I don't like Tony Blair. I consider him the British lapdog of the conservative American Presidents.
I saw him on the Daily Show with John Stewart. My esteem has increased a bit, from the sheer fact that he was willing to debate. Years past 9-11, I have had no greater understanding of the conservative position/ideology than I did years ago. This interview with Tony Blair increased my understanding of the position. Don't misunderstand, I know Tony Blair was posturing, and he was defending an indefensible argument. But, I celebrate his willingness to debate.
Debate in the American media is almost non existent especially when interviewers are asking questions of politicians. I've come to the conclusion that debate takes a high degree of trust. Both parties must feel safe for people to debate. One refuses to debate when one doesn't feel the position is defendable or one doesn't trust in the value of the argument. Only our emotions rule when debate is absent. Currently, our administration does not trust the American people enough to engage in debate. The major media outlets asks relatively safe questions of our decision makers to ensure accessibility on the next news cast. It is amazing that the only debate on nationwide mainstream television is on a pseudo news program meant for comedy. I hope the new administration values debate and does not stifle dissent with quite the surgeons precision the current administration has achieved. Debate and dissent are necessary, now more than ever.
