I enjoy the give and take of a good debate based on facts. The problem is that very few seem to care about facts now. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. They are not entitled to their own facts. Too many want to find some source or authority who agrees with them and claim those statements are facts. The world is not black and white. It is not even shades of gray. It is a multi colored collage. We seem to have somehow lost our collective way. It seems always to be us vs. them. If one minority abuses the welfare system some want to blame them all. If one white guy kills 20 school children he's just a crazy exception. He couldn't possibly represent all white males or all gun owners. He had to be so crazy he couldn't even represent all crazy people.
It seems to be one of the more common excuses for poor behavior. It's like little kids going: "Look what he did!"
I think the biggest problem has everything to do with social media and the Internet. Look at Facebook and the unbelievably cruel things people post in comments. Those look almost kind when compared to the comments made after articles on Yahoo. Pick out some stupid screen name and let the rude comments begin. No one knows who you are. People are willing to hide behind screen names and say things they would never say to your face. It hardens all the participants in the discussion. It is a sad commentary on our lack of civility and sense of community.
So, be kind, use facts, change the conversation, be positive. Be prepared because they will hate you. Remember no matter what they say you are not the problem, you are the inconvient answer.
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