Let me ask a hypothetical question:
Would you shout a profanity at a person for having a different favorite ice cream flavor then you?
Would you karate kick a friend if they had a different favorite American Idol?
Would you throw a couch at your neighbor if the they didn’t think the God(dess) sitting next to the pool you've been drooling over was a 10?
Then why do people take such great offense a person with opposing political views? Before you hi-jack the discussion with a smarmy response such as “Because none of those things matter and political views are vital to our very being” or something cooler and more ass-hole like… that’s not really my forte, why would it make a difference whether a person’s differing opinion is of an important issue or not? Is it your mind? Do you know what reasons they may have for their views? Do you know what they have personally experienced that could result in a particular outlook on a subject? If not, then who are you to cast judgment on anyone’s personal opinion?
The spirit of debate is the cornerstone of politics. So I am not blasting anyone for their joy of arguing their political view to other politicians. In fact, I believe the people who get into politics are professional debaters who hold their personal views dear to their heart and absolutely relish the opportunity to educate somebody with their blessed knowledge. And that is all well and good, it is the ignorant display of rejecting another person’s assessment of an issue that I can’t stand.
“So who are you voting for in the presidential election?”
“I don’t know, I’m thinking I’m gonna go with Candidate B”
“WHAT!?!?? ARE YOU KIDDING ME?? DON’T YOU KNOW YOUR SUPPORTING CAPITALSM? HE IS GOING TO DRIVE OUR COUNTRY INTO THE GROUND!!! Are you a terrorist? By supporting Candidate B you are supporting terrorism, you have a bomb on you, don’t you? Hand it over, HAND OVER THE BOMB! I swear if Candidate B gets elected I’m moving to
Just as important as it is that we have our own opinion, it is equally important that we let our fellow citizens have their own opinions. It is the fabric of our nation to let each person say and think as we please. Freedom of speech includes personal opinion, and we need to respect each person’s opinion no matter how different it may be because it is their right.
In fact we need to have different viewpoints from others, otherwise we would all think exactly the same and there would be no original thought. Can you imagine how boring the world would be if we all had the same opinions? That’s what makes you an individual.
Its good to hear out other people’s standpoint on a topic because you might just see their side of it and change your mind because it makes more sense. But if someone has deferring political views don’t chastise them for it, hear their case. Involvement in world matters is a good sign that you’re growing up, but what good is growing up if you can’t do it with maturity?
Pride is important, but so is respect, and if you want respect from others, you better be willing to give back.
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