Most Americans like to think of themselves as open minded, fair, and unbiased. But are we? Can anyone really be totally open minded or are we all restrained by our personal, cultural, and political beliefs? I don't think it is possible for someone to be totally open minded and still be able to make a discerning judgment. After all in order to make a choice or come to some sort of a decision, you have to be able to evaluate your choices based on some criteria.

This is where we come into the perspective trap. It is easy to listen to a person that espouses our own views even if we don't agree with everything they say. That is because we are comfortable with hearing words that are similar to our own. But when we hear a person say things that we do not agree with, then we become uncomfortable and look for reasons to reject the message no matter how accurate or honest it is.

So conservatives rail against the liberal media bias that does exist, and condemn liberal firebrands like Jeremiah Wright because they say things that we don't want to hear. And seem to be reluctant to hold conservative leaders to task when they are wrong. At the same time liberals pooh-pooh conservative talk radio and conservative leaders as being ignorant and filled with hate without acknowledging that they do have a point. Of course just like the conservatives, the liberals will make excuses for the outrageous actions of their leaders time and time again and try to justify their actions.

So when you you are looking at the issues or candidates in the upcoming election, are you taking the time and effort to truly examine all sides of the issue, or are you just looking for someone who will confirm they way you already feel?

 - Thomas Paine 2

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