The New York Times runs a regular feature called, “The Conversation.” Columnists Gail Collins and Bret Stephens shoot the breeze in a stream-of-consciousness format. The Conversation is lengthy, too lengthy once you catch on to its content. You will find no new facts, a void in logic, and a great deal of snark. In fact, it’s a fest to see which can be snarkiest. Look no more for the source of division and contention. The root cause is the terms, phraseology, and vitriole in our discourse. We’re not thinking, analyzing, and grasping consequences. We just keep harping on the same topics without the merciful realization that we already said that. Herewith a few classic quotes from our hero and heroine, Bret Stephens and Gail Collins:
Bret: Oh, and speaking of dealing with gangsters– your thoughts on the current crop of legal cases against the former guy?
Gail: I’ve never thought — and still don’t– that a former president is going to go to jail, even for stealing federal documents or rousing violent crowds to march on the Capitol.
Bret: Agree. Alas.
Gail: But I’ve always had a yearning that he might wind up bankrupt and, say, living in a Motel 6. Knew that was impossible — told myself to remember all the money he can make just on speaking tours or hosting parties at Mar-a-Logo.
Move over Archimedes! There’s reasoning at its best. Aristotle must defer because his definition of virtue has been shut down, Where did they cross the line? Maybe in wishing for federal indictment and offering bankruptcy as an alternative, a final resting spot that could achieve contentment.
Wishing prison and bankruptcy on anyone reveals a void in religious thought. Perhaps we could reach out to “love our enemies.”