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The question is why are there people on both sides of any issue who are incapable of seeing the other's point of view.

I have always thought there was merit in the philosophy of school debates. You should be able to argue either side equally well. If you can't present your opponent's point of view, you can't argue rationally against it.

I couldn't agree more.

My husband and I were stuck listening to Randi Rhodes on Air America one day on a trip. We were stunned. It was very clear that the reason the network is tanking is that they have no grasp of what and who conservatives really are and therefore did not have the tools to do a meaningful show.

If you entire understanding of an alternative philosophy is based on a caricature, you become a caricature yourself and completely unconvincing. We decided that a good solid entrepreneurial conservative could do the show and actually make it work...because there are a lot of really solid conservatives who deeply understand the left's philosophy.

I often have the opportunity to debate liberals. I learned a few years ago, however, that the first thing I ask them is why they are liberal and what they believe. If they do not have a coherent answer...I don't even bother.

Why debate someone who is liberal because "they don't want to be one of those mean old baby killing money grabbing conservatives." That is pointless to debate because the whole thing becomes impossibly vapid within two minutes.

The good news is...I'm amazed at how many people discover themselves to be conservative once they go study the issues. There's nothing like having your opponents go out and convert themselves trying to convince you the left is right. ; )