Conservatives are called stupid, ignorant, racist and worse.  Recently, I ran smack into this at a three-day forensic psychology conference.  The presenters were highly educated professionals, leaders in their field.  The first presenter said Pennsylvania was Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, with nothing else in between.  The second day, a different presenter stated that “Southern racist Democrats who opposed civil rights are Republicans now.”  The last presenter, Dr. X, referenced Sarah Palin as “the idiot who wrote her speech on her hand.”  He described a jury in Binghamton, NY as “arriving in pickup trucks, gun racks in the back, dressed like American Gothic.”  Finally, he asserted that no one got death threats before the Tea Parties.

The message was clear.  Rural people are ignorant at best, stupid at worst and always bigots.  Republicans and conservatives are all three.  The tone was contemptuous, the attacks disdainful and personal.

On the last day I stood up and stated, “I drive a pickup truck, I sometimes have guns in the back, I helped organize a tea party and, by the way, my wife is from Binghamton.”  I asked for simple respect and, quoting Lincoln, asked the presenters and attendees to access “the better angels of their nature.”  Dr. X refused to apologize.  After the session, several colleagues approached me, were complimentary and glad I spoke up.  One, who happened to be African-American, said “Thanks, man, I’m a Republican.”

As we were leaving the hotel the next morning my wife Jo, who is an American beauty, not American Gothic, introduced herself to Dr. X as “the idiot from Binghamton” and attempted to educate him about stereotypes.  He was cordial but remained unapologetic.

What gives rise to the contempt of the arrogant?  They believe they’re intellectually and morally superior.  It’s a step down a dangerous path of dehumanization.

We conservatives need to speak up.  In doing so, we give like-minded people the courage to find their voices as well.  Expect emotion-driven, personal attacks.  Expect to feel angry and/or insulted; it’s only natural.  Remember that the attacks are rooted in arrogance and contempt.  Take several deep breaths, in through the nose and out through the mouth, slowly.  Respond factually.  Smile - it helps reduce tension.  As Churchill said, “Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.”  Don’t be intimidated.  They’re not very scary.  If this is the best the high-powered brains I endured for three days can come up with, we have nothing to fear.

My fellow capitalists. I am seeking your opinion about Time Warner’s plan to re-organize the business model for the delivery and sale of high speed Internet offered as roadrunner. I am also seeking your input on Eric Massa’s response.

I believe it is a core principle of capitalism that a business has the right to evaluate and modify their business model how they see fit. Time Warner has identified a need to change based on their understanding of the their industry. I’m sure some people will end up paying more and others less. I think moving to a tiered consumption based system makes sense.

As for Massa there are few if any examples that I recall of a time government involvement has been a positive influence when regulating an industries pricing. This quote is a great example of how government is disconnected from industry “They have yet to explain how increased Internet usage increases their costs.” Mr. Massa also said “Time Warner has announced an ill-conceived plan” what gives him the expertise to evaluate their plan? Why do they need to explain how increased usage increases costs? Isn’t that the concern of the share holders and customers more than the government. Besides, it is typically the case that the more you consume the more it will cost with almost anything. I guess we should add high speed Internet to the bill of rights just under health care…

It is not acceptable for government to interfere with industry at this level. I believe these are the types of things that the majority of people will read and agree that Massa is doing the right thing. Unfortunately, government meddling like this is what leads to economic and industry issues long term. If capitalism is left alone, the natural order of free markets will decide what is acceptable.

http://www.the-leader.com/news/x1098997265/Massa-to-fight-Net-data-caps