-George Bush Sr.
People today have forgotten what it means to argue. Arguments are looked at as a bad thing, but there was a time when argument was important to Americans. Arguments used to mean a civil debate between two disagreeing parties, but in today's Jerry Springer world arguments inevitably descend into name calling and constant one-ups-manship. Often on our news shows you can't even discern what the commentators are trying to say because they're all talking over one another.
People today don't like to be contradicted. They like to make bold and sometimes shocking statements on the bumpers of their cars or on their clothing, but they bear these statements
like the fashion fads of the day. Often these opinions are discarded like last year's baggy painter's pants in favor of whatever new popular opinion sprouts up. Their bumper sticker is a shout into the void with no expectation of a rebuttal.People who passionately defend their opinions are often told that they are being "bombastic" or "uncivil" by those of opposing opinion, as if being passionate on an issue were a deteriment to his or her's character. This just isn't true. More than likely the person doing the accusing simply does not want to hear views opposing their own.
People have grown lazy in that regard. We want less debate and more rank-and-file agreement.
It is important now for all of us to hold onto our ideals with both hands. Be strong in your convictions and do not sway with popular opinion. Form your thoughts slowly and give careful consideration to opposing views. When you are challenged you will then be ready to defend that which you think is true.
Be civil to those whose views lay separately from your own. By setting this example you will hope that they will also be civil to you.
This will be a better country when people stop caving to popular opinions and start debating issues in a reasonable manner with their neighbors.