Your Opinion Doesn't Matter...And Other Myths...

Standing Up For Your Opinion... - Standing Up For Your Opinion...
@twoey68 (13627)
United States
March 6, 2008 8:15pm CST
I've noticed something lately and had to wonder about it. As some of you know, I have very strong opinions on certain things. I'm not saying their 100% right but their mine and I stand up for them. There are certain topics here on MyLot that most ppl will avoid b/c they tend to lead to fights...abortion, gays, politics and religion. I don't avoid them. I state my opinion and move on. As my Dad used to say, it takes two to fight :) Lately, I've noticed that when some of these discussions are started (we'll use abortion as an example) and someone like me comes in and says I don't agree with it and I think that if a woman is that set against having children then she should take steps to ensure that she doesn't have children, the poster or another member will come in and say that since I have never had an abortion, my opinion doesn't count...in fact I'm not entitled to that opinion. Now, I may never have had an abortion or been pregnant but that doesn't mean that I have never been taught what is right and wrong, and I was taught that abortion is wrong. It doesn't mean that anyone has to agree with that but when you post a discussion on MyLot it's open to EVERYONE...not just those that agree with you. If you don't like someone's response, fine, skip it and keep going. The same thing applies to the gay lifestyle, I've been told that since I'm not gay that I don't have an opinion on it. Whether or not I'm gay has nothing to do with what I believe is right and wrong. I'm not planning to be President of the US but I still have opinions on who I like and whether or not I agree with President Bush. I'm not black but I still have an opinion on whether hanging nooses is right or wrong. I don't fight dogs but I still have opinions on whether or not it's right or wrong to torture and kill them. The point is MyLot is an open forum...a discussion community. Ppl from all walks of life come here with their feelings, opinions and beliefs. Just b/c their outlook is not what you want to hear doesn't mean their not entitled to it. You have to take the good with the bad in life. So, are you guilty of telling ppl this? Do you agree or disagree? Do you avoid responding to a discussion b/c your opinion doesn't agree with the majority? **AT PEACE WITHIN** ~~STAND STRONG IN YOUR BELIEFS~~
26 people like this
46 responses
@Grandmaof2 (7579)
• Canada
7 Mar 08
I'm honest enough to admitt that there has been times I've read a post and thought "OMG I can see where this will end up", like in a deleted bin and I've just skipped on past, BUT with that said I agree with you 100 % this is open forum and if you don't agree with a certain response OH WELL. It is a sure bet that we will never all think alike which I think is a good thing. I stand very strong in my beliefs as well but I'm always willing to read anyones ideas whether I agree or not. If the topic was abortion lets say, I would disagree that it's an OK thing to do, but if you came along and told me to back off because you were going to have one regardless of what I say, I would just say a prayer on your behalf with my other prayers and I would do nothing further. That's just an example, hope it answers your post. Thank you.
7 people like this
@GardenGerty (157555)
• United States
7 Mar 08
I am in the boat with Grandma of 2, and twoey, you just gave me a vision of all of us sitting in a great circle patting people on the back. My brain is on vacation, I think.
@twoey68 (13627)
• United States
7 Mar 08
I think my wrist would get tired LOL Thanks for Responding!! **AT PEACE WITHIN** ~~STAND STRONG IN YOUR BELIEFS~~
3 people like this
@twoey68 (13627)
• United States
7 Mar 08
It wouldn't be much of a discussion forum if everyone agreed, would it? We'd all just sit around patting each other on the back and singing praises of how great we are LOL The fact is disagreeing is what makes this site but the art is to disagree without being rude, hateful or nasty about it. I don't agree with certain things but I do try to listen to the other opinions...I'll be the first to admit that I've lost my temper more than once and had a few fights here but I learn as I go along. Thanks for Responding!! **AT PEACE WITHIN** ~~STAND STRONG IN YOUR BELIEFS~~
4 people like this
@Rozie37 (15499)
• Turkmenistan
7 Mar 08
I know exactly where you are coming from. They put these discussions out there, but then when you do not agree with them, they attack you. I know a lot of people like this offline also. If they say that they like something and I say that it does not appeal to me, they get offended. To me this is very immature. I can only express how I feel as long as it lines up with what you believe. I believe that it is the people who are wrong and know that they are wrong who do this. I have heard that the only time a person asks for advice is when they want an accomplice.
