On Political Weblogs

I recently sent this to a Canadian right-wing writer, whose weblog I was giving up on. I’m not keen to cite the recipient, but thought the sentiment was worth expressing publically:

About a month ago, I decided that I wasn’t reading enough conservative-oriented content, and went looking for a few thoughtful right-wing weblogs to read. My own politics are pretty near the centre of the spectrum, but most of the people I’ve read up to now have been more left than right.

I tried a few. I immediately rejected http://www.nicedoggie.net, but read yours, as well as http://debbyestratigacos.blogspot.com/ and http://www.jaycurrie.com. I’m just writing to say that, while I’m sticking with the other two, I’m given up on your weblog.

You seem to suffer a common malady of political activists at both ends of the spectrum: you’re thoroughly convinced that everyone on the other side of the fence is an imbecile. Don’t get me wrong–I’ve seen plenty of liberal sites that do the same to the right. I don’t read those either.

Clearly, this is not a particularly healthy approach to political discourse. I want to read informed opinions from across the political spectrum. You seem to be familiar with the issues, but are uninterested in discussing them without constant slurs. This is why I appreciate Jay Currie–he may disagree with their attitudes, but he seems to mostly be above slandering and insulting the left at every opportunity.