We have our differences, but mostly I've noticed that things are respectful here. It didn't always feel that way at times, and I dropped out, sometimes for long stretches. Contention breeds division and can result in people leaving, which may be the goal of some, quieting the voices they disagree with. Maybe it was my sensitivities, but there seems to be less conflating and name calling, and more considering. Some assumed that my liberal views on guns meant that I was for confiscation, and called me things like an "idiot f*cktard" for believing something I didn't actually believe. [I truly think that any attempt at confiscation would result in another civil war, and I know who would win that given the firearm saturation that exists, there's an armory on every block in many places, but I think we could be a whole lot smarter about who can access weapons, and how they are allowed to be configured (giant magazines, bump stocks), though it's probably all moot given the aforementioned saturation level of guns in this country as well as who really pulls the strings, the manufacturers with their bribery (or "lobbying"). The "gun control crowd" doesn't have a leg to stand on, control is no longer possible; guns won.]
Nevertheless, the importance of this forum is undeniable; because of our involvement I don't get to claim ignorance of others' views on so much, or live in an opaque bubble of my own creation. Here we may revert to our ancient instincts of tribalism and pure reaction, but overall we listen. As a left-coast, liberal gay man raised on progressive values, I am fascinated and humbled by people with opposite views, lifestyle, and morality. I get to be in contact with you through the Internet. That creates empathy (the root of political correctness), and allows me to be aware of others' wide-ranging opinions and share mine. All the candor is much appreciated. We grow in our diminishing ignorance.
Now we have a window like never before into the soul and psyche of an American president. Although I'm appalled by what I see, and believe that his tweeting damages the station, at least I get to know what's there. The entertainment factor aside, information is priceless. I get to put myself into the shoes of a rich, misogynistic, bigot whose lies are oddly transparent, an Archie Bunker with a great deal of power, and see where he's coming from as well as where he's trying to take us. Hate, division, and ignorance are often-embraced, formidable, and instinctual foes. Knowledge and participation are their antidote.
Nevertheless, the importance of this forum is undeniable; because of our involvement I don't get to claim ignorance of others' views on so much, or live in an opaque bubble of my own creation. Here we may revert to our ancient instincts of tribalism and pure reaction, but overall we listen. As a left-coast, liberal gay man raised on progressive values, I am fascinated and humbled by people with opposite views, lifestyle, and morality. I get to be in contact with you through the Internet. That creates empathy (the root of political correctness), and allows me to be aware of others' wide-ranging opinions and share mine. All the candor is much appreciated. We grow in our diminishing ignorance.
Now we have a window like never before into the soul and psyche of an American president. Although I'm appalled by what I see, and believe that his tweeting damages the station, at least I get to know what's there. The entertainment factor aside, information is priceless. I get to put myself into the shoes of a rich, misogynistic, bigot whose lies are oddly transparent, an Archie Bunker with a great deal of power, and see where he's coming from as well as where he's trying to take us. Hate, division, and ignorance are often-embraced, formidable, and instinctual foes. Knowledge and participation are their antidote.