I heard the polarization term referenced on a CBC interview as proof of something wrong with our democracy in Canada. The CBC was trying to address some of the concerns the Trucker protest was raising about mandates, and the corresponding agreement in a sizable section of the population. As per normal the CBC interviewed one side of the debate, and the vaccine researcher said that there was only one correct viewpoint, and that polarization was the problem.
But the researcher was partly correct, back in the Cold War era, Canada was not nearly so polarized on most issues, there was a common cause and a solidarity for living in one of the Free countries. A person could choose how to live, what job to do, what religion (or science) to believe in. Science is about studying, analyzing data, it is not about following orders. Back in the Cold War era, following political rules was a no no. People in government were afraid to appear totalitarian, now of course it is Woke culture. There is much science against the validity of the mandates, by some highly credentialed scientists and medical doctors, none of whom work for the federal government as it turns out.
If we can no longer choose what religion and culture to follow any more, does a certain segment of Canada still have a country any more?
I am interested to know what CBC interview you are referring to, as I never experienced the CBC “trying to address some of the concerns the Trucker protest was raising about mandates.” But maybe I missed something. It’s probably online if you wouldn’t mind directing me to it. As far as I know, the only concern the truckers had (and still have) is that they are being forced to take an injection into their bodies that they don’t want or else lose their jobs!
Nevertheless, your points in the post are well-taken, and thanks for that. To me, though, the issue isn’t about the freedom to choose what religion and culture to follow that has alienated me from my country. Rather, it is the denial of my bodily autonomy that has caused me to feel estranged from this country and society. How can one live in a system that seeks to control people’s decisions around their own bodies? It is unthinkable to me. A completely unethical, unconstitutional, and“unacceptable view” that has been relentlessly shoved down our throats.
The interview of an MD / vaccine researcher was on a drive home show, about a week into the protest. The protest was awakening many people about the mandates, Saskatchewan, Alberta and Quebec were signaling they were dropping some or all of them. So, the piece which I only caught the last half of, was done to re-assure the pro vaccine crowd that they'd done the right thing. Also the researcher tried to up the ante by saying that the whole idea of polarization as a political concept must be eliminated, which of course is Orwellian.
Science since the days of climatism, has veered into religion territory, hence 'follow the science' being a new phrase. Western society, it's culture and underpinnings is being deleted, in favour of the Woke form of control. It's all about control, fear and anti- science, anti-truth. They are trying to move beyond human rights that once were to trans human identities, because the end goal is a half human half computerized population.
Thanks for your response. Sounds like a CBC zinger! Well, I won’t bother to hunt it down as it wouldn’t do my mental and emotional well-being any good. I share
many of your observations, although that’s a pretty dystopian future you envision. The key here, though, is that although that may be “their” aim, “they” will ultimately not succeed because the human spirit is strong, resilient, and freedom loving, which is our birthright. Mind you, when I witness how easily and predictably the masses seem to be swayed these days, like Pavlov’s dogs reacting to the social/political/medical messaging exactly as intended, it fills me with angst.
Canadians 18-34 are also prime age for serious soldiering. And now they're incapacitated you say. Quelle la chance🤔 Tara touched on this in her interview when she asked the American about the trauma Trump caused in her immigrant family.
Good discussion. I've taken this type of thinking into most situations but particularly how people have responded to the pandemic. I never assume malevolence in why people are doing the things they're doing. It's too easy to look at others through such a simplistic lens.
My favourite comment from Mónica is "conversation is a super power" and the fact that our assumptions get in the way of relevant conversation. Knowledge is power and when we do not have enough knowledge then our assumptions are misusing our super power. This is so evident with the conversations in the media where people feel they know enough to have a conversation about various subjects. How can we discuss things where the opposing views are not even raised to relevant? One needs to search deeply into history or have direct experience to understand and take part in conversation. Over the past two years I have listened to Bret Weinstein and Heather Heying have respectful conversation on their podcast DarkHorse. When they have a different side to the conversation they preface with the statement 'let me push back on that'. Their conversations have been an interesting slice of sanity in what seems like an insane world. Thank you Tara for your on going leaning out.
