Politics

I think a lot of people freak out when speaking about politics. I actually really enjoyed a recent interview with Mike Huckabee from Jon Stewart about abortion. I really enjoyed the way both people were able to discuss a heated issue with respect, nicety, and responsibility. I especially enjoyed Jon Stewart's comment at the end that he may be really certain about many things, but this is the one issue he does not feel certain about (and I presume it has to do with having children of his own and all).

I'm not here to talk about abortion or anything, but maybe a set of rules about debating, discussing, or simply having a conversation about politics or religion, or some "heated" topic of the sort.

1. Do not take things personally. Whatever the topic, whatever things are said, it is not about you but the issue at hand.
2. Do not assume that your opinion is right and you must convince the other party that your opinion is right, even if it's undisputed. (This sounds arrogant or simple, but try talking about something you think is true {e.g. the world is round} to someone who does not believe it {e.g.the flat earth society}).
3. Put yourself in the other person's shoes, and do not talk to them in a manner you would not want them to talk to you. *cough* ECU preacher *cough*
4. Display facts in a calm, polite, and understanding tone.
5. Do display facts and not just feelings about the subject (e.g. "I feel that bunny murder is wrong because they are little and cute and who doesn't love a bunny?" as compared to "One should be careful not to be too quick to advocate for the consumption of rabbit meat beacause of the potential health issues for the people who consume rabbit, such as rabbit fever.")
6. Listen to what your counter part has to say. Just like you would like your side to be taken into consideration, then we should consider what the other side has to say.

Why should issues be discussed? In my opinion, if issues are discussed thoroughly, we can come to an understanding or mutual agreement on an issue. If you watch the Stewart interview, he suggests that everybody should be willing to take premptive measures (acceptable sex ed) so no one has to make a call on whether abortion is moral or not. This also allows for both parties to be well exposed to each others' point of view. A more well thought-out solution can come about if the issue is explored in depth, from a multi-perspective view.

Please also consider that this is not just something politicians or religious leaders should take on, but in my opinion, all people should try their best to be as informed as possible on issues they feel matter. You cannot have a reasonable discussion if you are not informed. You cannot make a difference in a matter if you are not informed.