Actually, I find arguing the other side of the argument often focuses my own thoughts, as well as eliciting information I previously didn't have.
There are very few subjects where I actually think I know all the facts. And because I don't have all the facts, I find my own convictions on the subject are often not as clear cut as others would like. I seldom argue points of view I don't agree with. And when I do, I usually make that clear. But sometimes while taking an opposing view, I learn a little more about where I really do stand. For instance, I asked you what percentage of GNP Trinidad spent on helping other countries/people. After asking that question, I posed the same question to myself for the US. And realized I didn't know the answer. And it is none of my business. And even if I knew the answer, would a higher value than that of Trinidad make an American voice more valuable or valid. And if it did, wouldn't the same hold true in US elections? That someone willing to put more money into an election have a bigger say in said election. I should hope not. That is not what America is all about. (Now my back is up for a completely different topic, all because of the question I asked you and the conversation in my head.) That is why I ask such questions. And welcome to the conversations in my head. Jerry Johnson >>> [EMAIL PROTECTED] 02/04/03 10:38AM >>> Well...arguing for arguing sake is what it sounds like. I'm not one of those that debates just to debate (unless I'm in a mischievous mood). When I give my opinions on something it is usually because its what I believe at that point in time. And through discussions on this list my point of view has been changed on a few matters well.... so I kinda think its cheating me, personally, if someone doesn't really give their opinion but instead argues for arguing sake.... its like...not being honest about what you really think or believe when I am. This is just purely personal point of view on the matter though. I know there are people that simply like to debate and will just pick a side and argue that side and have a lot of fun. But to me that is like a ..game.. That I like to know I'm playing. Because if you could say that you agree with one person on the short comings of the current situation..but if that person were not American you would have replied differently well....I just don't thing that attitude fits in with an International List, evne if most of the people that contribute regularly are Americans...you know?? That said I do understand the frustration of many Americans at the 'anti-american' sentiment out there. 0_0 -Gel -----Original Message----- From: Jerry Johnson [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Gel, Thanks for answering Tim's questions as regards Trinidad. I really _did_ want to know this. My education about geography and geo-politics is woefully inadequate, having centered on large land masses and people aiming large pointy things at America. It is also about 20 years out of date. But to go back to your previous message: I would disagree. I don't think it is a ridiculous standpoint. In fact, I think it is patriotic and my duty to try to counter the anti-American rhetoric that has the internet awash (not neccessarily from you). I'm bad at it, but I still think it is neccessary to balance the vocal (but minority) America bad, anything else good. (Also, being who and what I am, talking the counter argument is usually too good to pass up.) Jerry Johnson ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~| Archives: http://www.houseoffusion.com/cf_lists/index.cfm?forumid=5 Subscription: http://www.houseoffusion.com/cf_lists/index.cfm?method=subscribe&forumid=5 Get the mailserver that powers this list at http://www.coolfusion.com Unsubscribe: http://www.houseoffusion.com/cf_lists/unsubscribe.cfm?user=89.70.5
