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Back up claims with proof

I am a Centrist. I find the tone of talk radio to be hateful, so I voted against the Republicans in the last election. Apparently, I was not alone.

Proof enough for you?

You are half correct. Both "sides" spit out endless ignorance. I am a socialist, and at work end up listening to conservative radio which wouldn't know a socialist from a fascist from a raisin. The lack of critical thinking skills that we Americans must possess, keep the liberal and conservative voice boxes' wallets fat. After their shows, they probably go out for a beer and laugh at the ignorance of the masses.

The problem I find with both sides of the political spectrum is the use of labels to define an opponent. What defines liberal or conservative? The use of labels does not enlighten because people fall into all shades of belief on many issues. Those who are opposed to "liberalism" might find they are more liberal than they realize. Unemployment insurance, public schools, guaranteed savings accounts (FDIC), child labor laws, public construction of dams, and food and drug laws were once "liberal" objectives. Do we really want to be "conservative" and return to the abject conditions we had back in the late 1800's and early 1900's?

"Rather than calling the radio talk-show hosts spewers of hate, I wish those offended would tell us why they disagree and present arguments to convince us otherwise."

Well the arguments have been presented many times. Of course you will not hear them by just listening to conservative talk radio or reading conservative commentators.

But I will tell you why I disagree with conservative radio talk-show hosts: because they spin, misrepresent, use bad logic, are irrational, lie, both lies of omission as well as actual lies. They cater to the lowest common denominator, they are rude and dismissive, they talk over people, do not engage in real debate, think that yelling and shouting down people proves their argument, think they win arguments because they can hang up on people. Because they are arrogant, and intellectually lazy. Because they play on peoples fears, and they are hypocrites. Because they use junior high humor. Because they are partizan hacks with zero journalistic integrity. Because they think that other hacks, like Coulter, are legitimate, rational, political commentators. Because they think they are great Americans.

And, yes, I do listen to them.

Proof?

What proof do you have that "liberals" are trying to install death panels?

What proof do you have that Obama is trying to take over the auto industry?

What proof do you have that Obama has hate for white culture?

What proof do you have that Obama is a Muslim from Kenya who isn't even an American citizen?

It's not worth arguing with you nutcakes anymore

Keith Olberman does just that very well daily on his show!

What a novel idea - dialogue rather than diatribe.

Well said.

We nasty libs don't need to convince you of ANYTHING! We already tried that by electing an AWESOME PRESIDENT OBAMA. Utahn's just won't hear what they don't want to. Get used to it though, Obama WILL BE our President for another 7 years.

I'm sure you're still reeling from the decisive Obama victory, but I hope preaching to the choir at Des News makes you feel better. Can you keep it up for another 7 years though, that is the question? Pace yourself; ranting can really be tiring.

We're glad you found the righ...I mean light, David. Now, go get a life.

You can be a spewer of hate and yet still spit out truth. Look up Elder Wood's April 2006 Conference talk for good advice on what to stay away from, and why.

The writer demonstrates the problem when he refers to "convince us" of "truth". The "with God or against him mentality of group think" has eliminated independent rational thinking. The result is ex-bartenders, rodeo clowns and egotists spinning anything without proof in order to appeal to the emotional base of the "us" group. All citizens need to independently review the facts, various interests and not wait to find out what the neighbors think around the bonfire created by radio talk show entertainers.

Excellent letter. I myself seldom listen to/watch political commentaries from either side of the spectrum but think it's important for people to listen to all sides of an argument then determine for themselves whose opinion to side with.

Good idea. Then, perhaps conservatives will also agree to use arguments instead of terms like "libs", "socialists", "radicals". Much like "haters", these terms have come to mean exactly nothing.

Sorry about your luck, pal. I don't owe you that much explanation. I don't know what the 'true path' is, but I do know that when I've listened to talk radio my instincts and knowledge tell me it's vitriolic and unnecessarily spiteful, and that the need to resort to this methodology to make a point suggests something is missing. I am not incorrect in this assessment inasmuch as it is my own just like sowell's opinions are his own, and he's despised obama from day one. Have a nice weekend.

and I think nationally syndicated talk shows are full of hate and ignorance. I even agree with many of their core values and visions, but I hate their methods---it destroys discussion and increases partisanship which is destroying our democratic system. Why?
-- They degrade the other side with namecalling ("libs" and so on)
-- They claim to allow open discussion, but when democratic callers call their show, they get shot down, talked over, and dismissed without a thought. Give me one example of any of them sincerely listening to a liberal caller's perspective and honestly giving it some weight in the argument. Like I said, I'm a conservative, but there are good ideas on both sides of the aisle, and I wish we could discuss the ideas in a reasonable way.
-- They blame the regular media for emphasizing irrelevant details and ignoring the bigger issues, and then they do it themselves. The media IS guilty of this, but so are the talk show hosts who emphasize missteps in speech taken out of context
-- They are hateful, pure and simple. Do you feel peace, calm, and uplifted from listening to them? I don't.

Look, to say President Obama hates American values is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard. It ranks up there with the old argument made by someone that they could use the Bible to prove anything they wanted. It is kind of like the talk show comedians schtick of using clips to show President Bush saying stuff that is really off the wall. And if Obama or anyone else disagrees with you, does that mean it is not an American value? Who sets "American values?" I thought we were a free nation, or do we have to be just like you or else, kind of like Stalin?

Ben Franklin ultimate liberal. Signing the abolitionist petition to Congress. Believed in freedom, diversity, the Enlightenment, and progress.

Jefferson: brilliant, master architect, Lockean liberal. Nobody stoked the leftist rhetoric of revolution, democracy, equality and progress better.

James Madison, spouting off human liberties, drafting that ultimate liberal document the Bill of Rights.

George Washington, war hero. Offered the dictatorship and refused, saying America should remain a republic. Took enormous pains to make sure his slaves were freed upon his death. What a bleeding heart!

John Adams. Haitian slaves staged the world's second anti-imperial revolution, Adams stood by them. He even made national headlines by having a man of color to dinner!

Abe Lincoln, that liberal ACLU-type lawyer, fighting a war to free black people, telling big business southerners what they can and can’t do!

Then U.S. Grant, who established Yellowstone Park, and Teddy Roosevelt who fought for so many more like it. Greenies!! TreeHugging Environmental wackos!!!!

Put it all together and you have a group of pointy-headed liberal geniuses whose Declaration of Independence, Constitution, Bill of Rights, Emancipation Proclamation, national parks and much more remain the liberal bulwark of world freedom.

....

The author of the "Science Prostituted" letter needs to follow your advice as well.