That's what President Obama called for yesterday, in relation to the emotionally heated abortion debate. But it's a good principle for the education "war of ideas" too. Both opponents and proponents of "school reform" tend to vilify the other side with caricatures. Union bosses are power-hungry Machiavellians who want to keep poor children trapped in failing schools. Reformers are greedy capitalists determined to outsource our public education system to the highest bidder.
Actually, I think both sides care about improving children's lives, want an education system that works for all kids, and think they are on the side of the angels.
So let's keeping fighting the good fight, but by engaging over ideas, not by demonizing our opponents.
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Barack Obama
