I was fascinated listening to the fallout from yesterday's Supreme Court
decision. Reading the opinions from those who were upset over it
was enlightening. It so happens that in this case I believe the court acted
wisely. Others think it is another step towards socialism or communism, they
can't seem to agree as to which. Many seemed upset just because it was a victory
for President Obama.
But this did get to me thinking about how we hold the opinions we hold. I'm
not trying to present myself as a great or brain or anything, because I surely
don't think I am. However, there is one thing I do try to do. I try to
understand all sides of an issue. I didn't see much of that yesterday.
If the issues involved in any controversy are not fully understood, if
cliches are allowed to carry the day, it makes it hard for those who differ to
come together. And we need more coming together and less polarization.
In my job there is a great deal of mediating conflict between team workers
involved. It all starts, I believe, with trying to get everyone to look at
things from the perspective of their coworkers. We should do that with life in
general. Everything looks so clear and obvious when looking out of our own eyes.
We forget that the same is true for others as well.
Our emotions cloud our vision, and I don't think any of us are exempt from
this weakness. Enhancing our capacity to understand the different ways of
looking at things is a very worthwhile practice. And there is no weakness
involved in allowing the right to agree to disagree.
2 comments:
I believe the quote on Facebook was: Now we get to see everyone become a Constitutional expert on Facebook.
I prophetically became true. I, like you want to see both sides.
@ Don,
I notice too many of the same arguments swirling around on this - as if everybody is using talking points. Usually I am able to concede the strengths of an opposing argument. I'm not afraid to press the weaknesses of my own positions, and think a bit less of those unwilling to do that.
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