Well-said, KT, and right on my wavelength today as I am about to crack open a book entitled, “The Lost Art of Good Conversation: A Mindful Way to Connect with Others.” The title feels eons away where we are today, however, as friends and families are torn apart by the inability and unwillingness to engage in any conversation that ventures into the issue of vaccination, which has become an ideology to defend and impose on others rather than a choice. It’s extremely disheartening to only be able to have superficial conversations now with my friends.
I, too, have so much respect for Heather and Brett.
I first heard their story when Heather was a guest on the Braver Angel Podcast and shared the harrowing story of their experience as Evergreen University Professors.
An unbelievable story of yet more liberals being eaten by their own. 😕
This right here is the problem, "our own confirmation bias. " I don't have such a thing, it is a made up problem with liberals who are feeling guilt. I am who I am and have no one to apologize for my existence and the wonderful parents who brought me into this world.
"As I got deeper into my reading of Mill, I also began to learn more about the Jewish tradition of Talmudic study in pairs, called “hevruta.” Jews long ago put into practice the idea that we need a partner to question us, criticize us, and help us overcome our own confirmation bias. "
That is a wonderful practice you mention, and I hope you have someone you can do that with. It seems like a rare gift these days. Most people just want their views confirmed by another or others rather than honestly confronting their own biases and stuck places.
When I found the Braver Angels Organization in February 2021 (and became an enthusiastic and proud Member), Mónica Guzmán and Alexandra Hudson were the first Speakers that I signed up to hear for a Braver Angels Event (my first BA Event was a RED/BLUE WORKSHOP which trains both sides the method for speaking across the aisle with Civility and Curiosity).
Devastated over the unbelievable and, at times, vitriolic divide I was watching play out on my television screen on a daily basis, coupled by the loss of a 50 year friendship (which was TOTALLY CONFUSING to me) due to my vote for President, I was so thankful to find an Organization working to heal these divides.
As I heard Monica speak about her love for her Mom and Dad, despite their political differences, my heart found comfort and hope in her sincere story and that she was a human being who knew what it meant to love people with whom she had a difference of opinion. She spoke, with a true depth of understanding, on how humans can often be attached to their own beliefs to the detriment of exploring (not necessarily embracing) others perspectives.
I felt that I had met a kindred spirit, despite our differing political leanings. I felt that Mónica Guzmán was someone I could trust to think more deeply and critically, allowing my personal understanding to be a part of a larger whole that makes me who I am. As the old saying goes, "You can't always judge a book by it's cover" (or political leanings).
My siblings and I were raised by an Italian Mama who taught us that each human being is of IMMEASURABLE VALUE. Created by God, Who gives life, imbued with individual gifts, potential and purpose specific to each person and relative to our personal time on this earth, RESPECT for that fact alone required that we remember that we are ALL God's children. Regardless of color of skin, place of birth, religion, education, the home we live in, the car we drive, the clothes we wear, our station in life, etc., etc., God loves each person and has created them with purpose far beyond our personal understanding. Respecting God means understanding that our understanding is limited and far below His own, and being humbled by that fact.
The thought that anyone would choose to measure others solely by their political differences was such a foreign and confusing idea; shallow and narrow minded, not to mention bordering on arrogant.
I am so thankful for Monica, her association with Braver Angels and her talent for meeting people right where they are. Congratulations on the publication of this work, Monica, which, I have no doubt, will help to change hearts and perspectives on how to view others who may not share our own.
Wishing you great Success and a sense of Meaningful Accomplishment!
Outstanding interview! I appreciate the work both of you are doing to address polarization and enhance mutual understanding. I thought the article below by Jonathan Haidt (who happens to be on the advisory board of Braver Angels - www.braverangels.org) and the rabbi's sermon embedded in the article capture well the potential power of conversations. Specifically, the rabbi's discussion of the meaning of the saying about "two Jews" and "three opinions" is revelatory.