@twoey68 (13627)
• United States
7 Mar 08
Wouldn't it be nice if we could give all of the ppl that are like that their own little box of applause? Then when they want to feel their always right, they can open it up LOL Thanks for Responding!! **AT PEACE WITHIN** ~~STAND STRONG IN YOUR BELIEFS~~
4 people like this
@GardenGerty (157555)
• United States
7 Mar 08
I have friends on myLot who do not share the same opinions I have, but I respond at least occasionally to their more controversial posts with my opinions because we agree to respect each other, and our opinions do count with each other. Unfortunately that is not true of all people on myLot, but I agree with your open forum statement. If you have an opinion you would like to state, you are entitled to do so.
@twoey68 (13627)
• United States
7 Mar 08
I think even if you don't agree with someone you can agree to disagree and move on. There's no reason to turn it into a free for all. Thanks for Responding!! **AT PEACE WITHIN** ~~STAND STRONG IN YOUR BELIEFS~~
2 people like this
@Shaun72 (15959)
• Palatka, Florida
7 Mar 08
I agree I am against abortion myself also. I'm not gay but I think that is a stupid thing to get tested for to see if your baby will turn out gay or not. I think however the baby turns out you should love it for the person it is.I don't have any childern either. Like you said there are ways to stop pregnancies.
7 people like this
@twoey68 (13627)
• United States
7 Mar 08
LOL Well, I didn't mean this as a discussion about abortion but it's good that you voiced your opinions on it. Good for you! Thanks for Responding!! **AT PEACE WITHIN** ~~STAND STRONG IN YOUR BELIEFS~~
4 people like this
@raychill (6525)
• United States
7 Mar 08
Haven't you ever heard the saying "Opinions are like A$$holes. Everyones got one... and all of them stink." Then there is also that saying of "you think your shi!t don't stink." That's because people don't usually go around talking about themselves in a bad way. But the truth is that other people think of them the bad way. So while one person may think that their opinion isn't bad, someone else may think so. Someone might go to the bathroom and walk out of there without making a face because they don't smell anything. While someone else is going to walk in afterwards and have to leave because...man does it smell! At the same time, those sayings are stating the obvious. Everyone has an opinion. The "sh!t don't stink" saying comes from people who think they're better than someone else...people who think they're not your average ordinary person. They don't feel like they're at the same level as other people. Questioning why other people bash your opinion is pointless. I'm someone who voices my opinion, when it's necessary. I don't feel it's necessary to put my opinion in to every discussion on mylot. I don't feel it's necessary to say that I don't agree with this or that to some complete stranger who has, in my opinion, some stupid opinion on a part of life. You said your father told you that it takes two people to fight? You're that second person by putting in your opinion. If someone wants to put their opinion out there, that's fine. when you put your different opinion out there, that opens the gates to allow a fight, an argument, a discussion, a debate, whichever you prefer to call it.
