Barack Obama has often argued that the United States needs to sit down to talk with its avowed enemies. This willingness to talk outrages many conservatives. they argue, “How can talking to one’s enemies ever lead to anything worthwhile?”
Well, it might lead to increased understanding of each other’s points of view. It might reinforce the idea that all people, even enemies, have a lot in common. It might help to defuse tensions and avoid deaths. Avoiding a war might keep a country from bankrupting itself. Avoiding a war might allow a country to pour substantial investments into its people and its infrastructure.
There’s an old saying, “Show don’t tell.” I was reminded of that saying when I heard that Barack Obama was willing to be interviewed by Bill O’Reilly. Yes, it’s not such a crazy idea to sit down with people with whom you have disagreements, even heated disagreements. Showing up to discuss politics with Bill O’Reilly, then, is a good test run for what Obama would want to accomplish as President.
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