I host a private political forum. I have been astounded and disappointed in some of the viewpoints expressed by people I actually like.
This happens here all the time. It does not take a discussion involving politics.
In other words, I do not want to know tbn'rs views on politics. I like and respect everyone here without exception and intend to keep it that way.
I belong to an organization whose members have varied political views. We meet weekly, and inevitably at some point, just like here, the discussion turns to politics. Provided the discussion remains civil, the discussion is generally enlightening and often ends, surprisingly, with everyone in general agreement. If the discussion becomes heated, it simply is ended.
Yes, at first I was disappointed to hear that many people whom I thought I knew, had opposing political views. But mostly, I grew to respect their opinions, once I realized what they were based on.
Even though I still often disagree with them politically, through these discussions I have grown to realize I don't have to dislike them personally, if we don't agree politically. Several have become very good friends.
Our system is set up to divide us. Through the free flow of ideas, those who are open minded, can learn our true differences, are few.
Again, I am not suggesting threads like: Bush vs. Obama on TBN. I am simply suggesting that if a discussion evolves to become defined as political, it does not
necessarily mean
it has to be ended, just for that reason.
