11-24-2007, 07:26 AM
I agree. You've got aloha in your heart, there somewhere, petah, but it's not getting out well, at least in the last several days. Earlier on, it seems, you had a softer touch. I respect your deep concerns about Puna and it's future, and I appreciate your contact with all things Hawaiian.
In my experience, it is sometimes surprising how intelligent and well-read people are. It's easy for me to see what goes on around me, then think, what, are they stupid? But when you get to know somebody, most people really are bright and well-informed, and there's usually one or two stray interests that most people have explored to the PhD level. It might be art, gardening, saltwater aquaria, kite flying, or whatever, but I've learned that it's easy to underestimate people, in general. And I'm only speaking for myself.
Most people have political views, also. They may not share them publicly, but the views are there nonetheless. I know I've pissed off at least a few of you by making one of my political views known, but the opposition is not unanimous, and it's not uniformly targeted on point, either. I'm okay with that. We are all entitled to our views, and express them without fear of retribution; it's what makes us Amerikan.
For me, communication with others is good. Dialogue is good. Debate is marginal, and argument is no good. I'm just not cut out for elevated adrenaline levels, in spite of my profession. I won't accuse you of being "holier-than-thou", petah, although in some of your posts, you come across that way. I don't know, but I think you're not trying to see from the other person's point of view. Native American advice: walk a mile in my moccasins.
We're all bright people, we all have points of view, and I try to respect differences of opinion. If the differences are irreconcilable, well, there's no point in arguing. I make my political views known at the polling place.
How do I know?
Edited by - mgeary on 11/24/2007 11:26:59
In my experience, it is sometimes surprising how intelligent and well-read people are. It's easy for me to see what goes on around me, then think, what, are they stupid? But when you get to know somebody, most people really are bright and well-informed, and there's usually one or two stray interests that most people have explored to the PhD level. It might be art, gardening, saltwater aquaria, kite flying, or whatever, but I've learned that it's easy to underestimate people, in general. And I'm only speaking for myself.
Most people have political views, also. They may not share them publicly, but the views are there nonetheless. I know I've pissed off at least a few of you by making one of my political views known, but the opposition is not unanimous, and it's not uniformly targeted on point, either. I'm okay with that. We are all entitled to our views, and express them without fear of retribution; it's what makes us Amerikan.
For me, communication with others is good. Dialogue is good. Debate is marginal, and argument is no good. I'm just not cut out for elevated adrenaline levels, in spite of my profession. I won't accuse you of being "holier-than-thou", petah, although in some of your posts, you come across that way. I don't know, but I think you're not trying to see from the other person's point of view. Native American advice: walk a mile in my moccasins.
We're all bright people, we all have points of view, and I try to respect differences of opinion. If the differences are irreconcilable, well, there's no point in arguing. I make my political views known at the polling place.
How do I know?
Edited by - mgeary on 11/24/2007 11:26:59
Aloha! ;-)