In the past, public speakers were those in power. Those with money, with successful business, and 'people', whether they knew they had them or not remains to be seen. The town mayor spoke, the representative of the community. These were the people who had the power to broadcast their opinions and the so called opinions of the people.
Nowadays things have changed, and we who recognize the change are left to wonder - is this a good thing, or a bad thing?
Blogging. Chatrooms. Webzines. The internet has opened up an entirely new place for anyone to speak and be heard, provided they have access to a computer. Now, if you have an opinion, you can share it and get the chance to let someone else read it, and maybe, if you are lucky, get a bit of feedback. If you aren't, you feel the freedom knowing you got your own opinions off your chest.
Just for a disclaimer - I certainly support blogging. I'm a blogger. But I'm going to play the devils advocate, for debate's sake.
What about those ignorant people who have no knowledge of the issue that they are discussing? As in, none at all? They are ranting and ranting about Hillary Clinton and health care with absolutely no facts, and no understanding of the real issue at hand! Or insist they are against the war against terror, when they couldn't name the day, or real backed-up reason we began it! I'm not excluding myself from this group of people. I'm sure that everyone, at some point, has felt very strongly for the principle of the issue - ignoring completely the facts and other sides of the issues - and gone on a rampage. I certainly hope there is someone there also....who stabs them with a fork in the hand and says, "Dude. Get your facts straight. Or lack thereof."
I think ProgressiveU is a fantastic idea. A great place to share thoughts, debate, learn, acknowledge, and pursue a degree of thought that eludes the majority of people all over the country.
But people, please. If you find yourself posting a blog like the one mentioned above more than once every few weeks or so - take a step back and realize that you don't KNOW ALL THE FACTS. Until you do, wait to share your opinion. Not only do you avoid pissing people off, you will feel better being able to back up your argument, and PROVING that you are right (at least in your own mind).
Always
Jay
