Western Oregon Journal

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Naturally, I do not expect everyone to agree with me. That would be ludicrous (and it is clear by recent letters to the editor that this is not so), but that is okay by me. Part of a newspaper is saying things that are controversial, stirring the pot and making people look at things in a way they otherwise wouldn't have. A newspaper that doesn't make people angry is not doing its job.

It is important to note along with this, however, that a person's opinion on a single topic is not to be confused with the person themselves. Hate my opinion, but do not generalize that hatred and start to hate me. I am a big fan of the agree-to-disagree method for solving an argument.

I work with a fairly conservative staff, and some of their opinions are in violent opposition to mine. That's okay; it doesn't even make me shy away from discussions on their view points. They don't sway me, but at least I can see where they are coming from and what knowledge they are drawing on to form their opinion. We have intelligent discussions and nobody's feelings are hurt because we respect the boundaries needed for a courteous conversation. I don't dislike my coworkers because they have a different opinion on abortion or gay marriage or who the president should be; I can separate the opinion from the person, and I can respect the opinion because it was created thoughtfully.

I start to get agitated when someone's opinion is not created thoughtfully, when in fact they couldn't carry on a decent conversation because they have no idea what they are talking about. If you don't know your facts, if you don't know the background of something or the repercussions, EDUCATE yourself before attempting to argue your point. There is nothing more embarrassing than being shut down by someone of the opposing opinion who is far more educated than you on the topic.

We grow as people by hearing others' opinions, by finding out what guides their thoughts and maybe incorporating their ideas for our own, but if you are going to take a stance, on anything, be educated about it. There is nothing wrong with entering a heated discussion and admitting you don't know enough about the topic to form a decent opinion. Its okay-the discussers can educate you. Once you know the facts, have all the details, then you make your choice. There is no shame in changing an old, unsupported opinion, by backing your views with facts you make them more substantial and better fodder for a discussion should one arise.

Coming to college is not just about getting a degree (as a matter of fact that often seems like something extra you pick up for your experiences), use your university time for what it is, a chance to learn and grow, discuss things with other intellectuals and develop new and exciting opinions that may have been stifled back home or in high school. Educate yourself while you are receiving your education.

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