It was impossible for me to "blog" during either of the two political conventions - and to avoid very biased comments! Since all other media outlets had no imposed "silence" periods, you probably had your fill of such comments.
During both conventions my mind kept recalling a phrase from one of my early TV favorites - Sgt. Friday. My first recollection was "Just the facts, Maam." - but a Google search corrected that recall! The phrase used on the show was "All we want are the facts, Maam.". The "Just the facts, Maam" actually came from a spoof on another show.
At both conventions speakers made frequent reference to presenting "facts", always with the assumption that such references were not open to challenge! After all, they were only giving the facts.
A similar assumption was made on the NPR show "Science Friday". A speaker was wondering why some parents were still objecting to having their children vaccinated because of fears about varied concerns. "How," he wondered, "could they be so resistant in the face of the facts!"
Such assumptions are also frequently offered in various religious institutions when discussing contested issues - ie. homosexuality, abortion, literal view of scripture, etc.
All such assumptions are predicated on a belief that "facts" are value-free and can really not be challenged unless "new facts" later arise! Such claims are posited even though there is an admission that "new facts" may be forthcoming.
I am not suggesting that "facts" are unbelievable. I am stating that "facts" do not exist apart from values.
Example: You claim the glass is half full - it has 8 oz of liquid. Your opponent claims the glass is half empty - it, also, has 8 oz of liquid. The "fact" of 8 oz is valid. The judgment of whether or not it is half full or half empty reflects values that seem to claim something more than the 8 oz.
The same assessment can be made re: every assumption made by both political parties as well as religious groups opposed to or supportive of varied positions.
Examples: Governor Palin does have Foreign policy experience because Alaska borders on two other countries - Canada and Russia. The latter is a "fact" - the assumption reflects selective values.
The book of Leviticus does make very clear statements about God's judgment on homosexuality. The same book has many other statements concerning God's judgment re: kosher eating, eating shell fish, disciplining children, etc. Which "fact" we propose obviosuly reflects selective values.
As we enter discussions these next weeks, whether the politics of our nation or the ELCA Statement on Human Sexuality, let's avoid seeking to "win" by citing facts. Rather, seek to understand each other's values that select such facts - and then seek discernment on where there might be agreement.
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