“I could never date a Democrat,” my future girlfriend warns me. We weren’t even talking about politics.

I learned two important things from that conversation: First, don’t let statements like that deter you from pursuing a smart, beautiful woman. Second, being a jerk only hurts your cause.

See, my girlfriend is not an intolerant right-wing loyalist that instantly writes off every liberal as some insane asshole. But she did let one angry and bitter man with a shove-down-your-throat approach to debate make her wary of leftists. It’s possible that this guy could have represented the same ideals I believe in, but he certainly didn’t deliver them well. After some rational and civil conversation, it turns out that she and I aren’t so different after all.

That’s what I hope The New Wisdom can bring to the national discourse. I can’t listen to political talk radio (even when I agree with their views) because it’s filled with hate and bashing rather than persuasive arguments and civilized debate. The instant you sling an insult, you’re initiating a series of subconscious defense mechanisms in your counterpart that immediately closes off all open-mindedness to new ways of thinking. I don’t want to erect that barrier. It’s hard to convince them if they’re not listening.

Please listen and talk back to us. Comment on our posts, participate in the forums, email us your thoughts. I can’t wait for you tell me I’m a jackass imbecile who should be shot in the groin. My subconscious defense mechanisms are ready.