The art of debate and discourse based upon thoughful argumentation and fact that is the heritage of our civilization is being lost. It’s not taught in schools. And our frenetic, internet driven lives don’t allow time for it.

Finally, the business model for media is turned on its head. Outrage drives eyeballs and ears to newspapers, television outlets and websites. In this competitive environment, outrage sells. And media companies need the profits to survive.

I’ve begun to just turn off the television and ignore it. But now and again I just can’t help myself and I have to watch and listen just a little bit.

I’m curious: Where do people go for thoughtful discourse? How do people make time for it?

Reasoned, thoughtful speech often takes a moment longer to craft than a rant, especially a rant that is pre-packaged by the “industry” you describe. We can all pause to think.

Of course, most ranters will not be persuaded by this commentary…but to those who are on the fence, I say: Please keep it civil, and if you can, make it smart. At minimum, sign your name or put your hand down.

I’m sensing a bit of a theme in our most recent posts. Maybe we just don’t know how to argue any longer. So many people shy away from a good, heated but constructive argument. But then there’s the other end of the spectrum with people who become outraged but don’t have the facts right. I’m all for outrage and passion. If you have your facts.

Training on how to argue and debate, like the men’s group I referenced in my post, may be the community’s way of mediating the situation. Let’s hope so anyway.