The importance of fighting with someone on something

February 8, 2016 at 12:53 pm

Students from Texas Tech University build a house for Habitat for Humanity in 2010. Students from Texas Tech University build a house for Habitat for Humanity in 2010. (

In 1954, social psychologist Muzafer Sherif ran an experiment that could not be repeated today. Sherif was investigating prejudice and contesting Freud’s model of prejudice as an acting out of unresolved childhood conflicts.

At the Robbers Cave Boy Scout camp, Sherif wanted to test whether he could take a group of people, without any inherently hostile attitudes towards each other, and create conflict by introducing competition.

What Sherif found was not only that he could, but that he could also resolve the conflict if he introduced a shared goal. As I talk to people about politics and work for change, I always try to remember the importance of fighting with someone on something.

Class Warfare Indeed

February 19, 2011 at 3:16 pm

Today, I’d like to re-post some pieces from a wonderful article written by Chris Weigant. NOTE: The following is excerpted from “Friday Talking Points [155] — Class Warfare Indeed” by Chris Weigant. Intro Before I even begin here, I’d like to address what my critics will respond with, when they […]

The Zadroga 9/11 First Responders Bill

December 17, 2010 at 8:41 pm

Why haven’t any of the mainstream media networks picked this up? The Daily Show With Jon Stewart Mon – Thurs 11p / 10c Worst Responders www.thedailyshow.com Daily Show Full Episodes Political Humor & Satire Blog</a> The Daily Show on Facebook The Zadroga Bill is a bill proposed to help the […]

No Incentive to End Terrorism

June 23, 2008 at 8:23 pm

I have pointed this out before, but recently an aide for John McCain said it for me: a terror incident on U.S. soil “certainly would be a big advantage to him [McCain].”

Charlie Black said this in an interview with Fortune. He since regrets saying this, but it rings true.

If terrorists attacked, people would be more likely to vote Republican. This probably doesn’t strike you as surprising, but think about the implication of this for a second.

Mortgaging Our Future

August 21, 2007 at 12:19 pm

One of the biggest Republican talking points is personal responsibility. Why? Because there is a strong tradition in this country of taking ownership for your actions and this value resonates with a wide variety of people. While Republicans take advantage of this value, Progressives miss many opportunities to show that […]