For a good example of someone who thinks outside the box, I encourage thinking people to watch Bill Moyer’s Journal, 11/28/2008 - http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/112…
Really LISTEN to what Mike Pollan is saying, and think not just about how the agri-chem industry has perverted agriculture, but how many facets of YOUR life that perversion impacts. Think about similar perverse relationships between big energy and govt, the automotive industry and govt, telecommications and media monopolies, unions and govt., and last but not least, political extremists and govt.

Not surprisingly, even Obama is an emperor with no clothes… quickly caving under pressure from agri-industry lobbying, which was sad, because big agri is destroying the small farmer right along with the environment and consumer health. We need more vocal people exposing and indicting the corrupting/conspiratorial/cancerous relationship between govt and special interests. Anyone who is an emotions-driven, idealistic, single-issue voter is part of the problem.

then there is talking to others to see the exact opposite - roots dug in and not a clue as to why, because it’s what they were taught, a close mindedness born of their upbringing and no willingness to move beyond ‘what they know’ It’s a lesson really to see why it’s important to continue to push and strive for new knowledge every day.

And lastly, there is learning in teaching. If I know something and explain it to someone who asks a question I haven’t thought of, it will give me reason to pause, absorb, research and continue to educate myself and who ever may wish to learn.

(I will probably come back and add more since I am sitting at home waiting for the phone service guy to show up between 12-4 LOL).

My sources are, to paraphrase, “legion”.

I devour books, everything from sci fi to philosophy to sociology to cook books. I grab onto each new interest and do not let go until i have spent about 30 man hours learning about it, be it by reading, google, exploring the internet, talking to people knowledgeable about the subject…or

or, better yet, by talking to people with NO KNOWLEDGE of the subject at all….see if any of you see what the benefits of that would be (Mills, Jade????)

(and I was KIDDING about wiki…it’s polluted with error and unsupported opinions…gee, I wonder why).[/quote]

It is, but it is less so than about any other comprehensive source around. You read early encyclopedias compiled by experts? they were completely one sided. Sure wiki isn’t perfect, but it has at least has the option of flagging stuff as “error and unsupported opinions” and once a page gets promoted, it really is awesome.

Yes, I’m a zealot, but wikipedia is one of my top five things that give me hope in humanity. That and Indian cooking.

I agree that it is important to learn about an issue from a 360 view in order to base an informed opinion. That being said, there are very few who actually do that EVERY time. It is human nature to rely upon feelings/beliefs as well as some facts - perhaps our education system should be examined to ensure that we teach at an early age to view ‘discussions’ and form opinions after careful consideration. Parents also have a responsibility to teach their children this…but you can only teach what you know.

(and I was KIDDING about wiki…it’s polluted with error and unsupported opinions…gee, I wonder why).

Mine strong opinions are not in any of the areas you listed,, but they are well researched and deep. I like your plan of getting a dissenting opinion too. I don’t feel comfortable in a stance to the opposite has been argued competently

The majority of your posts has my name listed on it somewhere.lol
I used to have to decide which post I wanted to answer first. Now its not even a matter of question. Its almost a resurgence of vivid contribution but temporarily alive. I suppose my hopes are too high. Back to the redundant drawing board…

on that statement, forgive me for saying a couple of things. Nazi Germany, Concentration Camps. Sometimes war just might be considered right, you think?

[quote ruidosa]somehow i have an opinion on everything. even if i dont know much about it. and u?[/quote]

I have many opinions, but I try to never form a strong opinion without first spending at least 30 hours learning about it, and without first finding 2 completly conflicting and well written opinions about it. So i can get both sides, so to speak.

Does this seem too complicated? It is a little, and frustrating too, since most people will not learn the facts, and they remain bull headed to anything factual I might say.[/quote]

Do you have specific sources that you use frequently to gather information before making an opinion? I try to keep an open mind and welcome any and all sources to read about anything and everything so I’m just wondering if you will share some with me!

i dont say i stick to my opinion and will never change it. i accept other opinions and listen to what others say. i’m a human and i can b wrong. just convince me in it. :)

on that statement, forgive me for saying a couple of things. Nazi Germany, Concentration Camps. Sometimes war just might be considered right, you think?

[quote ruidosa]somehow i have an opinion on everything. even if i dont know much about it. and u?[/quote]

I have many opinions, but I try to never form a strong opinion without first spending at least 30 hours learning about it, and without first finding 2 completly conflicting and well written opinions about it. So i can get both sides, so to speak.

Does this seem too complicated? It is a little, and frustrating too, since most people will not learn the facts, and they remain bull headed to anything factual I might say.

I wouldn’t like someone to presumptuously discuss the prosperity or decadence of my occupation, so I plan on doing them the same favor.

helpiest helper of them all…I lost my sunglasses

lol!