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Just curious if anyone posting in this thread - these 18 pages, has had their opinion moved in a different direciton; ever so slightly?



IMHO, these discussions have yielded some extremely profound observations on all sides of the issues. And it isn't about changing anybody's mind in the first place. Discussion is about expanding one's own awareness by comparing multiple points of view.

Those who want to expand their own awareness tend to embrace such discussions, as they aren't offended by opinions that differ from their own.

On the other hand, people who are intolerant of opinion that isn't exactly like theirs tend to dislike such discussions, because they can't handle hearing opinions they don't agree with. The classic response of intolerance is to shut down the discussion so NOBODY can talk about the opinions they don't like.

you will be sure to hear things you don't agree with in an open forum. Yet, I believe discussion is important, especially in democratic societies where the media is in a position to spin the news to influence the public's interpretation of the events being reported.

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ey71h8ep047758h/AAC12jNM0Hz9Q8zsh5iDeqNHa?dl=0