Agree with Me

Farmers were denied entry at a screening of the documentary film, “Gasland, Part II,” recently.  Apparently the promoters did not want people in the audience who did not agree with the thesis of the film, that fracking is bad.  http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2013/04/23/fracknation-filmmaker-claims-group-farmers-was-barred-from-gasland-part-ii/?intcmp=features

Politicians have been stacking crowds for years.  Only those who will cheer for the candidate are allowed in the audience.  When a trickster gets through and begins shouting or heckling, it causes a stir.  Agree with me or shut up.

I understand the desire to have a sympathetic audience.  But we need to be careful not to stifle honest, open debate.  The climate of political correctness has had a chilling effect on free speech. 

Because certain beliefs are assumed to be true, and are rarely challenged, there are certain things that cannot be said. 

• Social Security is a Ponzi scheme. 
• The pro-choice movement supports the right to choose who is a person. 
• Politicians (many, if not most) are motivated by political self interest and power.
• Both major political parties work to gain and retain power more than they work to support and defend the U.S. Constitution. 
• The news media are motivated by their own self interests of ratings and revenue; big government stories produce big audiences, so the media are biased toward bigger government. 
• Printing money will ruin our monetary system; it is only a matter of time before it falls apart.
• Personal morality is essential for civilization.
• Morality cannot be defined by majority vote.
• Guns owned by citizens protect citizens from government tyranny.
• Scientific evidence for Darwinian evolution has enormous gaps.
• Religions that encourage lying to advance their religion are dangerous.
• Entertainment often distracts citizens from the important issues.

Those who agree with the politically correct party line are given the microphone.  In the media, all we hear is one perspective.  When we hear it enough, we tend to believe it.  Even if it is not true.