[rsxer45]

Originally posted by T4 Primera
I like this thread and the sentiments that have been expressed along these lines in other threads. Already I observe an increasing level of civility and respect for opposing views along with a decrease in emotive name calling and labeling in this forum.

Some people are presumed to be anti-american. Sometimes they bring this upon themselves when emotion and ego influence the way they articulate their posts. I admit to be prone to this flaw at times - nobody is perfect.

Meanwhile some people are not as articulate as others in expressing how they see things. This is where it is important to consider very carefully what they are trying to express - instead of leaping on every little crack in their dialogue. Conversely, some people are so articulate that they can be obviously wrong and yet make a very convincing argument that they are right. I admit to being guilty of this too at times.

Now here is my most important point. Some people are genuinely anti-american. But that does not mean there is no value in what they have to say. The value in considering their views is that we can gain understanding into how they came to feel this way. We don't have to agree with them. However, if we don't at least listen and allow them to express their greivances, then we will never understand why these sentiments exists at all. It takes a little empathy to understand how things are for someone else - and it can be done without agreeing with their reasoning.

Consider this next time you post: Is it your intention to win an argument and be right? or is your intention to help others understand your perspective and to gain insight into theirs?

Personally, I sincerely hope that the passing of time will prove my views incorrect. This hope exists because, even though I don't get to be right, it will mean that the world has become a much better place than the place I think it is becoming.

Well said .