6 people like this
@twoey68 (13627)
• United States
7 Mar 08
I have to say that your response is probably the most confusing one so far. I followed and even agreed with the first part about everyone having an opinion and some are good and some are bad and some ppl think they are better than others. Your right on all accounts. But then, if I'm understanding it right, your saying that this whole discussion is pointless (Questioning why other people bash your opinion is pointless). But you responded to it...so did 3 pages of other members...with their own opinions. So if ppl voiced their opinions, good-bad-or indifferent, then it wasn't pointless. You said you voice your opinion when necessary, I voice mine when it's necessary but it's up to each person to decide when it's necessary. You felt it was necessary to voice your opinion here, great...I'm glad you did...I don't agree with some of it but I still wanted to hear it. I feel it's necessary to voice mine as well, as long as I can do it without being mean, hateful or nasty about it. Now, if I'm understanding your last two comments right, your saying that by putting out my opinion that I am wanting to fight and by putting out a different opinion then others that I'm opening the gates for fighting, argueing, debateing or discussing...wait a minute, you said discussing...MyLot is a discussion site?? So...the purpose of MyLot would be to........discuss? LOL Honestly, I think that if two ppl, such as you and I, can post, respond and discuss a topic, such as this, and not fight and be nasty to each other, that is what MyLot is meant to be about. By your own words, if your not supposed to put a different opinion b/c it opens the gates to fighting then you did just that by responding. Your opinion is different then mine. The difference is, I want to hear your opinion, even if I don't agree with it. I'm glad you took the time to respond. Thanks for Responding!! **AT PEACE WITHIN** ~~STAND STRONG IN YOUR BELIEFS~~
3 people like this
@twoey68 (13627)
• United States
7 Mar 08
You clarified very well and I appreciate it. This is exactly what I was getting at. Instead of the two of us fighting over who's opinion is right...we're discussing. We don't necessarily agree on everything but we're being adults and discussing it. Now, if I'd responded to your response and called you names, got nasty and told you to go to h*ll, it more than likely would have ticked you off and there would have been a fight. That's the difference. I don't want to fight with anyone, even those I don't agree with, I just want the same thing everyone else wants, a chance to be heard. It's the same thing with ppl that go around neg. rating someone b/c they don't agree with them. It's childish and rude...so is telling someone that they're not entitled to an opinion. Thanks for Responding!! **AT PEACE WITHIN** ~~STAND STRONG IN YOUR BELIEFS~~
4 people like this
@raychill (6525)
• United States
7 Mar 08
Okay let me see if I can clarify. I did not mean this discussion was pointless. You found it necessary to post it. Therefor it was not pointless to you. However, the debate of opinions is what I find to be a pointless debate. It's like saying the best color ever is green. and someone else saying the best color ever is purple. it's an opinion. There is no right. There is no wrong. There simply is an opinion. Correct? So my point is just debating opinions is pointless because there's no winning or losing. When I was in school people always said I should be on a debate team because I was very opinionated, but I personally see no point on debating opinions! Debating why someone is bashing your opinion is, in my opinion, pointless as well. It's because people believe their opinion is right and a difference of opinion is wrong. Not all people. But a lot of people...particularly a lot of people on MyLot. So it's inevitable that if you post a difference of opinion on a post on mylot, that it's going to be bashed by the people who believe their opinion is right. You take that chance whenever you voice your opinion because some people just can't see other points of view. Does that make more sense? As for the "voicing opinions when necessary" topic. I simply meant that as like my own personal reason as to why I don't voice my opinion on matters such as abortion and the like on mylot. I don't find it necessary. Again, did not intend to imply that it was never necessary. Clear? and finally. I said "If someone wants to put their opinion out there, that's fine. when you put your different opinion out there, that opens the gates to allow a fight, an argument, a discussion, a debate, whichever you prefer to call it." It's not always a fight. It's a discussion too. It's a debate. It's an argument. It's a conversation. Two people voicing their own opinions that differ is going to start something. Whether good (discussion or conversation) or bad (argument or fight)... once that second person posts their difference, it opens up the gates for whatever is to come. It just depends on the type of people on each side of that gate to decide what they are going to have (Discussion or Fight). Not that it's always going to be a fight. But it will always be SOMETHING. I hope that helps you understand what I meant.
