Do you really mean "everyone's opionion should be respected"? (read the rest)?
or do you really mean "everyone's RIGHT to have an opinion should be respected"? It's not the same t thing. I will acknowledge that any yahoo can form an opinion and is entitled to it but is it incumbent on us to be polite when we clearly don't share those opinions?
Your opinions?
2006-08-21T23:35:10Z
just to clarify for people who think I automatically shut out opinions I don't share: Let's assume I take the time to listen and have either heard the argument before or have considered it and found it objectionable.
Politeness is a good rule in general... Impoliteness has it's place, too, (though I can't seem to think of an example right off the top of my head, LOL.) I totally agree with you about the difference between respecting the right of opinion and respecting a specific opinion... There's a major big difference between the two.
I guess my advice to you on this is to maintain a polite attitude as often as you can... but when the situation calls for a harsh response, lay in with the throttle wide open. You'll know when the time comes.
Just because you don't share someone's opinion, why should you be rude to them? One should always be polite to everyone. All men are created equal and should be treated equally. Even if you think their opinion idiotic, you should argue as politely as possible. A good argument is not enhanced by being rude.
Also, you wouldn't want to be the sort of person who has to assert their opinion over someone else by resorting to insult. Better to use language to convince someone or expose the flaws of their opinion, than insult someone. (Sarcasm is permitted but no name calling.)
i agree everyone has a right to have an opinion. the corollary being that if someone disagrees vehemently they have a right to voice their opinion as well. it would be nice if the respect could spill over into respectful and well thought out comments and rebuttals, but it probably wouldn't be as much fun.