Sunday, January 18, 2009
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Seeking balance
Sam Donaldson spoke to us on Friday. What a lively man! He shared his history of media coverage and the many presidents he was able to interview and the many events that took place throughout his career. I appreciated so much that he took a more balanced view of everything. He commented many times about presidents who were looked down on and how he saw them in a positive light. He did not make excuses for them, he simply told us about the successes of these men as well as their mistakes. He acknowledged the failures or weaknesses without degrading them. It validated my longing for the media of times gone by. Mr. Donaldson spoke about being objective, provocative in the sense of getting to the real point of a story or asking the hard questions, and being able to keep a professional head in the heat of the moment.
There has been a lot of discussion this week about the entertainment focus that has become the norm in the media. I have been listening to the young people at this conference talking about, agreeing with, and seeking for validation to their points of view. The speakers and leaders of the conference have been greatly encouraging a more balanced exposure to all points of view and of listening with an open mind. This is the first time I have heard "open mind" being used to encourage openness to a crowd that appeared to be much more liberal than conservative.
I have said already that the conservative voice seems to be very quiet. Yesterday I received confirmation of this statement. I had a conversation with another attendee from Kentucky and two from Canada. They shared their perspective of the same observation without my speaking of it first. They told me that their small group consisted mostly of Republicans, and that they had noticed an unusual quietness in this group when they were in the large group sessions. As we talked, we came to the conclusion that Conservative voices were holding back due to the overwhelming voice from the Liberal students.
As I think more about this, I am beginning to realize that it is time for a boldness to emerge that matches the number of voices that are now choosing to remain quiet out of fear of being seen as intolerant or narrow minded. Speaking out in an environment that is loudly stating views that are different than your own is risky. But taking risks in those moments is the very thing that we need to be doing. Not to be combative, but to help invite other voices sharing similar views to enter into the conversation to bring balance and to find common ground so that stark political lines can begin to be dulled. This sounds like compromise and it is, but it is compromise to achieve a greater good, not to shrink back from your values or beliefs, but rather to find ways to reach the goals each of us have in mind: achieving good government and helping to create a better and safer world for everyone.
~Angie
There has been a lot of discussion this week about the entertainment focus that has become the norm in the media. I have been listening to the young people at this conference talking about, agreeing with, and seeking for validation to their points of view. The speakers and leaders of the conference have been greatly encouraging a more balanced exposure to all points of view and of listening with an open mind. This is the first time I have heard "open mind" being used to encourage openness to a crowd that appeared to be much more liberal than conservative.
I have said already that the conservative voice seems to be very quiet. Yesterday I received confirmation of this statement. I had a conversation with another attendee from Kentucky and two from Canada. They shared their perspective of the same observation without my speaking of it first. They told me that their small group consisted mostly of Republicans, and that they had noticed an unusual quietness in this group when they were in the large group sessions. As we talked, we came to the conclusion that Conservative voices were holding back due to the overwhelming voice from the Liberal students.
As I think more about this, I am beginning to realize that it is time for a boldness to emerge that matches the number of voices that are now choosing to remain quiet out of fear of being seen as intolerant or narrow minded. Speaking out in an environment that is loudly stating views that are different than your own is risky. But taking risks in those moments is the very thing that we need to be doing. Not to be combative, but to help invite other voices sharing similar views to enter into the conversation to bring balance and to find common ground so that stark political lines can begin to be dulled. This sounds like compromise and it is, but it is compromise to achieve a greater good, not to shrink back from your values or beliefs, but rather to find ways to reach the goals each of us have in mind: achieving good government and helping to create a better and safer world for everyone.
~Angie
Friday, January 16, 2009
Hope and pondering
One of the guest speakers at the conference Thursday was the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Hussain Haqqani. He spoke to us about his country and about the War on Terror. He shared with us his perspective on how to fight against terrorists. Pakistan is rich in cotton. He believes that one of the best ways we can begin to move toward winning the war on terror is to increase the need for cotton by demand for exporting to countries like the U.S. In doing this, jobs will be created that will draw those who might otherwise be pulled into terrorist recruitment.
He also spoke about the need for Americans to begin to think more globally; to think beyond their own borders. The reality of America providing military or economic help for Pakistan and other countries is not unappealing to them; however, he feels that rather than America marching in and taking the lead for these countries, they should first become more aware of the culture, desires, and dreams of the people in the country they are helping.
One of the students asked him how he felt about the civilian casualties that are taking place because of American troops. I believe his response was quite different than most in the conference expected. He told us that Pakistanis believe that American troops are doing the best that they can to avoid as many civilian casualties as possible, and that while those casualties are tragic, the reality of the terrorist threat is great. The American military is welcomed and supported by Pakistan.
Hearing directly from leaders of other countries has been one of the most dynamic parts of this experience for me. I feel that amazing insight has been brought to the table to consider and grow from. My understanding of diplomacy has been broadened and I have a new interest in learning even more about Pakistan and other countries in the Middle East.
Being at this conference is an incredible gift. Dreaming of what comes next on this journey is invigorating!!
Looking forward,
Angie
He also spoke about the need for Americans to begin to think more globally; to think beyond their own borders. The reality of America providing military or economic help for Pakistan and other countries is not unappealing to them; however, he feels that rather than America marching in and taking the lead for these countries, they should first become more aware of the culture, desires, and dreams of the people in the country they are helping.
One of the students asked him how he felt about the civilian casualties that are taking place because of American troops. I believe his response was quite different than most in the conference expected. He told us that Pakistanis believe that American troops are doing the best that they can to avoid as many civilian casualties as possible, and that while those casualties are tragic, the reality of the terrorist threat is great. The American military is welcomed and supported by Pakistan.
Hearing directly from leaders of other countries has been one of the most dynamic parts of this experience for me. I feel that amazing insight has been brought to the table to consider and grow from. My understanding of diplomacy has been broadened and I have a new interest in learning even more about Pakistan and other countries in the Middle East.
Being at this conference is an incredible gift. Dreaming of what comes next on this journey is invigorating!!
Looking forward,
Angie
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