Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Function of Criticism

The following was lifted from Newsweek, issue June 28 7 July 5, 2010, p. 8:

"Criticism is a crucial thing (the lifeblood of democracy, the fuel of freedom---choose your noble phrase), but the problem is that there are many more carpers than critics. The fact that anybody can say anything does not mean anything anybody says is worth hearing. Is this an elitist view? Probbably, but I am not arguing for even the remotest limitation on what people can say. The beauty of democracy and the wonder of the digital public square is that more people can express themselves more freely to more eyes and ears than at any other time in history. Such liberation is to be celebrated and honored and defended. With power, though, comes responsibility, for all of us. We can learn to sigh when you think you should sigh, but then have the courage to be constructive."

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