Thank you so much for this, Frederick! I listened to the rabbi’s whole sermon with tears welling up at its poignancy and inspiration. It is nourishment to the soul to listen to her speak on the topic of allowing for dissent in our conversations. She states, “If you start to debate, you may discover something that transcends the binary, you may discover a third opinion that will inevitably be wiser than the other two.” Oh, how I wish I had a “hevruta” in these times, someone who is willing and able to go behind the binary positions and engage in respectful, curious, and constructive conversation. After listening to her, I realize that I am literally aching for this, as what I am surrounded by is so completely devoid of this aspiration, preferring instead to “pull up the ladder” in clinging to their isolating, divisive, and alienating opinions and shutting out all others. I am so grateful for this message tonight. I really needed it as I was beginning to despair. 💜🙏
Patryce, Thank you so much for your wonderful message and for sharing what you did. You’ve already made my day! While I can’t promise a “hevruta,” I can tell you that Braver Angels is a great place to find the kinds of conversations for which you’re looking. I’m a Braver Angels ambassador, so, if you have any questions you’d like to ask offline, please feel to reach out to me at rhotchner@braverangels.org. Take care and all the best! 🙏
You think they squawk about having gas go from three to four dollars a gallon?” says Riensche. “Wait until the grocery bill is $1,000 a month.”
Russia is a major low-cost exporter of many kinds of crop nutrients. “No other nation has the same breadth of readily exportable fertilizer supply,” says Alexis Maxwell, an analyst with Bloomberg’s fertilizer analysis and news publication Green Markets.
Quite a few years ago I used to purchase their almond milk until I read their position on a list of companies that do not treat their employees very well.
Before the Magic Bug, I'd have agreed with you. I'm not so sure now. To think that famine can be solved with dialogue is delusion beyond remedy. That's why Tara's susbstack is incredible.
I heard the polarization term referenced on a CBC interview as proof of something wrong with our democracy in Canada. The CBC was trying to address some of the concerns the Trucker protest was raising about mandates, and the corresponding agreement in a sizable section of the population. As per normal the CBC interviewed one side of the debate, and the vaccine researcher said that there was only one correct viewpoint, and that polarization was the problem.
But the researcher was partly correct, back in the Cold War era, Canada was not nearly so polarized on most issues, there was a common cause and a solidarity for living in one of the Free countries. A person could choose how to live, what job to do, what religion (or science) to believe in. Science is about studying, analyzing data, it is not about following orders. Back in the Cold War era, following political rules was a no no. People in government were afraid to appear totalitarian, now of course it is Woke culture. There is much science against the validity of the mandates, by some highly credentialed scientists and medical doctors, none of whom work for the federal government as it turns out.
If we can no longer choose what religion and culture to follow any more, does a certain segment of Canada still have a country any more?
I am interested to know what CBC interview you are referring to, as I never experienced the CBC “trying to address some of the concerns the Trucker protest was raising about mandates.” But maybe I missed something. It’s probably online if you wouldn’t mind directing me to it. As far as I know, the only concern the truckers had (and still have) is that they are being forced to take an injection into their bodies that they don’t want or else lose their jobs!
Nevertheless, your points in the post are well-taken, and thanks for that. To me, though, the issue isn’t about the freedom to choose what religion and culture to follow that has alienated me from my country. Rather, it is the denial of my bodily autonomy that has caused me to feel estranged from this country and society. How can one live in a system that seeks to control people’s decisions around their own bodies? It is unthinkable to me. A completely unethical, unconstitutional, and“unacceptable view” that has been relentlessly shoved down our throats.
The interview of an MD / vaccine researcher was on a drive home show, about a week into the protest. The protest was awakening many people about the mandates, Saskatchewan, Alberta and Quebec were signaling they were dropping some or all of them. So, the piece which I only caught the last half of, was done to re-assure the pro vaccine crowd that they'd done the right thing. Also the researcher tried to up the ante by saying that the whole idea of polarization as a political concept must be eliminated, which of course is Orwellian.
Science since the days of climatism, has veered into religion territory, hence 'follow the science' being a new phrase. Western society, it's culture and underpinnings is being deleted, in favour of the Woke form of control. It's all about control, fear and anti- science, anti-truth. They are trying to move beyond human rights that once were to trans human identities, because the end goal is a half human half computerized population.
Thanks for your response. Sounds like a CBC zinger! Well, I won’t bother to hunt it down as it wouldn’t do my mental and emotional well-being any good. I share
many of your observations, although that’s a pretty dystopian future you envision. The key here, though, is that although that may be “their” aim, “they” will ultimately not succeed because the human spirit is strong, resilient, and freedom loving, which is our birthright. Mind you, when I witness how easily and predictably the masses seem to be swayed these days, like Pavlov’s dogs reacting to the social/political/medical messaging exactly as intended, it fills me with angst.
