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Genene, Your comments are very appropriate and well stated. Although some of the statements you mention appear to be "ugly", I believe the people on the list have an underlying respect for each other. This is based on the common enemy we face. We do need to focus on how best to achieve our goals, regardless of political beliefs. Dave Bergford 59/58/55 [log in to unmask] ----- Original Message ----- From: "Genene Hill" <[log in to unmask]> To: <[log in to unmask]> Sent: Sunday, September 24, 2000 12:38 PM Subject: Political Controversy on the List > The mark of an intelligent and centered person is that he/she recognizes > that there can be opposing views, each with validity. It may be that one > position is no more correct than the other--just a matter of personal > preference often born out of personal experience or lack thereof. > > The mature person does not feel the need to persuade others to his/her > position by hurling ugly statements--often emotional and not based on > fact--at the opposing position or implying that someone is ignorant, evil, > or sinful for not believing as he does. In reality, many of our positions > are emotion based and no amount of persuasion, unpleasant name calling or > educated reasoning will change minds or positions. > > Perhaps the best approach in political positions is to recognize that there > are many points of view. We can best participate in the political process > by being informed and active for good causes. We may be doing ourselves a > disservice, showing our own weaknesses in public, by figuratively throwing > rocks at those with a different view. Perhaps it is a childhood play yard > tactic of getting ones own way that has not been replaced by grown-up > problem solving techniques. It seems to me much better to work > cooperatively together to build consensus in solving problems.