Idiots' Echo Chamber

Is there anyone on the political left - in the media, government, or elsewhere - actually capable of independent, rational thought? If there is, it might actually be helpful to the political discourse in this country. But unfortunately all signs indicate that the political left is in fact much more guilty of what they often accuse the political right of - completely monolithic thinking.

As evidence to support the hypothesis above I refer you to the New York Times, Washington Post, any show or talking head on any NBC channel or any democratic "strategist" or politician. If you observe any two or more of these for any period of time you will note that their talking points - right down to exact words and phrases - are often identical. They sing the same song in the same key, and they can each hear only that song.

We see the same issue in what passes for humor these days. Many of those who consider themselves enlightened commentators with a humorous edge - such as Bill Maher and John Stewart - built their reputations by viciously attacking President Bush with what they thought was sharp and insightful wit. Will these same brave commentators stand up to the Obama machine and poke fun at power when that power is entirely controlled by the left? Don't count on it.

Robust political discourse based on fact and reason can make a nation much stronger, by sifting out weaker arguments and elevating those with merit. But just as in-breeding within a species eventually weakens it, so too will the suppression of alternative viewpoints weaken our political parties and our nation.

Those on the political left try to position themselves as the champions of free speech, while at the same time demonstrating by their behavior that "free speech" that is not identical to their own is the last thing they want anyone to hear. In our national capitol today, those in power want everyone freely expressing opinions that are totally identical to theirs. Welcome to the idiots' echo chamber.