I mourn the loss of the elegant dissenter in every aspect of our modern lives. On many blogs, it appears impossible for commenters to state a cogent and reverential opposing view on what was originally written. The angry comments are filled with rage, snark, name-calling and unbridled hatred.
Our behavior contradicts our best intentions. We say one thing, but mean another. We tell our children not to drink while we not only drink, but drive. We live the Holy Realm on the weekend while we live in the purposeful, yet uncanny, ethical grime of our daily debacle the rest of the week. Recently, I argued that all children must be kept at home until at least the age of 27:
We recently discussed the old, awful chestnut — “With All Due Respect…” — and how that phrase is an indicator of an insult or a criticism to come. What is the best way to approach someone with criticism? Do you need to set them up first with a padded phrase? Is it best to just start a critical sentence without an introductory warning?
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