Know thine enemy; it helps, you know
Sunday, March 25, 2007 at 08:36AM If you know the enemy and know yourself you need not fear the results of a hundred battles." -Sun Tzu
I often surprise people who learn what I read because I try to absorb as much of what I disagree with as possible. No one learns much reading only what pleases them. It helps to know the opposition. No one owns the corner of truth and righteousness so it's good to take different streets at times in an attempt to get there. It's good to talk things out, hear all sides, voice your opinions, respect others' views, gain new understandings and reach compromises or common ground where we can. That's one of the things I enjoy about this blog. We have a fairly diverse group of contributors with differing perspectives, and for the most part everyone is able and willing to provide their thoughts and ideas that further the discussions for the benefit of everyone without rancor.
Sometimes it is difficult, to be sure. When Aaron Stene, for example, wonders why no one responds to what he writes, then responds to thoughtful, informative responses only with, "I stand by what I wrote," well, then why should anyone bother? Especially when he espouses the idea that public education, of all things, should be reserved only for those who can afford it. Yeesh. But that's his opinion.
Kim Jordan said much the same thing, not about education but about the value of different opinions in a thoughtful post that I'm afraid incorrectly stated that others are trying to censor or stop the publication of Hawaii Free Press and others' views. Kim wrote:
I think it's alarming that everyone who demands 'free speech' for (Jim) Albertini, etc., don't think Grant (Jones), Andrew (Walden), or the HFP deserve the same rights."
I honestly have not seen that here. Many choose not to read HFP, which I think may be a mistake, and others choose not to patronize its advertisers, but those are the value decisions we all face with limited amounts of time in the bustling marketplace of ideas. I don't think anyone here, thankfully, has proposed or even suggested that HFP or any other publication or contributor should be silenced for what they think or believe.
But within publications and blogs, editors and publishers have the right and responsibility to their readers to tailor what they provide to their particular audience. No one can print everything, which is why we should welcome a wide range of publications. I say this because two days ago I killed only the second post for its content that I can recall since starting this blog. A contributor using the psuedonym "Anon" submitted a post asserting that a certain group is correct that 9/11 was a Jewish conspiracy, which is not only wrong, but vile and offensive. Falsely ascribing a cockeyed antisemitic view to someone else just won't fly here. Just wanted to let Anon know.
As a final thought, I introduced the word "enemy" myself here in the headline and carried it though with the quote from the 6th century BC Chinese warrior Sun Tzu, in the context of those with whom we disagree. I'd like to get away from that in the future though. I shouldn't enourage use of the term enemy in this sense, not even with those I strongly disagree with. We are all people trying to make the best of our lives in a harsh world. We may disagree but I would rather as Ben Franklin said:
Be civil to all; sociable to many; familiar with few; friend to one; enemy to none."
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Reader Comments (31)
I have learned a great deal from the contributors on this board. It has been a valuable lesson as we plan our family's future (in Puna), and the perspectives shared are enlightening. Even those we disagree with teach me a great deal. The opposing viewpoint is definitely a must as we grow, hopefully together.
There are so many people who contribute here that are so well educated it makes my head spin. In little old Hawaii County, we have a diverse, intelligent, and vocal bunch who are not afraid to speak their mind. Entertaining as some of them may be, as a whole, the contributors here are a very savvy bunch. I am honored to be part of this discussion and thank you all.
In closing, to the heart of this particular article, I always believed it OK to swim with sharks, as long as you know they are sharks. One of the first things I was taught at a very young age by my Grandfather.
Great article, Mr. Bishop, just great! Thanks.
time again. It seems though no one wants to deal
with the real reality that I've repeatedly mentioned.
It deeply hurts me as someone who has lived their
entire life seeing how much the Big island has changed
for the worst. Even more frustrating and painful for m
e is it seems the apologists try to justify the way
things were done and it seems no one cares that this
island is going into the crapper.
We all think we are correct but unfortunately debate has been debased to that of forcing rhetoric into a loudpseaker.
In reality, this behavior bespeaks fear - that of being wrong.
Let us challenge ourselves to have the confidence to challenge others without our convictions in the field of civil discourse, and not lose ourselves in cyncism of the sort that allows us to toss away precious civility - as Mr. Stene said, it "seems no one cares that this island is going into the crapper. "
Hunter, thank you for the compliment!
I do believe there was an implication that Grant/HFP should keep their opinions to themselves and not print such.
I'm glad you also read as many view points as possible.
Another great article.
Quick explaination.
By threatning to boycott those who advertise in the HFP, you are threatning the advertising DOLLARS a paper needs to stay in print.
Are you kidding me??? “democracy can be measured soley by the yardstick of civilized discourse”. Is that what you think democracy is all about, nothing more than some squeaky wheels protesting their discontent? :(
I’m always astonished by the fact that some can live in this great nation and spend most of their time trying to rip it apart. I think that it comes from not being very well excepted as a child and is their way of trying to get even. Well, I’ll leave that to the shrinks.
Gosh, wouldn’t it be kind of nice if some would stop trying to sugar coat things like “civilized discourse” and say what they really mean, “organized rhetoric”.
Here is your sign, welcome to the “Axis of Idiots” :)
The Lack
You contradict yourself.
Thanks for your post this morning. I knew that it might be something special when I saw the quotation from Sun Tzu. I am very glad that you are able and willing to take the time to share your deep thoughts, and hope others will join you in sharing their own thoughts.
