying something of value. Some of the divisions are hard to overcome (abortion is murder v. abortion is not murder) but until each side stops being dismissive of the other, actually searches for common ground, and is willing to say, "We may be wrong on this" will anything change.

Rant over.

Anybody got a spare plane?