Re: [opensuse] OT - can't we all just get along?

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Billie Walsh 07/20/15 7:34 AM >>> I accidentally posted a message here instead of the offtopic list. Something which I apologized for almost immediately. Then the problem compounded.

I think that the big thing that we all need to do is picture ourselves sitting across the table from each other. Everyone on this list is another human being, and sometimes, it seems like the anonymity of computer screens and internet connections allows us to forget that. We read words on electronic paper, insert our own emotions into the mix (which may or may not be the emotions felt or conveyed by the sender,) and things snowball. We're all entitled to our opinions and thoughts and feelings. And, our opinions and thoughts and feelings are often affected by our personal experiences, life situations, cultures, hormones, and choice breakfast foods on that particular day. I wish we could keep stuff like that in perspective (present company included.) In reality, there's a ton of information, and misinformation, on the internet. Sometimes it can be really hard to distinguish between the two. And oftentimes, it's intermingled. We can't trust the mainstream media because they have their own interests at stake. And we can't trust the "underground" media because they do as well. What we have to do is learn from each other. To learn how to discuss without getting heated, to be able to filter our own thoughts, emotions, and feelings out of the mix and consider that other people can, and do, have valid points. That others have different knowledge, experiences, and understandings than we do. We can learn from each other. And it can be fun. But we have to put ourselves aside, let our tempers cool, and open our minds. Will we ever all agree on everything? Of course not. That would be really freaking scary actually. But if we could re-learn the art of discourse, the world would be a whole lot better place :) Chris -- To unsubscribe, e-mail: opensuse+unsubscribe@opensuse.org To contact the owner, e-mail: opensuse+owner@opensuse.org