One other comment I might make regarding your final paragraph...
I didn't take it in quite the literal sense. The meaning I got was that even though most people won't come right out and say "shut up", by essentially refusing to address issues and going off on tangents (instead of directly answering questions) or saying things like "let's just agree to disagree", a person is really saying "shut up" (in other words....I have no interest in what you are saying and won't acknowledge it even if it is logical). It's a convenient way to avoid getting into a conversation when there is very little support for a specific viewpoint.
Although I am personally more of a centrist, I have run across numerous democrats that use this strategy where I live. But I am very much in agreement with your comment. You have to be open minded enough to listen to other's viewpoint to come to solutions to problems.
The media is out to get republicans, blah blah. Somebody get Klavan a roll of tin foil.
He fails to mention that conservative pundits have the highest rated shows on BOTH cable and radio. That leads me to believe that their voice is being heard just fine.
And I havent said "shut up" with a tone of seriousness since I was a little kid. I always want to hear opposing arguements, you can't solve problems or come to resolutions if that is absent.
