. . . Should We Discuss Our Differences?
Pessimism versus optimism about disagreement.
Our national life is becoming like philosophy: a scene of endless disagreement about almost everything. The difference, of course, is that philosophical controversy is typically conducted in a gentlemanly fashion without bloodshed or property damage. Some say that philosophy is a blood sport, but no blood is ever shed, and although philosophers are ever shooting down one another's arguments, gunfire at philosophical meetings is so far nonexistent. A bit of poker brandishing is about as far as it gets.
Some say we need more 'conversations' with our political opponents about the hot-button issues that divide us. The older I get the more pessimistic I become about the prospects of such 'conversations.' I believe we need fewer conversations, less interaction, and the political equivalent of divorce. Here (from a site no longer online) is an extremely pessimistic view:
Brother Bill, it all comes down to John 17, verses 14 and 15.
It’s nothing new, it hasn’t increased, it is just easier to see it right now.
— Catacomb Joe