The Dishonesty of Political Debate

Segment # 043

For years I have been fascinated with how and why people who have opinions different than logically arrive at their opinions. Predictably, as a bold generalization, the assumption was made that there actually was/is  a logical process. That is the basis of any productive communication between people of disparate opinions. Unfortunately, in this very polarized world civil exchange of ideas is a sham. We can blame the one sided media, the inflamed rhetoric from politicians, and peer pressure. But so what, complaining about this reality is like screaming at the Grand Canyon. It is pointless. So do you just give up and go to your respective corners? You don’t argue, you just ask questions.

Review

“Gowdy was tough when he was a federal prosecutor, and he drew on that experience when interrogating individuals who appeared before Congress, during his tenure as a South Carolina representative. He possesses an uncanny ability to ask the right questions to pull out the truth from those on Capitol Hill—no easy feat. Doesn’t Hurt to Ask demonstrates how to ask questions to move people and get the answers you need to make decisions and become a stronger communicator.”—Sean Hannity, nationally syndicated radio and TV host and bestselling author of Live Free or Die

“If I could have anyone in the world argue my case, it would be Trey Gowdy—the person I trust the most to make common sense. Whether it’s made on a football field or in a courtroom, a good argument is a good argument, no matter the authority. In Doesn’t Hurt to Ask, Gowdy is the authority.”—Lou Holtz, hall of fame coach and bestselling author of Wins, Losses, and Lessons

“Gowdy, one of our finest courtroom lawyers, has written a very fine book on the art of persuasion. In Doesn’t Hurt to Ask, you’ll learn a lot about the importance of listening to evidence, using words with precision, and, above all, asking good questions. You’ll also learn some things about being a better person. In the end, this is a book about finding a purpose bigger than yourself, and then moving others toward that purpose with you.”—William J. Bennett, bestselling author of The Book of Virtues

About the Author

Trey Gowdy is a former state and federal prosecutor who experienced the criminal justice system firsthand for nearly two decades. In 2010, he was elected to Congress, where he chaired the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform and the Select Committee on Benghazi. After serving four terms, he decided to leave politics and return to private law practice. Gowdy is the co-author of the New York Times bestseller Unified. He is married to Terri Dillard Gowdy, and they have two children and three dogs.

Be Prepared - Know Your Stuff

This is an interesting book written by a seemingly mild mannered southern Congressman who learned that often you gain more ground by asking questions than making declarative statements. With people now often getting their news on their cell phones in abbreviated bits most people that you engage will not, if you do your homework, be as prepared as you. Pretty difficult to run an obstacle course with a blind man. But that is precisely what you are doing when you argue with someone that really does not have an understanding of the facts. They will be illogical and defensive which is a total waste of your time. Don’t argue

The Double Standard

People ask what do you want and my simple answer is One Standard. It really answers most problems. And while that is true when I respond I get crickets back in response. No one ever answers that obvious  solution. They don’t respond because they have no response. It is a global non specific solution that an opponent will never touch. What could they possible say “ I am against equal treatment for all and believe we need a double standard to keep the rabble in check”. Or if they agree, will they oppose much of the unfair unbalanced treatment of the powerless in our society. As we contemplate the global, lets not miss the potential methodology offered by this approach by asking questions.

Facts

At a time when disinformation rules you often have to find indisputable facts either in their own words, in video or in documents. It’s there but unfortunately when you present facts that are clearly true, you get crickets.. silence.. no response. Facts have become irrelevant in discussion. I remember a recent exchange with the CEO of a billion dollar real estate company discussing January 6. When I pointed out that Jan 6 was one sided with no cross examination that amounted to a kangaroo court., he said what does it matter.. the facts are the facts. So forget the Bill of Rights facts are irrelevant and absolutely no thought is given to being on the receiving end of authoritarianism. So don’t argue. Ask questions so that just maybe it will dawn on those in the discussion that maybe there is a down side to blindly following or accepting facts without doing your own research. The entire purpose of www.yourtruthmaynotbemine.com was to provide research that readers could verify on their own. I truly believe that people must convince themselves for any lasting change they determine to be in their best interest to occur.

Pick a Topic

Since the DOJ has failed to pursue Sandy Berger, Eric Holder, Hillary Clinton, and Hunter Biden before they raided Trump’s home, I assume you have no problem in raiding  the Biden family after the Republicans take power.

Since the DOJ failed to pursue the BLM violence in the summer of 2020, I assume that January 6 has changed everything and now any threats of violence against government property will be vigorously pursed.

Since the Speaker of the House controlled minority membership on the January 6 committee, you have no problem in a Republican speaker doing the same thing.

Since Hunter Biden and Paul Pelosi have pretty much used the US Government transportation and connections to further their private business, you have no problem with future Republican families enjoying the same benefits

Since the Democrats like Lois Lerner in the IRS have successfully punished conservative without accountability tax payers you have no problem with Republicans persecuting Democrat tax payers

You Get the Point

In the coming months leading up to the Midterms there will be more whistle blowers coming to Republic Congressmen and Senators. There will be plenty of questions to ask and unfortunately plenty of pain for all.

Don’t Argue – it is pointless