5 people like this
• United States
7 Mar 08
Hear hear, twoeye. I agree that you are entitled to express your opinion on matters as much as anyone else in the mylot community. Like you said, this is an open forum and people from ALL walks of life come here for differing reasons. I am motivated by a desire to learn, practice communicating through the written word, meet people I'd never have an opportunity to meet offline. I don't relish confrontation, and most of the time avoid it. Sometimes it's because I don't care one way or the other and have nothing to add to a discussion. I have a lot of respect for your views and your courage in expressing them here.
@twoey68 (13627)
• United States
7 Mar 08
I think my motivation is a desire to be able to express myself and at the same time, control my temper when I disagree with others. I love to communicate with others and get insight into their lives and what makes them tick. Like some ppl I just want to be heard and have a voice. I don't like to fight with anyone and I don't think it accomplishes anything but I do like to see other sides to certain issues b/c sometimes I learn things. Thanks for Responding!! **AT PEACE WITHIN** ~~STAND STRONG IN YOUR BELIEFS~~
2 people like this
@Polly1 (12645)
• United States
7 Mar 08
Some discussions I do stay away from, mostly because I don't want to offend anyone. I have responded to some that got heated with some of the responses. I do believe we all have our own opinions and whether we agree or disagree with someone we don't have to be rude, mean or obnoxious about it. I do have strong beliefs about certain things, and I will state them and be proud in what I believe. I love how you end your post and responses. I do very much............
4 people like this
@twoey68 (13627)
• United States
7 Mar 08
:) I think it's an art to be able to discuss without fighting. I used to have a terrible temper...I was a thrower (get mad, scream, yell, throw things), I did some therapy and I've learned how to count to ten, take a deep breath and then try to listen. I don't agree with some ppl on here but then I'm sure they don't always agree with me either. I enjoy discussing things as long as it's done like adults and not little kids. Thanks for Responding!! **AT PEACE WITHIN** ~~STAND STRONG IN YOUR BELIEFS~~
2 people like this
• United States
7 Mar 08
People with illogical, irrational, beliefs or opinions are in denial and exceptionally adept in rationalizing. Let's consider abortion, which you mentioned. You are, of course, quite correct to have an opinion on this subject. It does not matter whether you have ever had an abortion or not. It is the same like you can have an opinion on murder, armed robbery, or treason even though you may never have done any of those things. Abortion profoundly affects the society which practices it on a regular basis. This is a fact whether you agree with it or not. Everyone is entitled to have an opinion on this subject. BTW: I'm not argueing for or against abortion. Just agreeing with twoey that you don't need to have had one to have an opinion that counts.
5 people like this
@Hatley (163781)
• Garden Grove, California
7 Mar 08
twoey I also think that all these discussions should be to make us think and then to respect our own views and stand firm and respect all others views which might differ from ours and hope that they will stand firm for their views also. so its a matter of self respect and respect for the other posters
1 person likes this
@anonymili (3138)
7 Mar 08
I really had to think about how to respond to this one as it's an interesting discussion but also I don't want to offend you cos you're my pal LOL! We have different views on abortion - you don't agree with, I believe it's a woman's choice, I've never had one myself but I believe each to their own. I don't have a problem with you not agreeing with them but understand that we can have differing opinions and still have a mature discussion/debate/conversation/whatever we choose to call it :) Of course you don't have to be gay to have an opinion on it. I responded to a discussion earlier about divorce and until I put my tuppence worth in, everyone who had responded had said they thought it was bad. I have been through a divorce and I did not take it lightly. I put my opinion in and said that it was wrong to assume people took divorce lightly because if they had been through it or anyone close to them had been through it they might feel differently. Some things in life you do have to experience before you know how bad it is. Would anyone openly admit that they think rape is acceptable? Of course not, you don't have to go through it to know that it's a terrible thing to go through. Or to be a murderer? Or a child molester? We know generally the difference between right and wrong but there are millions of different subjects that it's totally acceptable to have differences of opinions on and not get het about it and say someone else's viewpoint is not valid. E.g. if someone says to me I am a bad person because I've been through a divorce, I'm not going to go all anal on them and rant and rave. They're just a person expressing their opinion, just because THEY say I'm bad doesn't make it true for me but they are entitled to say whatever they want :) Generally I steer clear of discussions that have no interest to, for example if people are talking or asking about politics or religion or sport or pregnancy or raising children, I don't participate because I have no valid contribution to make :)
4 people like this
@musicman6 (2406)
• United States
7 Mar 08
No, I'm not reluctant to go against the majority! If there is an issue that I feel strongly about, I usually stand up for it! I'm confident that I learned right from wrong, and I am very proud of it!
