Shouldn't Have to be Said but Apparently Needs to be.

This article by Larry Elder seems like common sense but I believe it needs to be said in this manner more often. Eventually, maybe, people will begin to understand. I've quoted the beginning and end sections of the article. Please read the rest because there's some good meat in there.

Mr. Elder,

I am shocked that you oppose Barack Obama and belong to the Republican Party. We must get over ourselves and realize there is room at the top for everyone and we must get there by helping each other — instead of agreeing with policies and old politics that are proven not to work.

To endorse John McCain, a person who will not make it easier for the underprivileged, is just too much. How can a fellow black American feel this way?

Your Former Supporter

Dear Former Supporter,
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You ask how can a "fellow black American feel this way"? Quite a statement. You may disagree, but it doesn't make me less caring and compassionate than you are. I'm sure you truly consider yourself open-minded and tolerant. But based on your letter, tolerance ends — especially with "fellow black Americans" — if someone has an opposing point of view. Larry

View Points
If you want to accuse me of something or debate/argue something with me, do your due diligence first please. I love to learn things, really. If you think you have a better way of doing things or a more truthful take on an issue, by all means, lets talk. But come to me with emotional hype and no facts to back yourself up and I will ignore or ridicule you for wasting my time. If you want to give constructive criticism to someone, make an effort to research your opinion and even write a few notes that will help you present your view point. There are multiple ways to accomplish the same thing. So having different view points about something is not bad. Even if I disagree with you, if you bring a well thought out point of view to the table I'll not only be impressed but you will garner my respect.

Respect
What this all boils down to is: Grow up. Do your best to be mature, responsible and rational. An adult who is respected is one who refuses handouts unless there's no choice. Work hard, be honest and don't shoot your mouth off without facts to back yourself up. Do this and you will gain respect over time.

Voicing Opinions
If you want to voice an opinion you can't back up here is what you do. Remain calm, state your opinion as an opinion and don't get all upset if someone tells you some facts that interfere with your opinion. Even if they have an opposing unsupported opinion, that's fine. As long as they present it in turn the same way. This kind of discussion can lead to joint fact finding missions. This will most likely alter both view points as you get real information. In the end you may still disagree with each other because you couldn't find enough evidence either way. But chances are you will be better informed and as new information comes along may end up in full agreement.

I'll finish by saying this one more time. Grow up already because I enjoy good adult conversation.