Informed Discussions Are Necessary

George Burns

This note is an attempt to promote discussion; not to preach.  Most, if not all, content is familiar to everyone.  So, bear with me please.

Too often we enter into discussions ill-prepared about the hot topics of the day, occasionally resulting in misunderstandings, hurt feelings or worse.  This is especially true in today's contentious politically correct climate.  But it should not be.  Discussions should be just that, an open respectful exchange of ideas, not efforts to defend entrenched positions or ill-informed arguments.

Many people avoid such discussions for fear they will result in discord, preferring to keep the peace.  That is regrettable.  It means much needed meaningful discussions about important matters to family, friends, our communities, states and country do not happen.  Engaging in open-minded discussions is vital since they help clarify positions, impart new information, correct inaccuracies, erase misunderstandings, expand horizons, build trust and respect among those involved and make us better informed.

     

Merriam Webster's Dictionary defines the word discussion as giving "consideration of a question in open and usually informal debate." It is a session in which two or more persons engage in civil and robust "give and take" of ideas and opinions.

Among those we trust most of us are willing to share our thoughts.  Sometimes we agree and sometimes not.  Sometimes opinions are well thought out and based on factual evidence.  Sometimes they are formed based on feelings, brief TV/radio snippits, opinions of those we know, limited study or misinformation - they rest on a weak foundation.  During any discussion everyone's opinion deserves a hearing.  Legitimate differences of opinion exist.  Those differences deserve respect.  Taking cheap shots or seeking "got ya" opportunities against those with whom we disagree do not advance the discussion.  Instead, we should be seeking to understand different points of view through active listening - see link below.  Open and honest merit-to-merit discussions typically benefit both sides by clarifying respective understanding of opposing opinions and identifying any weaknesses in our own.  In some cases positions change entirely based on meritorious facts.

In forming an opinion too many of us rely on brief sound bites, opinions of peers or favored media personalities/outlets and by commiserating with like minded people. Invariably such methods result in an opinion resting on a weak, even baseless foundation.  We should not be afraid to have our positions challenged.  Instead, we should be secure in our position based on a firm understanding of the facts.  A solid opinion is one that is formed by:

=  Studying issues from multiple sources.

=  Conducting pro and con analysis of the issues.

=  Listening to expert debates/discussions.

=  Discussing issues with family and trusted friends.

=  Discarding sensationalized or motive generated commentary.

=  Discerning what is logical, reasonable and realistic. 

=  Keeping an open mind - facts can change.

Failing to undertake efforts to inform ourselves means important discussions either do not happen or those that do are fruitless, frustrating or unfulfilling.  Why do I dwell on this?  Because it is not an inconsequential matter.  Just look at the state of our communities, states and country.  Social, financial, cultural, spiritual and governance problems abound.  They are everywhere.  We can seek to do something about them within our spheres of influence or we can ignore them and hope they go away.  But, they will not go away. They are too entrenched and getting worse.  We can either do our part to address them or suffer the consequences.  They are not other peoples problems.  They are ours.

None of us can hold well informed opinions on all issues, nor should we try.  Our responsibility is to select those which are important to us, get informed and share our opinions and work towards solutions.  Failing to do so is failing ourselves, our families, our friends, our churches, our communities, our states and our country.

One of the most important issues now before us is the approaching November elections.  Elections have real consequences and demand careful consideration of all candidates for office - local, state and federal.  Once the elections are over we can turn to other important matters while keeping an eye on those elected to assure they perform according to their sworn obligations.  This election cannot be relegated to getting prepared the week or night before voting.  Using the steps identified above we must dig into the past history, actions, values and opinions of candidates. A voting decision based on anything other than being well informed is an abridgment of citizenship responsibility.  Being good looking, well spoken, congenial, a member of a particular political party, an incumbant, or someone you know and like does not a viable candidate make.  Informed in-depth discussions with others will not only enhance our own voting decisions but help others with theirs.

For the upcoming elections please start now studying candidate positions on the issues and engage in informed discussions.  These are not just good things to do - they are our civic duty.

 More info: http://artofmanliness.com/2012/05/08/listen-up-part-ii-15-techniques-to-improve-our-listening/