Wired Word 7/31/11 Norway Bomber

Extremism comes in many different forms. It is my opinion that ALL forms of extremism, from the Right or Left, political or religious, are in error. The basis for my opinion is that people do not usually have, and do not seek out, all the available facts regarding a subject, and generally do not make unbiased judgments of the all the facts that are available to us. Our life history always influences our judgments even as we attempt to factor it out. The news media of whatever era tends to overemphasize extremist acts to attract a paying audience. It seems that politicians also take exaggerated positions to attract the news media and voting audiences. I think people generally are not interested in balanced pr0- and con- presentations because these may cause people to stop and think about their preconceived positions on unresolved but important questions.

The history of Christianity contains acts of extremism comparable to those being discussed today in the media and in personal conversations. Consider: The Crusades, the Spanish Inquisition, the Salem Witch Hunts, and the Klu Klux Klan. These events occurred over long periods of time and there is little reason to think that religious conflicts of today will be resolved or defused in the near future.

It is unfortunate that one has great difficulty in gaining support for a leadership position by presenting a balanced view, or "wait and see" view. Such a person is typically called "wishy washy" who will not lead strongly in a specific direction. This is very well illustrated by the fiasco occurring in the Federal Government this past month relative to the politics of governing. Yet our politicians have learned some decorum; they do not hold duels or cane each other any more.

What goes around, comes around!! So what's new?

What is new is that we, as a society, need to recognize that the Instant Countrywide Audience that is available through electronic news systems such as 24 hour TV and radio news, mobile telephones with texting, Facebook, Twitter, and other electronic social systems provide great opportunities for those with unusually strong opinions. Additionally, though unintentional, these systems operate on "sound bites" that inherently preclude a balanced or even supporting argument being presented with the basic message.