My father imparted a few life lessons to me, as all parents attempt to do. He told me once that if you want to keep your friends, particularly in a business environment, never talk politics or religion. He went on to say that each of us are hardwired to a large extent. We are how God made us. We are not particularly open to new ideas, looking more often than not for confirmation and not learning. So, he offered, it is best to keep your heartfelt opinions to yourself, unless it is to defend those who absolutely require it.
I don’t always live to this ideal, and sometimes take his final thought as an opportunity to persuade others. Or as they would say, to save them from their own ignorance. In some cases, I do think that is important, even though I have learned that you can only lead a horse to water, not make them drink it.
Some posts over the last few days have shocked me in the level of condescension, dismissiveness, arrogance, ignorance and savagery. I’d like to believe we could all benefit from dialogue, having leaned in negotiations that no deal comes from fixed positions. What I read on these pages by a few is dogma in the extreme and a close-mindedness that is discouraging. I confess I understand the wisdom in my father’s admonition. If I also am guilty of these faults (and they are faults), please accept my apologies.
For my part, I will think twice, if not three times before engaging in what is clearly a fruitless exercise in exchanging views on politics here.
Utah Tech @ 
Utah 
.
