Letters: It takes an act of nature

Back in my early 20s, I became aware of something that has served me well ever since. What I discovered was, that most people believe the first thing they hear and cannot be swayed from it. Therefore, arguments are pointless and often counter-productive.

Children learn from their parents, and with few exceptions (such as hormonal rebellion), they will cling to that for life. After all, mom and dad are the smartest people they know, so why shouldn’t they believe them?

This explains why entire generations of some families vote for the same party, embrace the same religion (or disavow religion entirely), and how they view law enforcement. You can find entire families of cops, crooks, military service members, etc. Children generally follow their parents’ examples.

Some kids get no guidance at home (or find it inadequate), so they may embrace the views of someone influential in their life. A teacher, a preacher, a college professor, a drug dealer, a gang leader. In these cases, a radical viewpoint may emerge within mere days of exposure to it.

Once that happens, it takes an act of nature to change their minds. This is why cults will never go away, gangs will always thrive, and murderous politicians will always attract followers.

If you disagree with another’s viewpoint, you can argue until your face bleeds and it will do no good. All you will accomplish is to alienate that individual, who may be a friend or even a family member. Why risk it?

It is a rare person who is willing to change his or her entire life when presented with evidence that contradicts what he or she has believed for decades. People who do so are called “open-minded,” the classic definition of a liberal. Those who refuse to even look at evidence, who are unwilling to change even if it kills them, fit the popular definition of conservative (even if they hate conservatives, or think they do).

So what can change a person’s mind? Something earth shaking, something so massive it can’t be ignored. A good example is California in its current state. I don’t have to list the horrors because, if you are paying attention, you already know. But how did things get to be like this? Could it be that one political party has dominated California for the last 16 years?

One-party rule is not democratic. Even when well-intentioned, it can lead to totalitarianism… and in California, it already has. No accountability. Blame the citizens. If people object, demonize them. You’ve seen it happen.

If the definition of insanity is to keep doing the same thing and expect different results, then maybe we should try electing someone from a different party. Just for four years. See what happens. I mean, really, what do we have to lose?

— John Bowers,

Madera