About Hypersyllogistic
In far too many places, discussion consists of partisan hacks yelling talking points and harsh insults at each other. CNN's Crossfire enshrined the format, and even though that insipid program no longer pollutes the airwaves, its poison still affects discourse everywhere. Most highly-rated programs on the cable news channels are shout shows: The O'Reilly Factor, Hannity & Colmes, Hardball, etc. Even news segments outside the "shout show" domain embrace the adversarial setup, with opposing pundits interrupting each other nastily.
Of course, Crossfire and its progeny aren't the sole authors of today's noxious arguments. Rush Limbaugh, Michael Savage, Neal Boortz, Michael Moore, Ann Coulter, and their ilk in radio, television, and film have given credibility to smearing people with whom one disagrees. I concur with some of these pundits, especially Boortz, on a few issues, but their rapacious diatribes contribute to the overall rudeness of modern debates.
This malicious bickering and pontificating has seeped into general politics. Party operatives and loyalists scream perjoratives to and about their political foes, giving no thought to working with them for the common good. Forget bipartisan compromise and mutual understanding. Only the agenda for one's own side matters, and anyone who doesn't adhere to it is a heretic who deserves contempt. (That reminds me of the behavior of most religious sects.)
Alexander Hamilton railed against such behavior in the first installment of The Federalist:
I am well aware that it would be disingenuous to resolve indiscriminately the opposition of any set of men (merely because their situations might subject them to suspicion) into interested or ambitious views. Candor will oblige us to admit that even such men may be actuated by upright intentions; and it cannot be doubted that much of the opposition which has made its appearance, or may hereafter make its appearance, will spring from sources, blameless at least, if not respectable--the honest errors of minds led astray by preconceived jealousies and fears. So numerous indeed and so powerful are the causes which serve to give a false bias to the judgment, that we, upon many occasions, see wise and good men on the wrong as well as on the right side of questions of the first magnitude to society. This circumstance, if duly attended to, would furnish a lesson of moderation to those who are ever so much persuaded of their being in the right in any controversy. And a further reason for caution, in this respect, might be drawn from the reflection that we are not always sure that those who advocate the truth are influenced by purer principles than their antagonists. Ambition, avarice, personal animosity, party opposition, and many other motives not more laudable than these, are apt to operate as well upon those who support as those who oppose the right side of a question. Were there not even these inducements to moderation, nothing could be more ill-judged than that intolerant spirit which has, at all times, characterized political parties. For in politics, as in religion, it is equally absurd to aim at making proselytes by fire and sword. Heresies in either can rarely be cured by persecution.
In the enlightened principle of moderation, Hypersyllogistic eschews irrational rancor and partisan backbiting. In my screeds, on the index and in the archives, I forge ahead on an independent and respectful path that doesn't conform to any side's dogma. Some of my positions are from the right, others from the left, and yet others defy easy categorization. I'm on a mission to prove myrmidonic bile need not permeate modern discourse.
In addition, this is a personal site, so expect me to address issues other than politics sometimes. Also, Hypersyllogistic features writings and pictures from me that I want to share.
Visit the Hypersyllogistic Forums for insult- and flame-free discussion in an 18th century coffeehouse atmosphere. Come on in and rhapsodize or philosophize about whatever you wish! Any subject, from politics to entertainment to computers to life, is welcome. Just keep in mind the mission: reviving artful and respectful discussion.
