Tartarin wrote:I go along with JLNobody. It's the combination of having the opportunity to articulate one's ideas AND recasting them after reading others' that really turns me on. The point is not to bring someone to one's point of view but to test out one's own convictions against the experiences and beliefs of others. In the process one not only learns a lot from the discussion -- and of course from links -- but one often finds common ground.
Pretty much the way I see it too. I don't look for conversion, but for consideration. Through the give-and-take of interaction, one can learn, and profit, much. There are probably few active members with whose comments at one time or another I have not been in opposition. I take particular delight in finding common ground with those of contrasting ideology, as well. many folks here, of whatever stripe, are articulate, sincere, and well informed. I figure that's good enough. One need not endorse a position to appreciate it, and one need not agree with another to reciprocate respect. I enjoy debate. If all were of one mind, things would be pretty dull, I think. I'm a big fan of diversity ... believe it or not
