Hi Billy,
On Jun 16, 2009, at 12:06 PM, [email protected] wrote:
For one, I think that there are objective standards. That some facts
are
objectively far more important than other facts --and that some
purported facts aren't really facts at all, but propaganda.
Where in hell do we begin ?
The only way I know to begin is by building moral authority, so that
people are willing to start taking your statements at face value, and
considering your sources rather than rejecting them out of hand.
Given your example:
Or contrast BJP Hindus with Congress folks and the Bangalore crowd.
Each side sees only some of the facts that the other side regards as
crucial.
Meanwhile each side emphasizes its pet facts to some Nth degree.
The only way to bridge such divides is not with philosophy or
proposals, but with people: e.g., Gandhi managed to create at least a
semblance of unity through sheer moral character.
In times of crisis, people look for someone they can trust. That
person has to:
- acknowledge embarrassing truths (for both sides)
- offer a credible vision for the future
- appear to care more about them than their own ego
- act transparently
I hate to say it, but something like Obama's apology tour (for all its
well-deserved criticism) is probably necessary to build any sort of
credibility in talking with the Middle East.
Of course, talk is still cheap. Essentially someone with enough power
and credibility has to lay both on the line enough times -- and win --
until they have enough to achieve real results.
Then, of course, everyone will say they always knew that would work. :-P
-- Ernie P.
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