Common Ground

Common ground is an interesting phrase that has been in usage for a long time.  A more modern treatment of the phrase is rendered by social psychologists.  It refers to the “mutual knowledge, mutual beliefs, and mutual assumptions” that is essential for communication between two people (Clark & Brennan 1991).”  Perhaps the words “belief” and “assumption” could be compacted to belief alone, since all beliefs are essentially assumptions lacking solid proof.  The notion of “belief” is that it is an “assumption” taken as the unvarnished truth, whereas an assumption implies some degree of doubt.  The word “knowledge” in contrast to “belief” would mean things that are verifiable; that they can be proven.  Common ground could then be rephrased to mean “mutual facts and beliefs that are essential for accurate communication.”

People of different cultures try to communicate all the time, but do they truly understand what the other means?  The national outrage at foreign call centers is indicative of this problem.  While the person on the other side of the line speaks recognizable English, we are often annoyed that they don’t appear to hear us accurately.  Even Americans raised on one coast or the other constantly complain about the attitudes and values of those on the other coast.  The other coast just doesn’t get it.  The degree to which politeness or directness is utilized can be perceived as either reassuring or offensive.  Notions of personal responsibility and a personal work ethic vary throughout this country, and this variability is magnified when examining other countries.

Several of the well-known herbs being widely used in these traditions, some of which they classified as stimulants because they were harmful after prolonged viagra sample canada use. How Can Anti-Erectile Dysfunction Pill Help? Due to blocked arteries leading to male reproductive organ erectness. * Psychological problems relative to depression and ED includes anxiety, fear, lack of lowest cost viagra socialization that makes it difficult to put an estimate on this problem afflicting ‘mankind’. Besides, there are several herbs, getting viagra in australia lifestyle changes and foods to reverse erection woes. The staff plays a big viagra canada sales part in giving you victory, as well. People think that because they speak the same language, their common ground is essentially the same.  Many Americans with extensive experience in both France and England report shock as to the degree they feel comfortable with the French, and come to regard the British as a foreign culture.  Several years ago, European Journal broadcast a series of video pieces on this very subject, noting how Americans axiomatically believe that England is an extension of American values and culture.  While the media emphasizes the “special relationship” between England and America, personal experience tends to find more common ground in France.

The author was reminded of common ground recently at a gathering of old friends and colleagues.  Less personal monitoring was necessary because these people have known the author for a long time.  Misunderstandings were less likely to occur for the very same reason.  Because the group holds similar beliefs, less time was spent in an explanation of the belief, than whether the belief should be held at all!  Members of the group may become irritated with one another, but less from a personal misunderstanding, than a disagreement about the fact or belief itself.  Facial expressions were accurately interpreted as serious or humorous, which has the tendency to make people more animated.  Even the emotional satisfaction of the gathering was magnified by the common ground.  Constantly explaining one’s beliefs and core facts is unavoidably draining, and does not appear to have the satisfaction afforded by common ground.  Perhaps the curative factor in group therapy for depression is the development of a common ground.  It was a wonderful gathering, made even more so by the common ground we still share.

Induced Angst

Angst is one byproduct of the U.S. government’s long-term fiscal policy.  Angst may be defined as a deep seated insecurity experienced by those free to choose.  A dread of one’s personal responsibilities.  Fiscal dread experienced by the American public is not a deep seated insecurity to manage the burden of personal responsibility.  It is a public realization that few political figures are motivated to realistically appraise the situation, let alone offer viable alternatives.  The potential for economic disaster may be kicked down the road a few years, subsequent to expensive and ultimately useless measures traditionally employed.  Domestic dread will increase proportionally to the decline of important local services.  Foreign dread will decrease the willingness to buy American debt, which will accelerate the pace of ultimate financial ruin.  Personal dread may be lessened by exerting personal control, that is embodied by the choice of a candidate in democratic societies.  It is increasingly a choice between dysfunctional alternatives.

The exertion of greater personal control is one method to reduce angst, and hence the accompanying anxiety.  The less control one perceives in their environment, the greater the anxiety and anticipation of possible disaster.  The choice of political parties gives people a sense of control, as do the choice of pundits.  The amplitude of the anger may proportionally increase the perception of personal control.  The partisan bickering will become louder as the deadline for each successive federal budget draws near.  Appointed representatives of the American people will blame each other for the mismanagement, and the citizens will choose their sides.  The system on which they depend will remain in place, though each side declares a victory for progress.  Public angst will increase proportionally with the heightened awareness of illusionary choice.

What can be done to lower the public angst?  Greater public control over the government would likely decrease the angst.  Violence is the ultimate form of control, but it is rarely the best alternative.  Think of the peasant revolt during the French Revolution.  Aristocratic blood flowed in the streets and alleys of Paris, yet the monarchy regained control shortly thereafter.  Many decades passed before democracy was formalized in France.  Class violence in America would likely result in greater repression of the lower echelon, and little else.  Class divisions based upon wealth would be strengthened, not diminished.  Gated communities may become modern castles, keeping the hordes of the impoverished at bay.  Angst-ridden dread may explode into vengeful anger.  Anger devoid of a clear goal would be less than helpful, and possibly disastrous.

The non-disease causes of ED may include obesity, smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, chronic alcoholism, neurological issues, stress, anxiety and depression. tadalafil generic india It is also delivered right to the user’s house; it is also cheap and affordable. thought about that levitra lowest price The most popular and common drug in treating ED are caverta, zenegra , kaqmagra oral jelly prescription free tadalafil etc. Women are the easiest target of low sex check over here levitra samples desire. Increasing public control of the government is a simple idea that is nearly impossible to implement.  It would engender massive political resistance, as it takes from those who currently hold the reigns of power.  It would weaken control of the government by the wealthiest, and hence the most powerful individuals.  It would medicate the illness that plagues most forms of government; for example, secrets, influence peddling and blatant misrepresentations to the public.  This illness is a common infestation of autocratic governance.  Any or all these symptoms may threaten the health of democratic governance.

If the medicine entails greater public control of the government, how should the pill be formulated?  Videotaped meetings, recorded phone calls, and standardized petitions for influence are healthy ingredients.  Civilian boards that oversee the labeling of secrets would lessen side-effects.  Prohibition of candidates becoming lobbyists is necessary to stop the spread of the disease.  The efficacy of the medication would be enhanced by forcing all candidates to use equal funds in the pursuit of political office.  Currently, the wealthiest or best fund raisers obtain political office, which is not the best selection criteria for someone to represent the will of the people.  It suggests that the candidate is greedy and possibly crafty, rather than a humane and capable administrator sought by the voters.  The medication tastes sweetest to those suffering with political angst, and most bitter to those who support the disease.

Diseased politicians have forgotten that they are servants of the people.  Politicians must relinquish any pretensions to privacy when they run for public office.  Government secrets typically protect those employed in the government; not the people they were hired to serve, or elected to represent.  Competition between politicians must be fought on a level field of play.  Transparency may drive psychopathy into the shadows, but it is not likely to make it disappear altogether.  The public must be willing to suffer the anxiety engendered by change, or increasingly stagnate from the compulsion to remain on the present course.