5 people like this
@twoey68 (13627)
• United States
7 Mar 08
I think it's important to be proud of what you believe in. I think if you can voice your opionion without losing your temper then your doing good. It's very easy to get ticked off and jump on someone but it takes more self control to count to ten, take a deep breath and then really try to listen to the other person even if you don't agree with them. Thanks for Responding!! **AT PEACE WITHIN** ~~STAND STRONG IN YOUR BELIEFS~~
2 people like this
@tinamwhite (3252)
• United States
7 Mar 08
No, I do not avoid a discussion topic just because I do not agree with the majority...although, I would assume that some people probably do...because it is difficult to read between the lines with the printed word...body language and facial features can not be seen....and there will always be someone who thrives on jumping onto someone because of their beliefs.... I, personally think that you describe it well...we are all entitled to our own opinons....and mutual respect is always the best rule of thumb.... Good point!!
5 people like this
@twoey68 (13627)
• United States
7 Mar 08
Mutual respect...being the key. I can agree or disagree with you without resorting to name calling, insults or attacking you...some ppl can't. It is a bit harder to read between the lines and some ppl take things the wrong way and get ticked off...they need to learn to count to ten and make sure what they think the read is actually what they are reading, if that makes sense. Thanks for Responding!! **AT PEACE WITHIN** ~~STAND STRONG IN YOUR BELIEFS~~
2 people like this
@irishmist (3814)
• United States
8 Mar 08
To be honest I try to avoid discussions like that. I don't want to get people mad at me. I once commented on a discussion about religion and the woman who wrote the discussion would not leave me alone. So I stay away from any type of conterversial topics.
4 people like this
@sid556 (30960)
• United States
7 Mar 08
You are entitled to your own opinion as is everyone. Sometimes there is no real right or wrong...we all have our different views. I don't walk away from controversial issues. I am very committed to my beliefs but not so much so that I am not open to hearing other sides. Sometimes someone says something that causes me to ponder and wonder about my own thoughts....maybe a new angle of thinking on a certain subject. We can learn from each others differences. At the very least, we should be respectful. You can completly disagree with someone and still be respectful.
4 people like this
@p1kef1sh (45681)
7 Mar 08
I agree entirely. What is the point of coming to a place like this and not being able to challenge and be challenge. I draw the line at personal attacks, but this is a discussion forum, not a wall for statements. I often have a difference of opinion and will concede (but not necessarily change my mind) if I am outclassed by a superior argument. I like the people here, because the discussions are so wide ranging and in the main are sensibly argued. Fortunately I have never come across anybody that has attacked me personally, but there are one or two that I wouldn't bother posting to because I know that they cannot be engaged in friendly, if earnest discussion.
4 people like this
@twoey68 (13627)
• United States
7 Mar 08
Exactly, MyLot is a discussion site. The definition of the word Discussion is: an act or instance of discussing; consideration or examination by argument, comment, etc., esp. to explore solutions; informal debate. It would then be pointless to have a discussion site where no one does any discussing LOL I don't see where attacking anyone has anything to do with discussing...that's more to try to force someone else to agree with you. If nothing else, you can always agree to disagree and move on. Thanks for Responding!! **AT PEACE WITHIN** ~~STAND STRONG IN YOUR BELIEFS~~
2 people like this
@gardengrrl (1445)
• United States
10 Mar 08
LOL... I'm not one to hide my opinions, either, but I have stopped responding to certain topics in forums. Abortion is the #1 offender, but there are others as well. I have been called all sorts of names, etc., simply for disagreeing with certain folks, and I don't care for it. Many people seem to fail to make the distinction between disagreeing and being disagreeable. I may deplore your opinion, but I would die to defend your right to speak it. At it's core, that's what America is supposed to be all about, isn't it?
