The trash talking in American politics is so over the top that it’s not worth listening to.  The goal is not truth but how outrageous one can be.  Trouble is so many people take it seriously and so get riled by it — a big reason why there is so much conflict in America today, why so many are so angry.  And of course the media is fundamentally at fault here — yellow journalism run amuk.  Back in the 80’s and 90’s in New York City, it was the New York Post that had the outrageous headline and stories, that either bordered on the preposterous and went way over the edge.  Now it’s every newspaper and “news” media.

In my opinion, one should always keep in mind, when reading or hearing a political opinion, what that individual’s agenda is.  Their statements tell you more about the authors than who or what they are addressing.  Witness the ridiculous statements made by so many liberal celebrities — doesn’t tell you anything about the subjects they are addressing but tells you boatloads about them.  I can’t tell you how many such celebrities I consider to be silly individuals now that I’ve heard their political opinions, which were baseless and foolish but predictably extreme.

Portland