Much is being said about the tone of the town halls and I think many in the media are interpreting the opposition in different ways. This is especially important since President Obama is about to hold a town hall to clear up some misconceptions about health care reform.
Let's look at a game that involves opposition: football.
I think people are confusing two things:
- A town hall where only one side gets heard because they yell and won't listen to answers or let anyone else speak. People who sincerely want to learn what is true and what is not leave not knowing anything new and are still confused. People who came with misunderstandings still misunderstand. Nothing positive has been accomplished here. This is the equivalent of a football game where one team gets to have the ball the entire game.
- A town hall where people are free to express opposition and ask questions, and then listen to the answers, whether they agree or not. In this case, both sides are heard, and there is respect for the person speaking, one at a time. In this football game, teams take turns with the ball, according to the rules set.
These are two totally different things, and yet many in the media are saying that liberals are accusing of opposition of being a bad thing. There are two kinds of opposition here.
Can you imagine a football game where one team was able to come into the stadium and ignore all rules and sportsmanship? Would anyone think that was fair? Can you imagine driving on streets where whichever car had the loudest horn had the right-of-way?
Our society is built upon rules and respect for others. We have a constitution, laws, and rules. They are there for a reason, because chaos is not productive for anyone. If the supporters shouted down everyone and took over the town halls, that would not be acceptable either, and I'm sure the opponents would be furious, as they should be.
I think the old-fashioned Golden Rule applies. If you want to be heard, being willing to hear. If you want to talk, let others talk. If you want to be respected, be respectful of others. It is actually very simple.