Quick. Look over there: Polarization!!!
https://i0.wp.com/dailyexpose.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/image-26.png?resize=768%2C614&ssl=1
Canadians 18-34 are also prime age for serious soldiering. And now they're incapacitated you say. Quelle la chance🤔 Tara touched on this in her interview when she asked the American about the trauma Trump caused in her immigrant family.
Quick. Look over there: Polarization!!!
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-60598234
Yes they dehumanize the masses for sure.
Good discussion. I've taken this type of thinking into most situations but particularly how people have responded to the pandemic. I never assume malevolence in why people are doing the things they're doing. It's too easy to look at others through such a simplistic lens.
Andrew, if more people had your outlook and approach, we wouldn’t be in this predicament. 🙏⭐️
I would like to think so.
My favourite comment from Mónica is "conversation is a super power" and the fact that our assumptions get in the way of relevant conversation. Knowledge is power and when we do not have enough knowledge then our assumptions are misusing our super power. This is so evident with the conversations in the media where people feel they know enough to have a conversation about various subjects. How can we discuss things where the opposing views are not even raised to relevant? One needs to search deeply into history or have direct experience to understand and take part in conversation. Over the past two years I have listened to Bret Weinstein and Heather Heying have respectful conversation on their podcast DarkHorse. When they have a different side to the conversation they preface with the statement 'let me push back on that'. Their conversations have been an interesting slice of sanity in what seems like an insane world. Thank you Tara for your on going leaning out.
Well-said, KT, and right on my wavelength today as I am about to crack open a book entitled, “The Lost Art of Good Conversation: A Mindful Way to Connect with Others.” The title feels eons away where we are today, however, as friends and families are torn apart by the inability and unwillingness to engage in any conversation that ventures into the issue of vaccination, which has become an ideology to defend and impose on others rather than a choice. It’s extremely disheartening to only be able to have superficial conversations now with my friends.
KT,
I, too, have so much respect for Heather and Brett.
I first heard their story when Heather was a guest on the Braver Angel Podcast and shared the harrowing story of their experience as Evergreen University Professors.
An unbelievable story of yet more liberals being eaten by their own. 😕
This right here is the problem, "our own confirmation bias. " I don't have such a thing, it is a made up problem with liberals who are feeling guilt. I am who I am and have no one to apologize for my existence and the wonderful parents who brought me into this world.
"As I got deeper into my reading of Mill, I also began to learn more about the Jewish tradition of Talmudic study in pairs, called “hevruta.” Jews long ago put into practice the idea that we need a partner to question us, criticize us, and help us overcome our own confirmation bias. "
That is a wonderful practice you mention, and I hope you have someone you can do that with. It seems like a rare gift these days. Most people just want their views confirmed by another or others rather than honestly confronting their own biases and stuck places.
What an interesting idea!
When I found the Braver Angels Organization in February 2021 (and became an enthusiastic and proud Member), Mónica Guzmán and Alexandra Hudson were the first Speakers that I signed up to hear for a Braver Angels Event (my first BA Event was a RED/BLUE WORKSHOP which trains both sides the method for speaking across the aisle with Civility and Curiosity).
Devastated over the unbelievable and, at times, vitriolic divide I was watching play out on my television screen on a daily basis, coupled by the loss of a 50 year friendship (which was TOTALLY CONFUSING to me) due to my vote for President, I was so thankful to find an Organization working to heal these divides.
As I heard Monica speak about her love for her Mom and Dad, despite their political differences, my heart found comfort and hope in her sincere story and that she was a human being who knew what it meant to love people with whom she had a difference of opinion. She spoke, with a true depth of understanding, on how humans can often be attached to their own beliefs to the detriment of exploring (not necessarily embracing) others perspectives.
I felt that I had met a kindred spirit, despite our differing political leanings. I felt that Mónica Guzmán was someone I could trust to think more deeply and critically, allowing my personal understanding to be a part of a larger whole that makes me who I am. As the old saying goes, "You can't always judge a book by it's cover" (or political leanings).
