The Peggy Noonan Problem

In the Wall Street Journal, the woman who put pretty words in the mealy mouth of a man who ignored tens of thousands of Americans dying in the 1980s (she was Reagan's speechwriter for those who don't remember), Peggy Noonan, has just written: 

But increasingly people feel at the mercy of the Adam Lamberts, who of course view themselves, when criticized, as victims of prudery and closed-mindedness. America is not prudish or closed-minded, it is exhausted. It cannot be exaggerated, how much Americans feel besieged by the culture of their own country, and to what lengths they have to go to protect their children from it.

I am sorry Ms. Noonan if you feel besieged. I would agree that there is much in the media that is crass, disgusting and hateful. Like Glenn Beck's racism for example. I don't notice you wasting any ink on him. 

If you want to talk about feeling besieged, ask all the lgbt people who were victims of hate crimes this last year. 

Please, spare me your mock outrage. 

I don't disagree that we could use more civility. Start on your side of the fence please. Thank you, and excuse me. 

Comments

[Palaverer]

I find it strange that people feel the need to protect their children from ideas. I want to teach children critical thinking skills. There comes a point where the things they think may or may not match the things their parents think. There's nothing wrong with that. People are so threatened that their children may not see the world exactly as they do.

[Mark H]

Dear Palaverer,

I couldnt agree more on the subject of teaching children critical thinking skills. And I have to say, I was flustered, annoyed and laughing at myself the first time I was challenged by a youngster whose skills I fostered. I was happy and extremely frustrated all at once. A delightfully uncomfortable state. And when youre a teacher, I am sure you will encounter it many times. Thanks for your comment.

Best,
aqjb

[Todd]

Happy New Year!!

Todd
Postcards from Hell's Kitchen blog.