We Can Talk About It Now

We could try to reason, but you might think it treason. The Band, We Can Talk About It Now, from the album Music From Big Pink
The above is one of my favorite songs from one of my favorite albums, by one of my favorite bands. It comes to mind because, for a brief while, I have the Senate hearings on the Supreme Court nominee's confirmation on the TV. Not for long, I can assure you. Seemongly, we can no longer talk about it and many do think that all attempts to reason are treason.
I am not commenting on the Nominee. He seems to be a cookie cutter model of all the rest of the Nominees. Probably a nice gut, bright enough but not brilliant and definitely not a creative thinker. In short, competent, but dull. I really do not care if he is confirmed or not.
My problem is with the state of dialogue in this Nation. So far, all I have heard in this hearing is a lot of statements. Each side is making statements, but they are talking at each other. There is no give and tale, no reasoning.
Since the writings of Plato and his recreation of Socrates' dialogues, verbal give and take gas been the basis of reasoning in Western Civilization. That seems to be gone now.  A society cannot function without such conversation without becoming a dictatorship. We are a democratic republic and cannot survive as such without talking to each other and engage in give and take, reasoning together.
So far, no and this seems to have become the norm. There are some others voicing opinions, but they are in the gallery screaming incoherently..
To some, this hearing is important and they are getting a sham hearing, and that is all there will be until we learn to talk about things and to reason again. I do not think that day is soon to come.
But, it is a good day, mild and pleasant and I feel pretty well. My advice is to ignore the whole mass of lunacy and  have some fun. Blessings to all of you.

Talk to Each Other

There is a disturbing trend in this Country. People no longer talk to each other. Oh sure, we say hello, mostly, and how are you and maybe comment on the weather. In stores, if you are very lucky, someone may ask if they can help you. They generally seem relieved if you say no.
I am talking about actual conversation, give and take on actual subjects. Not necessarily heavy debates on politics or philosophy. Just simple, natural conversation.
I grew up around country folks, and while they sure had their flaws, they could talk. The eldest had grown up with no TV and didn't even have radios until  they were adults. Those in my parents age group had grown up with radio, but seldom had time to listen a lot and TV was a novelty, to be watched sparingly. For entertainment, they talked, told stories, debated politics a little, maybe squabbled a bit over sports and generally, just kept up a wonderfully entertaining string of small talk. There were arguments, sometimes heated, but always there was respect between the arguers. Generally they ended with someone saying something funny to break the tension . Either that or my Grandmother would bring out something to eat, and her food could bring peace between Nancy Pelosi and President Trump.
I don't long for a return to those pre-electric days. Not at all. But I do miss conversation,
Anytime I am in a store, I try to get workers to chat bit, Same around where I live. Sometimes it works, often not, but I have to try.
Why am I so concerned about this. Simple. We are human beings and our minds and souls love stories. As far as I know, we are the only creatures on Earth who do so.  It is healthy and solidifies social bonds.
I don't mean texting. We need to hear the human voice. Reading is wonderful, bur it doesn't give the same feeling of contact.
So, go out of your way to talk to folks. Small talk, nonsense, babble are just fine. Talk and listen and your life will be richer.