dem·a·gogue noun, verb
noun
a person, especially an orator or political leader, who gains power and popularity by arousing the emotions, passions, and prejudices of the people.
verb
to treat or manipulate (a political issue) in the manner of a demagogue; obscure or distort with emotionalism, prejudice, etc.
There is a lot of demagoguery in our political discourse these days.
This article is an admirable exception. It shows some of the Obama administration's horrendous record on religious freedom, and then gives a sane and well-reasoned defense at the foundations of why that's the wrong path.
Maybe too abstract and boring for some. Doesn't get your blood pumping enough? I would submit that in our day, when religious freedom is deteriorating further than we realize and things really are getting scary, we don't need more anger and emotion in our political speech, but clear persuasion. Actually addressing the other side's concerns. Explaining why this path leads to less freedom for everyone, not just the annoying religious freaks (as Joe on the street thinks of them).
We spend too much time talking to each other, and almost never talk to "the other side." Do we even know how to start?
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