Dec 25, 2008

Is this a good idea?

Is this blog a good idea? I don't know. Is there still interest in civil discourse across the chasm of very different political views? Can a physics grad student and an old MBA capitalist, with our gap widened by 40 years of age and quite different scio-economic experiences, constructively discuss world and life perspectives of such diverse beliefs? Can we be passionate, but not angry? Can we have some sarcasm at times without vitriol? Can we disagree, but not disrespect (with snide condescension)?

We struggle to find this in the sage pundits of the media. And (we both agree) our political leaders are (largely) more embarrassing than inspiring, as their sole objective seems to be to win for their side rather than to craft any solution.

I represent almost everything the boy's fellow travellers view as causes of all problems...almost abhorrent. I am, as my sign off indicates, an old man (the first two bad marks). Further, I lead a manufacturing business, and have a reprehensible title. To make matters worse, I am a practicing, go to church, christian (a common sinner, to be sure, but a believer); and I have a currently politically unfavorable complexion.

How can one send a believing, protestant son to a catholic high school, and have him graduate as an atheist? How can a father encourage (and pay for) a good, scientific college degree and then have the boy campaign for Obama? I mean, I understand the touchy-feely liberal arts majors' ebullience for Obama, and the tears of the theatre majors. But physics, although not as factual as the old man's engineering major, still requires some rational thinking.

I hope, this blog is a good idea, and that contact with some real people out there will help redirect the boy's thinking, before his Phd physics studies and academia have him irretrievably drift off into "theorydom".

Debate Topic #1: Is This Blog a Good Idea?


My Old Man and I love to discuss "issues". Whether the issue is taxes, gay marriage or the meaning of life, whether we're at the kitchen table or in a restaurant, there's no activity we enjoy more than a good ol' fashioned mind brawl.

Out of respect for our family and friends; and everyone within earshot of our endless back-and-forths; and public order--we have decided to take our mental sparring sessions to the lawless, virtual international waters called "the internet". Welcome to our blog.

I've taken the liberty of choosing our first topic: Is this blog a good idea? Here's a chance to agree on the format and introduce ourselves.

First, some ground rules. Here is what I propose:
  1. We will take turns choosing debate topics.
  2. The person whose turn it is to choose a topic can write an opening statement at his leisure.
  3. The other person can post a rebuttal, at his leisure. The rebuttal should be no longer than the opening statement.
  4. You may choose a topic that is identical to, or a continuation of, a previous topic.
  5. We are allowed to agree.
So, if the Old Man agrees to those rules (and he is allowed to--see rule #5), let's get to it. The first opening statement:

The biggest difference between me and my Old Man is that he has a lot more experience, what with being an old man and all. He knows a lot more about history because he was there for most of it, as radiocarbon dating has confirmed. "Yes, but what my son lacks in experience he makes up for in confidence," he will no doubt reply.

Though neither of us likes to be pigeonholed, he's something of a conservative traditionalist, and I'm something of a progressive secularist. For example, in 2008 he voted for John McCain; I voted for Barack Obama. He attends church; I started a club for secular students.

In spite of our differences, there is much common ground. We share the last name Frey, for starters (hence the name of this blog). We also share a love of knowledge, reading and independent thinking. We respect facts and calm reasoning more than hysterical rhetoric--and we're both fond of catching each other stooping to the latter. We would both like to see less entertainment in the news media and more rigorous, honest, and civil discourse.

This blog was the Old Man's idea, and it was a good one. Finally, we can settle our intellectual differences out loud and in public, without the embarassment of having the police show up, arrest us for disturbing the peace, and emphatically remind us of our right to remain silent. Let this blog be our ultimate decision to waive that right.

I'd just like to end with two quotes:

"Every difference of opinion is not a difference of principle"
~Thomas Jefferson

"Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend."
~Proverbs 27:17

Okay Old Man, the ball is in your proverbial court. En garde!
-Freyguy