<p>And for the third time:</p>
<p>The likelihood to question does not guarantee the outcome, so there's no point in using the "smart people are more likely to challenge things" argument.</p>
<p>As a very conservative and very religious Christian in liberal secular academia -- who tries to get along with people -- I run with an eclectic body of people. And I can say from experience that in the conservative and religious circles, I feel very free to express myself fully on any given issue. (We often disagree with one another, but we do so in a rational and respectful manner). In the liberal circles, however, there seems to be so many social taboos and doctrines that one breaks at their peril. There is a lot of thought-policing going on on various subjects, peer-pressure wise (America, Israel, hot button moral issues, etc.). Break the wrong one at the wrong time, and you are suddenly persona non grata.</p>
<p>In my experience, the award for open-mindedness goes to the conservatives. The right often disagrees with people, but they usually do so respectfully; when the left disagrees with people, they tend to try to punish that person for their dissent.</p>
<p>I've experienced the exact opposite, Fides.</p>
<p>it is very acceptable for liberals to take a firm stance against ethnocentrism, bigotry, et al. just because people disagree about things doesn't mean that you're obligated to pretend that every viewpoint is equally valid. words are powerful and their misuse has serious consequences; there's a reason why we don't think the N word is acceptable. the beliefs that many conservatives espouse are damaging in the same kind of way. hence, failing to criticize them is tantamount to tacitly consenting to them. reviling racists and bigots isn't close-minded, it's <em>obligatory</em></p>
<p>I've experienced people jumping down my throat on both sides fairly equally. </p>
<p>Especially when it comes to abortion...eh...and that whole Terri Schiavo thing a few years ago.</p>
<p>Each party has its faults, I tend to agree more with the Democrats though.</p>
<p>The belief that abortion is morally wrong is just as valid as the belief that abortion is justifiable.</p>
<p>Although I frankly don't understand why throwing stem cells out is ok but conducting research with them isn't, there's nothing wrong with someone feeling that stem cell research is immoral. </p>
<p>Same goes for opinions about how much the government should pay for social programs, military, etc.</p>
<p>Nobody's opinion on these things is any less valid than anyone else's. </p>
<p>And words are only as powerful as we make them. Being overly sensitive about everything and making mountains out of molehills only makes things worse.</p>
<p>Kristina, there's something appealing about you. perhaps you remind me of my former best friend.</p>
<p>Is that a bad thing?</p>
<p>Notre Dame isn't on the far right either, DDJones007. If I recall correctly, nearly half of its student population (48%) voted for John Kerry in the last presidential election.</p>
<p>Of course Notre Dame isn't on the "far-right." It is a Catholic university in the classical liberal tradition, not a Bob Jones.</p>
<p>"it is very acceptable for liberals to take a firm stance against ethnocentrism, bigotry, et al. just because people disagree about things doesn't mean that you're obligated to pretend that every viewpoint is equally valid. words are powerful and their misuse has serious consequences; there's a reason why we don't think the N word is acceptable. the beliefs that many conservatives espouse are damaging in the same kind of way. hence, failing to criticize them is tantamount to tacitly consenting to them. reviling racists and bigots isn't close-minded, it's <em>obligatory</em>"</p>
<p>I agree that racism and bigotry should be called out. The problem is, you liberals are pretty fast-and-loose with your charges of racism and bigotry. I see conservatives get branded with these damaging labels very unfairly and unjustly all the time. Not every person who is against homosexual marriage for religious and/or moral reasons is a bigot; likewise, not every person who feels that America should tighten immigration policies is a racist. </p>
<p>Failing to be critical when doling out these accusations has just as many serious consequences as actual racism and bigotry. As you say, words are powerful.</p>
<p>Look, both sides have their extremists who only pour vitriol on those with opposing arguments.</p>
<p>Tis the Truth, thank you for proving to me, beyond any shadow of a doubt, that my kids have made the absolute right choice in attending the University of Notre Dame. </p>
<p>One thing is certain, TTT...you don't appear to be lacking in any belief in your own intellect...or in any propensity to bring it out and play with it in public like a shiny new toy that all can see...</p>
<p>I'm presuming you aren't attending the University of Notre Dame.</p>
<p>I think we can live with that!</p>
<p>Ddjones:</p>
<p>In your experience, do prayers take a while to get answered?</p>
<p>
[quote]
I'm presuming you aren't attending the University of Notre Dame.
[/quote]
It should have been obvious from the very beginning. In fact, if it were my only option for college, I would rather not go to college and instead self-educate myself while performing community service in Africa.</p>
<p>
[quote]
you don't appear to be lacking in any belief in your own intellect
[/quote]
I have accepted my own intellectual capabilities and limitations. It is only healthy to think this way. In what way did I "bring it out and play with it in public like a shiny new toy that all can see"? I simply asked you questions, because I am, by nature, an inquisitive person. </p>
<p>Why does intelligence matter to you so much? In this life, character matters more, and I hope you realize that. </p>
<p>
[quote]
"Tis the Truth, thank you for proving to me, beyond any shadow of a doubt, that my kids have made the absolute right choice in attending the University of Notre Dame."
[/quote]
Congratulations. We all have the right to make different decisions. Besides, Notre Dame needs your support.</p>
<p>Btw, I respectfully ask that you answer my questions from the previous post.</p>
<p>Merry Christmas.</p>
<p>I admit, I'm biased against Notre Dame (as if that weren't obvious enough). I just can't support an institution that refuses to include sexual orientation in its non-discrimination policy. So you should not take offense.</p>
<p>I would paste and copy the originals but they're too far back so I'll just answer directly.</p>
<p>Stem-cell research: in favour</p>
<p>gay marriage: in favour</p>
<p>pro-choice: in favour</p>
<p>^ hehe me too.</p>
<p>might as well vote...</p>
<p>Stem-cell research: yes- stem cells don't need to be taken from embryos.</p>
<p>gay marriage: yes? technically it's a right... Not sure</p>
<p>pro-choice: ...erm, undecided. i think it should be a case by case scenerio. if the mother and child 's lives are in danger and the child has a really low chance of survival, then the mother should be given the choice of choosing an abortion.</p>