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lynn - where can i send the trophy for best story of the year! priceless.
hope you don't mind if i forward to friends.....

twist paul's cynicism slightly (which i agree with, btw) and ask how can
this be turned to the collective's advantage?

the thing i hate most in america, in politics, in education, in so many
areas, is the death of reasonable dialogue.  it seems disagreeing parties
immediately dig in and attempt to outdo one another with volume, substance
is really secondary.  the shaivo debate is a good example.

if, for instance, someone believes in a literal interpretation of the bible
(although i doubt it was orginally written in modern english)what good does
it do to say, 'you're wrong.'

that's why i like mac sudduth's answers:  they're non-confrontational, the
implication being 'that's an interesting point of view. here's what we hold
to be true.  the earth is old....'

so much more is to be gained by acknowledging the other's beliefs before
responding.  when respect is missing from both sides things, forgive the
expression, de-volve.

i sport a bumper sticker on my 93, hail-damaged, paint-peeling, toyota:
"Community:  different people, common ground." 

jeff courtman
shreveport, la



 


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