I would hope that more people would get rid of the nasty habit of hiding their identity. If folks are not willing to give their real name, then I don't really care what they think or say. Truth is paramount when it comes to opinion, and why should I believe someone who hides behind a false name. I have always believed that those who hide their name are doing so to hide the possibility that they are not making any sense, which means that what they say, is something they might not really believe themselves.
So... I personally believe that we don't have to look somewhere else for the culprits behind the tragedy of 911. I feel in my heart that there is very little doubt that what happened on that day was either ordered by or allowed by our own government. That we don't really know anything about the mysterious events of 911 today, speaks to the lack of openess and truth which our elected officials have deemed "good enough" for the masses. We are today, more than ever, a nation of "Sheep People" who are willing to buy into a lot of bunk rather than face the fact that we are quickly destroying our planet by our uncontrolled actions and willingness to allow the decline of our country's priciples. These are the worst of times for the people of the United States of America.
I work hardest ever day at keeping a positive outlook on whatever I am a part of, because seeing so much lies and corruption in our government officials opens the big door of depresssion that could cause me to give up. I must not do that, because our country's great history is made up of men and women who refused to give up under very difficult times in the past.
When I see the similarity to the build up to Nazi Germany here in our own country, I get more angry that afraid, but both are emotions that don't move us forward to a better future. As for our island falling into the crapper, as some have said, I think that their outlook is too narrow.
Our whole country is on the brink of giving up what is right in our country in order to hold on and remain calm and happy, so that we still have some kind of life left to live here in America.
Please encourage everyone to follow your lead and use their real name and speak their true thoughts, as you have done. I know that the Internet is full of smoke and mirrors, but on this blog, I hope that we can tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth even if it is only the ravings of our own minds full of fear and loathing. At least it will be the truth.
I worked very hard on the Puna Community Development Plan and I am still active in that project, because I am concerned with the future of our island. I am quite hopeful that we can work together to make a future we will be proud of and will cause the changes that are needed to keep our local government and local communities vital and alive. Without doing this, we can only look forward to control of our lives by those way above those of us down here on the dirt of the earth.
"If you know the real enemy is yourself, at least you can know what to do about that enemy. Change the "real enemy" into a "real partner", and move forward!" Keola Downing 2007
An unemotional, detached reading of this says that the claim of the "certain group" was "vile and offensive..."
That "certain group" is not attacked or defended -- their absurd claim is rejected.
Where is the defense of Global Hope?
I am not aware of any organized boycott against HFP advertisers, but people are just as free to express themselves by where they spend their money as they are to print rightist newspapers. Since I know that businesses do not necessarily agree with the organs in which they advertise, I personally do not boycott HFP advertisers . I find it odd, though, that a free-market Republican such as Mr. Jordan would vaguely suggest that doing so would somehow be anti free speech. It is just another means of expression IMHO. If their paper can't survive in an open market, then so be it. There's always the internet, right?
Perhaps you could provide a link or reference because I found no such thing on the GH Web site that I read, http://www.globalhope.blogspot.com/.
Also, since most contributors have identified themselves to me at least via private e-mail (hunterbishop@hawaii.rr.com), perhaps your could do the same. See Keola Downing's post above. Thanks.
What I'm saying is that without advertisers, the paper can not survive. So, yes, it could cost them their Right to Free Speech in/as a newspaper.
Yes, we have the Right to boycott. Yes, the market will decide.
I'm not worried about O'Keefes Bakery surviving. They will.
I'm sorry Politics will keep you from enjoying their terrific products.
Mostly, I'm sorry politics has such control in anyones day to day life.
Kim
Kim, not Brian.
Kim
that I care about this island more than you...talk about a dose of reality there. You've lived here since 1985, I was
born and raised here in Kona.
Why should have to elaborate why I feel the Big Island has changed for the worst over my life living here. I could write a story on that topic. It hurts me personally seeing
how development has been shoved on this island without adequate infrastructure. Apologists, like you, quickly come
up with justifications why things are the way things are.
The sad fact is this the baby boomer generation is destroying this island. It will be my generation that will
have to clean up the mess.
Apparently the point Malama was trying to make was lost in the defensive position shown in your response.
We ALL care about this island as a whole, however, we each have our personal opinions about what needs immediate governmental attention.
Obviously Kona has major traffic problems, etc., as does Puna, Waimea, Kau, & Hilo. As I have stated before, we can all work towards a better Hawaii County without attacking other districts (or people) who have a different opinion.
I don't care if Malama only lived here since 1985. I don't care if you're only 31 years old. What I do care about is the manner in which we treat each other, no matter what color or age you are.
Further, I don't think it is appropriate to "out" someone on a discussion board either. Maybe that's why Josephine Keliipio is no longer contributing. Her opinions were wise and thoughtful, and I miss her input.
As to age, part of my family has been in Kona for five generations. My Aunts and Uncles who are in their 80's and 90's explain how they feel about Kona without insulting people or being confrontational. Those are the ones worthy of listening to. Imagine how they must feel after 80 or 90 years in Kona; that is a lifetime.
Malama, I got your point, and I happen to agree. Let's write this one under "youth", and hope that age does indeed bring wisdom.
State of Hawaii has shoved all this development without adequate infrastructure here in West Hawaii. It seems you
want to justify the way things are. Thus accusing me of being confrontational. It is simply criminal what has happened here in West Hawaii.
On a related note, I find it laughable that you say Ka'u
and Hilo have major traffic problems. It seems that is the
apologist in you is talking.
Lastly, I did "out" a person. But I haven't recently. It
is possible that Josephine is posting under a anon name.
Which I have my suspicions of which one. But I won't reveal .