>Len
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>>>Tolerance of other views is not a domain occupied by the left. In fact, on many college campuses in the USA the left dominates political thought and won't all any 'unapproved' speakers, organizations, etc... What they claimed they didn't have in the 60's with their 'free speach' movements (but actually did) is exactly what they now, as administrators and professors, won't allow to others. Extremists on the left meet extremists on the right on the opposite side of the big political circle.
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>>Now us on the left would claim that "Tolerance of other views is not a domain occupied by the right".
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>We tolerate you..
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>*gd&rvvvvvf*
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>Actually, from a philosphical pov tolerance cannot exist without forgiveness, grace and mercy - all Christian thoughts. There's not much tolerance to be found in a philosophy that promotes survival of the fittest...
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>>I think it is often the case that the ones most often heard, left or right, are the ones who are most convinced that they are right (as in correct) and have the ambition to get into a position where they can impose those views on the rest. Very often they subvert a small part of the doctrine that they are espousing that is most useful to them & ignore the rest - as you say, many of the "free speech" movement propose free speech as long as it is in line with their views. On the other side of the coin, you have the "politically correct", who don't want to hear any views that may be considered offensive by any group (usually minorities).
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>I'm absolutely convinced that the Bible is the word of God. However I'd never ever want to force that upon others, though I may vigorously defend my position. IOW, I understand that people must voluntarily choose their positions to make them their own.
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>I also think that Christianity sort of abandoned critical thinking about 60 years ago and it was a really dumb move.
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>>I think it is most important that we all hear &, most importantly, listen to everyone's views, including those we don't like. Until we understand the other persons viewpoint, how do we go about convincing him he is wrong, or at least that we are not wrong.
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>I may think you are wrong or you may think I am wrong, IMO that has nothing to with much of anything..

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The reality of some persons is "I am right and you are wrong"! That attitude can destroy lives and nations.

Doug;

Philosophy is one of my favorite topics and German philosophers in particular fascinate me. There are many areas of philosophy but in particular the writings of Kant, Hegel, Schopenhauer and Nietzsche have specific interest to me. A part of Nietzsche’s “Oberman” theory comes to mind. “Laws are made by the weak to protect them from the strong”!

We are different in our approach to settling a question.

I am bigger than you therefore I am right.

I make more noise and have better persuasive powers therefore I am right!

The good old western approach: My gun is bigger than your gun! Therefore I am right! :)

Where should we look but at "The John Burch Society". You know he is right - far right! Gee I miss the early 1970's - like a hole in the head!

Tom