The single rule for any discussion or debate of any issue has to be, or is either unknown by far too many, or ignored when enjoying our Nation”s greatest rights for it”s citizens. Both parties or groups who are using the right of free speech should bring to the floor all the passion and knowledge of their personal belief”s and views to state why they have come to their conclusions. The single rule that is being brought to this issue is that all may do so without causing any feelings of hate to the opposing parties or groups. Each side should never leave the discussion or debate with any feelings of anger or thought of retaliation for those who have different beliefs than their own. The true reaction should always be to look for and bring forth factual proof in future meetings of the mind. It is only those fact based arguments that have any chance of changing another”s belief”s or views of any issue.
The length of time, if ever, to change anyone”s mind about deeply seated belief”s has no time limits, if honest, proven examples of the rightness of one side or another is not offered. Using intimidation, tone and loud speech will not and has never effected the long term agreement as to the truth, or answer to any debated issue. Today”s discussion of issues offered by our present day news media lacks that simple rule. Too many talking heads have found it to be in their interest in selling more issues or gaining high ratings and thus greater profits, to keep most side”s issues of a discussion stirred up and divided until a more recent new issue takes its place.
A feeling of despair leaves so many or our citizens in a constant state of gloom while living their daily lives, feeling less the wonderful joy of living this gift of life we have been given. It needs to be stopped, and the public addressed as to the honest damage it has done. Looking back at this world”s history, seeing the wonderful achievements that have been created and left standing for all future era”s to see and enjoy, seems like something we have set aside as being less than important to accomplish. A way to correct this problem might be to expose our present day student”s minds to the importance of using free speech honorably in the form of high school debate teams that rank as just as important as the assorted sports events for their peers to be exposed to.
Jim Hall, Clearlake Oaks
