slatten49 Loc: Lake Whitney, Texas

The forum of OPP is packed with misleading thread titles and posts that contain, if not outright lies, unt***hs and 'f**e news' that are either (unsurprisingly) generally favorable to the poster's viewpoint or unfavorable to those with whom he/she disagrees. And, both the left and right are guilty of doing so. In many cases, it takes but a few seconds/minutes to rebuke or dismiss false claims with documented proof. Both are are also too often guilty of dismissing evidence of others arguments without documentation to refute them. An opinion piece does not necessarily reflect facts, unless they are documented with irrefutable evidence of said facts. Many, if not most, are guilty of such postings, although others post simply for discussion's sake. To err is human, and in posting such matters, I would like to think that those who do so, do it in error with no real intent of outright deception or lying, per se. Most who do so, IMO, do so out of blind or steadfast adherence to a philosophical, ideological or political belief, without regard for the possibility or even likelihood of viable alternative opinions/beliefs.

However, posting an article or piece that brings up matters for discussion is not the same as posting it as fact. Since OPP is meant to be a forum for open debate, I find it enlightening for such articles to be posted, regardless of the ideological lean involved. Take it or leave it, if the piece gives one pause for thought, it is well worth reading. If not, push it aside and go forward. I have often written that I learn much more from those with whom I disagree than those with whom I share the same thoughts. To dismiss any article/piece prior to even reading it, perhaps due to the perceived bias of the author, is the ultimate censorship: Self-censorship.

Reading or listening to anothers opinion or viewpoint does not require one to agree with that individual. It only asks that you listen or give a look and some thought before prematurely judging. By doing so, it (hopefully) invokes the other to be courteous and civil enough to treat you as you they were treated (kind'a remind you of the Golden Rule?). IMO, to immediately assault anyone with insults, profanity/vulgarity, dismissive remarks or ad hominem attacks rather than responding with reason and rationale is the first sign of a defeated participant in any debate. Simply put, one can disagree without being disagreeable.

badbobby Loc: texas

something everyone on Opp should consider
give the other guy consideration
we all have feelings
who knows, if we read and consider the posters viewpoint
we might possibly learn something

Coos Bay Tom Loc: coos bay oregon

Well said-- I would rather be blind than read some of the lies I have seen posted on this forum

Coos Bay Tom Loc: coos bay oregon

Ever the gentleman- I have learned a lot from you

badbobby Loc: texas

thanks Tom
You are also a gentleman