My siblings and I were raised by an Italian Mama who taught us that each human being is of IMMEASURABLE VALUE. Created by God, Who gives life, imbued with individual gifts, potential and purpose specific to each person and relative to our personal time on this earth, RESPECT for that fact alone required that we remember that we are ALL God's children. Regardless of color of skin, place of birth, religion, education, the home we live in, the car we drive, the clothes we wear, our station in life, etc., etc., God loves each person and has created them with purpose far beyond our personal understanding. Respecting God means understanding that our understanding is limited and far below His own, and being humbled by that fact.
The thought that anyone would choose to measure others solely by their political differences was such a foreign and confusing idea; shallow and narrow minded, not to mention bordering on arrogant.
I am so thankful for Monica, her association with Braver Angels and her talent for meeting people right where they are. Congratulations on the publication of this work, Monica, which, I have no doubt, will help to change hearts and perspectives on how to view others who may not share our own.
Wishing you great Success and a sense of Meaningful Accomplishment!
Outstanding interview! I appreciate the work both of you are doing to address polarization and enhance mutual understanding. I thought the article below by Jonathan Haidt (who happens to be on the advisory board of Braver Angels - www.braverangels.org) and the rabbi's sermon embedded in the article capture well the potential power of conversations. Specifically, the rabbi's discussion of the meaning of the saying about "two Jews" and "three opinions" is revelatory.
https://heterodoxacademy.org/blog/jewish-wisdom-about-viewpoint-diversity/?eType=EmailBlastContent&eId=45ca2021-7769-4600-aa83-50f57f925eb8
Thank you so much for this, Frederick! I listened to the rabbi’s whole sermon with tears welling up at its poignancy and inspiration. It is nourishment to the soul to listen to her speak on the topic of allowing for dissent in our conversations. She states, “If you start to debate, you may discover something that transcends the binary, you may discover a third opinion that will inevitably be wiser than the other two.” Oh, how I wish I had a “hevruta” in these times, someone who is willing and able to go behind the binary positions and engage in respectful, curious, and constructive conversation. After listening to her, I realize that I am literally aching for this, as what I am surrounded by is so completely devoid of this aspiration, preferring instead to “pull up the ladder” in clinging to their isolating, divisive, and alienating opinions and shutting out all others. I am so grateful for this message tonight. I really needed it as I was beginning to despair. 💜🙏
Patryce, Thank you so much for your wonderful message and for sharing what you did. You’ve already made my day! While I can’t promise a “hevruta,” I can tell you that Braver Angels is a great place to find the kinds of conversations for which you’re looking. I’m a Braver Angels ambassador, so, if you have any questions you’d like to ask offline, please feel to reach out to me at rhotchner@braverangels.org. Take care and all the best! 🙏
You think they squawk about having gas go from three to four dollars a gallon?” says Riensche. “Wait until the grocery bill is $1,000 a month.”
Russia is a major low-cost exporter of many kinds of crop nutrients. “No other nation has the same breadth of readily exportable fertilizer supply,” says Alexis Maxwell, an analyst with Bloomberg’s fertilizer analysis and news publication Green Markets.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-03-02/russia-s-war-in-ukraine-disrupts-global-fertilizer-trade-increasing-food-costs
My book "Starvation Will Be Polarizing So Get Boosted." will be available later this year. 😉
Quite a few years ago I used to purchase their almond milk until I read their position on a list of companies that do not treat their employees very well.
any chance of written transcript please ? Ta
Will the dialogue app on my phone update if there's no fertilizer exported to the West for six months and gas is $4/litre?
Before the Magic Bug, I'd have agreed with you. I'm not so sure now. To think that famine can be solved with dialogue is delusion beyond remedy. That's why Tara's susbstack is incredible.
Please relieve my ignorance. What is "The Magic Bug?" (It's quite a job keeping up with all the new words and definitions that are being spawned❗️)
SARS-Cov-2
Why is it "magic"?
Thank you, Abner!
Turns out Russia and Ukraine are sort of important if you like eating food.
https://edwardslavsquat.substack.com/p/up-next-global-food-crisis?s=r
https://www.indexmundi.com/commodities/?commodity=food-and-beverage-price-index&months=360