i often watch politicians discuss issues
on CNN, C-SPAN and
PBS's The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer

there are typically two individuals
one from the left
and one from the right

i find these discussions frustrating
because it seems that
it is the goal
of each of the politicians
to demonstrate that his/her position
is THE correct one

these discussions are usually
if not always
competitions between adversaries
rather than
cooperations between partners:
partners who should be
working on our behalf

the politicians
and even the moderators
seem unaware of, or disinterested in
the notion of "thesis, antithesis, and synthesis"

that is, of examining two differing views
looking for common truths
in order to form a new view
a more inclusive view
one that encompasses the truths of both

how does the above
apply to you and me?

what do we do
when we debate/argue with another?

are we seeking to learn?
or
are we seeking to win?