3 people like this
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
11 Mar 08
Hi gardengrrl...I really love the way you put that.."Many people seem to fail to make the distinction between disagreeing and being disagreeable." That's so very well put and very much to the point. However, I don't understand your last sentence regarding America and how it fits into this discussion. Can you explain that to me please? I look forward to hearing from you. Cheers.
3 people like this
@Mirita (2668)
• United States
7 Mar 08
We need to thank everyone for their opinions regarless of whether we agree with them or not. It would be very boring and we all had the same values.
3 people like this
@Hatley (163781)
• Garden Grove, California
7 Mar 08
Mirita you make so much sense thanks it would be a very boring world if we all had the same values. thats why I am so drawn to mylot and have learned from so many discussions.
@II2aTee (2559)
• United States
11 Mar 08
I actually tell people they don't understand quite often, because its true. And its no one fault but there are some things in life that you just cannot have complete insight into unless you live it and breath it. For example. If I were to say that you don't understand what its like to be gay, it would be true, wouldn't it? You may have sympathy. You may have some limited (or in some cases moderate to high) experience with homosexuals that you may have interacted with in the past. But to truly understand what its like to be gay... you have to be gay. There are experiences that I have gone through, and situations that would change your opinion on gays and lesbians if you had witnessed them through my eyes. That is not an insult to you, it's simply the truth. Just like I could never understand what its like to be discriminated against for being black. I can surround myself with black people and immerse myself in their community (which I do). I can march with them in their parades and fight shoulder to shoulder with them for equal rights. But since I am Irish, it would be impossible for me to understand exactly what it feels like to be a black person and deal with what they deal with every day. If I say "You don't understand." it is not to say that you are ignorant. It certainly doesn't mean you cannot have an opinion because everyone has opinions about everything. But to say you don't understand what its like to be gay is the truth. It would be like me saying PMS is no big deal. Woman complain about their cramps too much. They need to just suck it up and deal with it. Menopause is a breeze. Hot flashes are fun and night sweats are not as bad as woman make them out to be. See, coming from a guy, thats just absurd. How could I possibly understand what its like for woman who go through the change. When I say you cant understand, don't take that to mean I am dismissing your opinion. You opinion matters very much. Especially in America. It's called a vote. But You just cant understand what its like to grow up and live the gay lifestyle, just like I could never understand what its like for girls. I think that is very reasonable. It's not about perceptions... its about perspective.
3 people like this
@cyntrow (8523)
• United States
12 Mar 08
That is a very valid point Tee. As you know, I am on the front lines fighting for gay rights, but as a straight woman I know that I can never ever understand what it is to be a gay man. I can empathise and fight for what I know is right, but I will never know what gay people go through inside. No one has ever said that a person cannot have an opinion on any subject. but to tell a person who is living the life that they are wrong and your "opinion" is right is just plain silly. Your life is not an opinion. It is not my opinion that childbirth his torture. That's a fact of my life; five times. It is not an opinion that gay people are not naturally attracted to people of their own gender when thousands of gay men and women have had that fact of their lives forever. I'm not saying that people should keep their opinions to themselves. I'm just saying thaat we should recognize that people who are living the life are the experts and we are clearly not.
