Although I write an opinion column, I actually don’t have very strong opinions. Granted, I feel strongly that people should pick up dog poop, but I’m somewhat insecure about my beliefs on most political and social issues. This ambivalence comes from remembering all the stupid opinions I’ve held over the years, and I want to minimize my embarrassment going forward.
Socrates said, “The only thing I know is that I know nothing.” Stoic philosophers believed that our opinions are the main cause of unhappiness. Even though ancient wisdom tells us not to be biased and rigid in our beliefs, the influence of daily news media and social pressures can make us feel uneasy about even the most trivial matters. However, we are forced to take a stand on everything. Should I care about Beyoncé’s new album?
Much of America’s polarization stems from the unwavering opinions of its citizens and elected officials. Although the Constitution protects your right to believe as you wish, try to base your opinions on facts. Psychologist Courtney Warren warns that everyone is entitled to their opinion, but “not all opinions are equally valuable.” Opinions based on measurable data are useful, but opinions based on intuition or political loyalty add no value to the discussion. The guy in the tavern may know exactly how to solve all the problems in the Middle East, but we should not make him ambassador to the United Nations.
Political writer Sarena Zito said of candidate Trump in 2016, “His supporters take him seriously, but not literally.” It is dangerous to give politicians of the right or left such wide freedom of opinion. Because candidates are free to make bold statements about issues while ignoring the facts. An opinion shouted based on a false idea is more valuable than a quietly stated fact. Democracy depends on judging candidates by their true positions on issues, not just their emotional appeals.
Disagreement is as American as apple pie. Get used to it. In his upcoming November 2024 presidential election, approximately 70 million people will vote for a different candidate than you. They will each do so for reasons they feel are important. Please be in the spirit of fully embracing everyone’s right to vote as they wish, so as not to repeat the misdeeds of undemocratic losers like in 2020.
A 2017 report by the American Psychological Association said research shows that people “interpret facts differently when they challenge their personal beliefs, group identity, or moral values.” I’m warning you. We fact-check stories that contradict our beliefs, but not those that support our current opinions. We have little interest in switching to an opinion that could make us an unwanted persona in political or social circles.
It is highly unlikely that you will be able to convince someone to change political parties, so don’t even try. Make friends with your “enemies” instead. Both Democrats and Republicans are unique, with their own histories, relationships, dreams, and beliefs, and they probably have a lot in common with you. Start a conversation with a stranger in Summit County, and you might find out that they both moved to Colorado from Michigan, have kids at Summit High School, love dogs, and love ’70s rock. . Your politics have no bearing on your new friendship.
I attended an uplifting “Rediscovering Common Ground” presentation at Colorado Mountain College last week.
We focused on ideas from Richard Haas’s book “A Bill of Duty,” which calls on citizens to put aside political opinions for the sake of the national interest. To protect our democracy and ensure our nation’s success, we must develop civic habits of respecting each other, promoting the common good, being civil, and putting our country first. We sought. One important observation is that it is easy for officials to say no to everything, but to study the issue carefully and listen to different opinions in order to do what is best for the community and region. They elected officials to do the difficult job. nation.
Think of all the opinions you once held dear that you are now willing to let go of. It should remind you to be open-minded and feel friendship towards those who have different opinions than you. Roman emperor and philosopher Marcus Aurelius offers us valuable advice on maintaining marriage, friendship, and social harmony. “There’s always the option of not having an opinion.”
Paul Olson’s column, “A Friendly Conservative,” appears every other Tuesday in the Summit Daily News. Olson has lived in Breckenridge since 1995. Semi-retired, he works at his REI in Dillon and enjoys snowboarding, Nordic skiing, and hiking. Please contact pobreck@gmail.com.
