I generally like political discussion, even argument if it is conducted without rancor. In my family, and with certain friends, we always talked about politics. Some of my friends and family members, for that matter, are very conservative, others are more liberal. No one has developed hard feelings over such discussions or felt particularly condescended to that I know of. But that's been suggested as the likely outcome by some people after I forwarded some political items recently to my e-mail list.

I have often modified my views after talking with someone I respected about current events. It would sadden me to suggest that any discussion or e-mail of mine smacks of telling someone what to think. I, of all people, don't know enough about anything to tell anyone what to think! I do have opinions, however, and though I'm sure they are often misguided, they are rarely carved in stone.

I think this experience of my e-mail list is reflective of something deeply wrong in our country at the moment. It worries me. This very small sample of folks can't discuss anything remotely political in a civil and thoughtful manner, whether we disagree a little or a lot, whether conservative or liberal. How do we get to middle ground if positions are inflexible and compromise is thought to be surrender.

This furthers my thought that some of what the Internet is doing is letting folks solidify positions and never, ever, consider a different point of view.

The old Subject Headings in a library card catalog sometimes led folks like me to very different material than we set out looking for in the beginning and I believe that was a positive thing. And newspapers provided the opportunity to sometimes see an article or opinion piece that differed from my present view. All that is essentially gone for lots of people. If you want to see a different view on-line you have to find it and go get it. It doesn't just pop up in front of you.

The Internet may be contributing to the fact that no one is listening to anyone else. No one has to compromise in Second Life!

Today some folks only watch MSNBC (or FOX News) and search web sites that amuse them and confirm their world view. I think that's missing the point. Who benefits? What about the greater good? What might a compromise actually look like?

I'm a middle of the road guy. A friend tells me that's just the place to be if you want to be run over! I want tort reform in medical malpractice and a public option that may help to drive down costs of health insurance. And, unlike preaching to the choir, I like talking to people with different points of view because I think it will help me to form a better perspective on what's not just good for me but good for the country as well.