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Abstract

channel for hate, providing fodder for our negative bias on Facebook, Twitter and other social media channels.I’m open-minded and willing to consider opinions which differ from mine. But a debate of divergent views demands a firm foundation of evidence to support one’s contention — thus respect for the other person’s point of view.Effective discourse cannot take place in an atmosphere of vitriol.This recent quote from South Africa’s former Public Protector, Professor Thuli Madonsela, prompted the idea for my poem:“Raise the quality of your argument, not the level of your insults.”Let’s engage in meaningful conversation.Thank you for being here.…Here are more of my poems you may enjoy:<div id="1306" class="link-block"> <a href="https://readmedium.com/beloved-oak-you-stand-steady-in-the-storms-of-life-966de22d4a1d"> <div>

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            <h2>Beloved Oak — You Stand Steady in the Storms of Life</h2>
            <div><h3>Ode to an oak tree</h3></div>
            <div><p>medium.com</p></div>
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      <a href="https://readmedium.com/my-quest-for-the-grail-of-freedom-514d4a4cfac8">
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            <h2>My Quest for the Grail of Freedom</h2>
            <div><h3>A lifetime journey of opportunities</h3></div>
            <div><p>medium.com</p></div>
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            <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/1*Jx9WCHwCiUTFDLxPuSJaaQ.jpeg)"></div>
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POETRY

A Song of Praise for Effective Discourse

Free speech has the power to harm or to heal

Let our voices join in chorus Drown the noise of Dark streams’ flow through Media channels

As respectful words tunnel A diversion for these Disingenuous waters Silence the babble Of implausible brooks - the torrent disappears The river calms

Sweet melodies Now echo across the Airwaves Sending ripples of goodwill Along virtual tributaries

Floating on An ocean of love And truth The frequency Receives our signal Broadcasts harmony Across the world

Backstory

The web is a primary method through which we communicate and connect with others.

It can be a force for good but is often a channel for hate, providing fodder for our negative bias on Facebook, Twitter and other social media channels.

I’m open-minded and willing to consider opinions which differ from mine. But a debate of divergent views demands a firm foundation of evidence to support one’s contention — thus respect for the other person’s point of view.

Effective discourse cannot take place in an atmosphere of vitriol.

This recent quote from South Africa’s former Public Protector, Professor Thuli Madonsela, prompted the idea for my poem:

“Raise the quality of your argument, not the level of your insults.”

Let’s engage in meaningful conversation.

Thank you for being here.

…

Here are more of my poems you may enjoy:

Beloved Oak — You Stand Steady in the Storms of Life

Ode to an oak tree

medium.com

My Quest for the Grail of Freedom

A lifetime journey of opportunities

medium.com