Sun-Tzu for President

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad yesterday called for a "direct televised debate" with President Bush. Ahmadinejad (AHK-muh-DIN-i-jad) is hoping Bush doesn't get the "let's not even have a debate" jitters like he did before finally having to succumb to do doing so in the run up to the 2004 election after John Kerry's (and the American people's) insistance.

The Bush Administration has a history of not wanting to converse with their enemies, as was demonstrated during the most recent Israel/Hezbollah conflict, opting instead to share their solution ideas over microphones they weren't aware were on.

This is the second open attempt that Ahmadinejad has made to start a dialogue with Bush. In May, Ahmadinejad wrote an 18-page paper covering topics from religion to foreign affairs, among others. Instead of taking one side's version of the opposing side, I read the paper. Call me anti-American (and some most certainly would), it was actually level-headed and reasonable.

Ahmadinejad's only condition for the proposed debate is "that there can be no censorship, especially for the American nation," no doubt referring to the Hitler-stache that Fox News would inevitably superimpose over the Iranian PMs already bearded jawline. Ahmadinejad also repeated his claims that their nuclear push is not in the direction of nuclear weapons.

Now, I certainly do not take Ahmadinejad's rosy claims at face value. All I am saying is, at least he's approaching this disagreement in a civilized fashion. While Fox News has constantly equated Ahmedinejad to Hitler-going so far as to put both of their pictures up side-by-side in broadcasts-in Hitler's case the only invitations to debates-televised or otherwise-he ever gave anyone was to their houses versus his tanks.

If Bush were truly a strong leader, or even only skilled in conflict-a mark of a true leader-he would at least see what his enemy has to offer. Bush could learn a lot from someone with a lot of experience with enemies. Oh, you know who has a lot of experiences with enemies? Samurais. That's who.

If you know the enemy, and know yourself, you need not fear the outcome of one hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will suffer one defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.
-The Art of War III-18

Sun Tzu knew about enemies...and philosophy. George Bush knows about, well, world record setting perch. A good leader should look forward to open debate to expose an opponent, not rely solely on figer pointing. This should be an opportunity to prove beyond the shadow of a doubt that Ahmadinejad is the beast they proclaim. As of now, the Administration has taken to writing off the debate invitation as a "diversion".

It is time for an open debate between our side and the Muslims, instead of an open war. We have seen the outcome of allegations (candidate for understatement of the year). Ahmadinejad is providing Bush the perfect opportunity to right allegations he's being increasingly accused of, and all in one meeting. I might not even mind if he has to have help again, as long as he shows he can face a challenge resolutely. Ok, I would mind.

I'm betting the chances of this potentially incredibly important debate taking place are about as likely as Bush getting reelected, even if he was eligible. And we, as the people of Earth, will miss out on a great opportunity right along with him.

Intro to the Ever-Expanding Treatise

There's an elementary theory in the realm of communication concerning the media-audience relationship that is known as the Two-Step Flow. This theory, purported by two of the most famous American sociologists, Paul Lazersfeld and Elihu Katz, claims that, as the name suggests, there are two steps in the receiving of information.

One: Media-be it television, publications, online, or otherwise- is presented to the masses.

Two: The information is then dissiminated through "opinion leaders", that is, people with a more literate understanding of media content, who then explain it to those around them.

From this standpoint, we can either conclude that it's hilariously ironic that Lazersfeld and Katz are American, or that these "opinion leaders" are going extinct faster than clear Pepsi did.

The overall intelligence of these great United States is fizzling. The old saying "you're only as strong as your weakest link" means we as a nation are a dunder head only thinking about how to get on the newest, all-the-rage reality show.

This (the dunder head part) was most evident in a widely-publicized recent poll that revealed more US citizens could name the Three Stooges than could name the three branches of government. It's unclear whether the researchers gave partial credit for answers like "the President", "that judgey part", or "laws". But, under No Child Left Behind, it was probably mandatory.

I find this frustrating. Nay, infuriating. Because that is just where the politicos, figureheads and power-hungry elected officials want us-not knowing where we are and pretty ok with that set up. That way they get to get away with stuff. They can release well-tailored information without fear of rebuttal or accountability from the citizenry. Either that, or Moe will receive a few angry letters concerning the way he's running the country.

So, now that you've been introduced to my greatest pet peeve, allow me to introduce myself. I'm a freelance designer/writer with a degree in journalism, a minor in English, a penchant for grammar, an insatiable hunger for intelligent discourse (albeit sometimes with smarmy comments), a love of fine art, my own design studio and a need for good humor and a drive to help my fellow man not be bested by those that don't deserve to best them. This blog will serve as the direct line to my brain, flush with all the inner-workings and meanderings that lie therein.

Why? Well, first and foremost for my own well being. A good stress reliever is priceless and it's no coincidence that blogging is free (hyuck hyuck).

Secondly, because the internet rules (pwns if you prefer). Anyone can be an opinion leader in this day and age thanks to the mass publication capability right at the end of our fingers. You don't even have to have an informed opinion, though, to be taken seriously, I strongly recommend it. Well, I take that back. Someone who doesn't know what they are talking about, yet will defend their stance unwaveringly, is always fodder for a hearty laugh. I've certainly played that role before and I'm sure I'm bound for it again at some point.

Lastly, I can't pass up this opportunity to join the real all-volunteer fighting force-the American blogosphere. I hear the calling, dear Lawd! I look forward to serving with the thousands and thousands of other writers showing those that would take advantage of us what-for.

What's most important for all America, hell, for all people, is that you get involved. Become a part of the process. Add that second step in the media flow, avoiding the hypodermic needle.That way you have some perspective. You know the ins and outs. It makes it much more difficult to take advantage of you. And that is what is really happening to the American public.


I'm reminded of the infamous wits-off to the death between Westley and the Sicilian Vizzini in The Princess Bride. During the seated duel, Vizzini (played here by the media/politicos) seemingly throws off our hero, Westly (us), by pointing over his should at "something" (e.g. John Mark Karr, Terri Schiavo) while he switches the cups. But this is no concern to Westley. He plays along, knowing he already acclomated himself to the poison by internalizing it, making his body learn to combat it, thus inoculating himself.

We, too, must internalize to combat. We must learn the ropes to untie the noose. We must engage to thwart. We must drink the ink.