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December 12, 2011

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As a communications consultant (or "someone who gets paid for the talky-talk thingy), I'm of the opinion that it's nigh impossible for any of us to be really impressed anymore.

Today's speeches aren't written for Americans. They're written for narrow interest groups, for undecideds, for journalists, for "the base," or for some other niche. And I am no longer in any of those niches, so the deconstructionist in me tends to see the cynicism for what it is.

Politics isn't inspiring anymore, period.

"Today's speeches aren't written for Americans. They're written for narrow interest groups, for undecideds, for journalists, for 'the base,' or for some other niche. And I am no longer in any of those niches, so the deconstructionist in me tends to see the cynicism for what it is."

This could be, for the editor of Vital Speeches of the Day, a sufficiently detailed suicide note. (And someday, that it may be.)

Except: Ike, how have you managed to entirely escape the world of the narrow interest groups? (Aside from the Deconstructionists Lobby to which you no doubt pay dues.)

And how have you achieved this outer-space world of "American"? Sincere American leaders and their speechwriters would love to know more about you, because they'd like to engage you in an interesting goddamn conversation.

David, I have escaped because I am a communicator at heart. I know the buttons that are being pushed, and recognize them when they are used toward me. I am the unalienated outsider.

Even when encountering those essays or speeches where I find myself vehemently frothing with agreement, I have disciplined myself to step out-of-body and examine the deeds of the speaker. (Words must follow deeds - Confucius)

It's not easy, but I've been the cynic too long to take politicians at face value. Even the ones I might agree with.

I'd love to take you up on your offer of Interesting Conversation, because we'd have a blast.

You're on, Ike. I've been meaning to read your blog more regularly for some time. Now I'm gonna start. The Conversation will occur naturally.

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