2 people like this
@twoey68 (13627)
• United States
11 Mar 08
Although I haven't gotten to replying to all the responses in this discussion I had to reply to yours b/c you were one of the reasons that this discussion was started...not the only reason mind you, but one of many. I don't agree with your logic but that's my choice. You think it's right and that's up to you...I don't and that's up to me. What I'm getting from your response is that unless someone experiences something first hand, they can't understand it. I don't agree. I've never murdered anyone but I understand that it's wrong to do. I've never had an abortion but my own opinion is that it's wrong. I don't think I need to go out and murder someone just to understand how a murderer feels. I don't need to kill a baby to know how a pregnant woman or a baby feel. Anyone who knows me, knows I don't agree with the gay lifestyle. Anyone can disagree with me, I don't care but I don't appreciate anyone telling me to shut up and mind my own business...it's rude and hateful. I've seen that alot on here lately and ppl need to quit doing it. We each have our own views, outlooks and opinions. We each have to be tolerate of each others. As long as they are voiced in a decent way without name calling, snide remarks or hateful comments then no one should be told to shut up. **AT PEACE WITHIN** ~~STAND STRONG IN YOUR BELIEFS~~
1 person likes this
@twoey68 (13627)
• United States
11 Mar 08
Thank you for your OPINION. Have a nice day! **AT PEACE WITHIN** ~~STAND STRONG IN YOUR BELIEFS~~
@anetteh (3590)
• Sweden
7 Mar 08
Hello and god aftenoon, I think mylot is a great place to be if you want your opinion noticed. And It is great to have a lot of opinions from others. That make your own opinion larger, to hear others. You get more than your own point of view on things that matter to you. I do like to post responses to opinions. I have one, and some one els have something els to say. And all of us are entitle to have our opinion. I think that is great. If all of us did have the same opinion on things,it would not be so great....?????? Have a great weekend.
@twoey68 (13627)
• United States
7 Mar 08
I think MyLot would be terribly boring if we all had the same opinion. I think the art is learning to discuss without being mean, rude or nasty. You have a great weekend too. Thanks for Responding!! **AT PEACE WITHIN** ~~STAND STRONG IN YOUR BELIEFS~~
2 people like this
@anetteh (3590)
• Sweden
8 Mar 08
Yep, the world would for shore be a boring place if we all had the same thinking in everything. It is the different thoughts that make you think and learn. And I like to learn new things every day. You are welcome
2 people like this
@writersedge (22563)
• United States
7 Mar 08
I avoid some of the discussions. I come here to have fun or to help, not to get creamed. I have to be careful of my blood pressure and I come here to get it down, not to put it up to dangerously high levels. I took steps to not have children, my tubes were tied, so I would agree with you. If a person doesn't want to carry a child and deliver it, then there are ways to avoid it. I've heard of people who have had 5 abortions. 1 tubal ligation is better on the body than 5 abortions. Whether a person believes in abortion or not, prevention could really lower the number of times the second option is needed. I was taught that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, just because I used my ounce doesn't mean I don't have an opinion about the pound. It's like I don't take the flu shot, so if I get hospitalized for the flu, then my Doctor will have an opinion about not getting the shot. I will avoid a discussion that doesn't agree with the majority. Usually people will indicate the opinion they have in the opening, if the person is looking for a variety of opinions, I may risk it. If there are 3 pages of responses already, then I can usually sneak mine in without anyone noticing! Take care
• United States
7 Mar 08
You are so totally right. I used to reply to everything with my opinion. After all, weren't they asking for an opinion? When my rating started to go down, I realized that I should only reply to discussions where I know my opinion will be rated good. It's horrible that it has come to that, but there you have it.
3 people like this
@twoey68 (13627)
• United States
7 Mar 08
I see alot of ppl that do the same thing...they don't want to mess up their rating so they stay away from certain topics. I like my little star even though it's not blue anymore but if it dropped all the way off the board it wouldn't make a difference. I'd probably be ticked off for a bit or sad over losing it but it isn't going to stop me from standing up for what I believe in. I think the whole rating system is crazy anyways and they really need to make some changes to it. Thanks for Responding!! **AT PEACE WITHIN** ~~STAND STRONG IN YOUR BELIEFS~~
2 people like this