No.Nonsense.

I have friends and family who are far left politically. I have friends and family who are far right. I like to say I am right of center. I am more middle of the road on social issues. I’m to the right on issues involving the economy and national security. I tend to vote more conservative in national elections and more liberal in state politics. I try to be a bit more hands off when it comes to those areas that don’t potentially affect me and my family directly such as LGBTQ issues or abortion, issues I see more as morality than legislative. I have my views but I don’t impose those on others. What I do care about is ensuring my family is safe and that we have the resources we need to live a comfortable life.

I share my opinions, hence this blog, and will engage with anyone in a discussion. What I do not appreciate is a confrontation.

Yesterday, I walked into a meeting location and was immediately assailed with questions about my views on the military operation that captured Maduro in Venezuela. This was not done in a way meant to engage in a dialogue but to say “I know what your opinion is going to be and I’m now going to tell you why it is wrong”. I truly care about this person and we are open about our differing viewpoints. I would have a discussion if a discussion is what they had wanted. In that moment, though, they wanted an argument.

I answered their inquiry about my viewpoint, which I have debated with myself about sharing here and decided to not do so. I have my supporting argument for my opinion. I listened to their perspective. I reiterated my opinion without trying to convince them to come over to my side. I wanted them to understand in that moment that my opinion was thought out and valid and was not going to be changed by their argument. And then I redirected the conversation.

I am not saying to avoid discussions with those with whom you disagree. I think it is imperative to have those conversations because it gives you a differing perspective. If you live your life only seeing one side of the fence, you have a very limited field of view and aren’t making the best decisions about where to stand. What’s more, understanding a person fully comes in seeing every part of them. You can’t do so if you don’t have discussions about those things with which you differ.

I get so frustrated with those who believe the only way forward is for everyone to agree with them. A variety of opinions is what makes a fully workable society. If everyone saw things the same way, we would have nothing more than a hive mind that discourages individuality. I, for one , wouldn’t want to live in that world where everyone is the same.

I want to discuss. I’m okay with a debate. I will listen to your opinions and will share mine. What I don’t want is a confrontation meant to produce a particular result. For me, that is a violation of reasonable rules of engagement and have no place in a civil society.