On feelings and facts

Dr. Gleb Tsipursky stated in his guest column a resounding truth, that research shows many people respond to an appeal to emotions rather than facts. In recent years the gut issues have been to the right of center. Abortion is seen as murder, not a woman’s reproductive rights. The prayer in schools issue is felt as a rejection of God instead of a constitutional violation. Gay marriage is viewed as a collapse of moral values instead of equal rights under the law. EPA regulations are felt to be an invasion of government into a free society, not protecting the planet. Food stamps are seen as taking care of the lazy, not feeding the hungry, and the list could go on.

What will change these perceptions when they are being fed from the boardrooms to the pulpit? This angry passion seems to blind really good people and explains why the majority of Americans disapprove of the president’s first-month performance while 60 percent of Arkansans approve.

Trump’s agenda and its authoritarian implementation have developed passions not seen on the progressive side in a very long time. Whether the scenes from recent town-hall meetings and the marches will lead to Tea Party Left is not absolute. The great divide in this country seems stronger than ever, reminiscent of struggling Third World countries.

One thing is clear—feelings do seem to outweigh facts.

ED HUDNALL

Bryant