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SpinnerofTales -> I Want to Thank the Conservatives (3/11/2009 5:02:57 PM)
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Over the past few weeks, I've spent a lot of time debating, chiding and sometimes even poking my conservative fellow users. Now I'd like to take a moment to thank them.
One of the most vital signs of a functioning free society is a loud and spirited debate of public issues. It is not the shouting that should frighten us. It is the silence. It is only in a situation where differing opinions are aired, examined and argued that any progress towards either truth or solutions can be gained.
I know this is no easy task. I spent eight years in violent opposition to almost everything proposed or carried out by the previous administration. I voiced my objections and was called a traitor, a supporter of terrorism and anti-American. So I well understand that speaking the minority opinion is not an easy task. It is, however, a necessary one.
If nothing else, by speaking as the opposition you can point out things that supporters of the administration might well miss. Again, this is not an easy road to take and does often put you into a position of sounding as if you agree with the conspiracy theorists and fringe believers, yet it is a necessary part of the most basic requirement of a free society: The exercise of the right of free speech.
So, while my disagreement with you is likely to continue on most issues, I wanted to take a moment to thank you. Keep doing what you're doing. And keep in mind the there are some of us who appreciate Voltaire's wisdom when he said, "I may not agree with a thing you say, but I will defend to my death your right to say it."
And now I will return to doing my best to make soda come out your nose, steam come out of your ears and my version of things come into your minds. :grin:
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