The New York Times > Opinion > of-Ed Columnist: Age of Political Segregation

Mr. Brooks illustrates this notion I've heard circulating. The Republicans seem to have a notion that creating a schism between people that "don't read newspapers" like the President and everyone else. It also seems to feed the notion that Republicans want to generate politics-fatigue.

You know the sensation. It is similar to the feelings that come when there is a series of natural disasters in the world and you are constantly asked for something - time, money, effort... One person can only give so much, before one backs away.

It happens with a lot of things. The Department of Homeland Security when it issue the terror warnings but without specifics. Look out! Keep looking!, be normal, be vigilant - you will know it when you find it.

Well, sometimes I get tired of looking, or giving. I just need a break.
Well, Mr. Brooks column feeds into another notion.

An elected State official once told me that the more who participate, the more difficult they are to control.
Joe Conti of Penna. made this comment to me. He is a Republican in the state legislature.

I couldn't believe I had missed so obvious an idea. I guess it seemed to cynical. That was about 5 years ago. But since then, every time I surf the news I'm seeing the pattern. Republicans are counting on people getting tired. They don't want an idea filled, idealistic Conservative rank and file, because they would want a piece of the action. That's why the President "doesn't read newspaper" because that's his rhetoric for saying it is ok to be tired of bad news from politics - let us handle it.

President Clinton's "vast right wing conspiracy" certainly could be explained by this notion. The popularity of the Rush Limbaughs, Joe Scarborough's, and O'reillys is not explained by the cool, calm, logical and reasoned arguments. Phil Donahue was reasoned and logical and failed because it was not entertaining. Star Trek's Mr. Spock was second officer because logic and reason is not as exciting.

The conservative talking heads are counting on people being angry. When the anger subsides, there is not enough energy to create new ideas for fixing problems in world.

Well, I'm tired of simply spinning in place and watching history repeat itself in Iraq.
Mr. Brooks, if you want a vacation, fine you take one, but tired or not as a citizen you have a responsibility.
A responsibility to enable all of the next generation want to participate in the political process, not just a few who can be controlled.

I'm tired of the partisanship, the political segregation, instead encouraging people to vacation in Tahiti, I'm going to do something. The American journey never ends.

I'm not so tired of politics and logic/reason does solve more problems, so I say Go JFKerry, and ask "what can I do for my country today"