Internetworkers: http://www.ibiblio.org/internetworkers/

[Ian Meyer <ianmeyer AT gmail.com>]

i agree with that, however, it seems like the discussions sometimes
just get out of control or heated when its not really doing any good.

but then again, thats what the delete key is for, right?

:p

~ian

On Sun, 11 Jul 2004 11:31:12 -0400 (EDT), Alan MacHett
<machett AT ibiblio.org> wrote:
> In reference to Ian Meyer's message:
> > if you honestly stand back and look at it, are any of us on this list
> > really going to change our minds based on what we read here?
> >
> > i think that the vast majority of (at least the active posters) people
> > on this list are pretty set in our ways, and we clearly defend our
> > beliefs tooth and nail.
> >
> 
> I know you're talking politics here, but but I'd like to comment in
> defense of open-mindedness in general.
> 
> True, by the time most people reach adulthood they have solidified their
> world-view.  Don't discount the value of discussion, however.  I'd like to
> think that intelligent and/or open-minded people or groups (like INW)
> benefit from the ability to update their judgements.
> 
> For instance, although I haven't changed my opinion of the nature of
> juries in this country, my stance has been softened somewhat by the
> discussion of it last week.  Perhaps continued discussion would convince
> me of the merits of the jury system.  Or consider this: I grew up
> homophobic, and when I moved to this area in 1997 I was still put-off by
> homosexuality.  If it weren't for all of the discussions I had with many
> people, then I wouldn't today be able to count among the people I know the
> many good and decent people I know ... who just happen to be gay or
> lesbian or bisexual or whatever.
> 
> Reasoned discourse is always a good thing.
> 
> -Alan
> 
> ---
> Come and play at the InterNetWorkers Web site!  
> http://www.ibiblio.org/internetworkers/
> You are currently subscribed to InterNetWorkers mailing list
> To unsubscribe visit 
> http://lists.ibiblio.org/mailman/listinfo/internetworkers
>