Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Endure and Engage
Conflict is a much misunderstood concept. Put simply, conflict is disagreement. Disagreement can be about how or whether to solve a problem. Disagreement can be resolved by discussion, cooperation and reciprocity. It can also be resolved by force.
No conflict means that no disagreement is allowed. That is totalitarianism, not democracy.
Some progressives only want to rule, not negotiate. They are anti-democratic. All theocrats are anti-democratic by definition. Given the degree of disagreement we have in our country, there is not now nor ever likely to be a post-conflict situation about anything important. That is the political reality we endure and hopefully engage.
No conflict means that no disagreement is allowed. That is totalitarianism, not democracy.
Some progressives only want to rule, not negotiate. They are anti-democratic. All theocrats are anti-democratic by definition. Given the degree of disagreement we have in our country, there is not now nor ever likely to be a post-conflict situation about anything important. That is the political reality we endure and hopefully engage.
