Opposing views

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2ifbyC

2ifbyC

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I understand the logic about keeping an open mind when listening to opposing views. Perhaps you will learn something. Perhaps you will be able to anticipate their moves and better prepare yourself for battle. Perhaps you will change your way of thinking for the better.

What I don’t understand is why you will watch a “news” show having a host that you clearly dislike and know in advance that you are likely to become enraged and stressed out with his viewpoints. Maybe it’s an endurance test to see how long you can swallow the tripe before you start to gag or dash to the THR forum to vent your displeasure.

Personally, I do not watch or listen to these shows. I learned long ago not to stick my finger in a light socket. However, I do not want to make a “rush” to judgment.

Please enlighten me.
 
There is nothing wrong with listening to an opposing viewpoint. Some people don't want to because they're worried their mind might change. Some folks don't because its annoying to hear the same talking points over and over.
 
I like to know where their minds are running and what arguments they are going to make so that I can prepare a counter argument. It oftentimes gives you a heads up on where the anti camp is going long before "your" side realizes what is happening.
 
I feel like I need to listen to each opposing view, once.

Very hard to defeat an enemy that you don't understand.

Here is my favorite recent opposition argument, in part because it uses satire (if you're going to piss me off, at least use humor), and in part because it reveals one mindset of large quantities of basically decent people that we gun owners need to be able to address effectively:

01_766_overthinker_08COLOR.jpg
 
I eagerly engage in rational debate with those who hold opposing views and can express them in a coherent and reasoned manner. I can't deal with an opposing view that's based on nothing but emotion.
 
I believe in citizens owning grenades.........

You have nothing to fear when you've already taken your worldview to its logical conclusion.
 
The problem with that comic is that grenades would not be a good way to stop a BG in an area full of innocents, regardless of whether he has a gun or grenades.

Grenades would be great against an invading army or a tyrannical government. Or zombies.
 
It appears the turnip truck did not have its load tied down today.

This is a another PSA.;)
 
The fact is plain and simple the "Opposing views" will never see eye to eye.... never have and never will. They do have every right to their opinion whether you like it or not just like we do ours. It is also very unlikely you will be able to "convert" an Anti-gunner either, their mind has been made up and that is that... this being said does not mean roll over and let them take our rights, thoughts, and opinions away either, we have just as much right to them as they do. Stand your ground, be as intelligent and respectful as you possible can... but keep your composure and for heaven's sake use your heads in an opposing argument/ debate... whatever it may be.
 
“Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer”

2ifbyC,

I believe that to make an informed opinion you need to try and understand as many sides of an issue as possible. That is the reason I attempt to listen to both sides of the political debate.
 
To keep it simple, you must know what the enemy is saying in order to have your own arguments for counterattack. To paraphrase from Sun Tzu, you have to know your enemy and know yourself if you are to be successful.
 
"This is a another PSA"

You must be young, because if you were older you'd be thinking prostate test when you heard PSA.

Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test
 
I really enjoy listening to anti-gun advocates, even though they frequently make my blood boil.

The fact is plain and simple the "Opposing views" will never see eye to eye.... never have and never will.
Click to expand...

That's not always true. A lot of folks aren't hard-wired into their positions. I used to be a pretty staunch support of gun control. It was logic, facts and experience that changed my mind over the course of years. For example it's very, very difficult to honestly support the AWB if you understand what an "assault weapon" supposedly is and even more difficult if you own one.
 
John:

Everything is not what it appears to be. As a frame of reference, I lived in Richmond for 35 years. The PSA was a reference to the current PSA thread about nothing.

I agree about being open-minded; I was primarily referring to those that make your blood boil. I concede that they may be the ones that can strengthen your character the most.
 
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