Quote:
Originally Posted by TheSquealer
At the end of it all, the core purpose of these conversations is not to convince others of anything, but is actually rooted in each individuals innate need to continually reaffirm ones own beliefs.
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I don't believe that for a minute, if you do... Why ever post anything?
There are open minded people on each side capable of changing their point of view on something. Their are also independents and most of them are lurkers. When these discussions started, on this board and others, Minte and I were very far from seeing eye to eye on just about any issue. Now, after several discussions, it seems we are pretty close to full agreement on both the revenue and spending sides of the equation.
Ronald and some on the 'opposite side' will never change their minds about anything or have a real discussion aimed at reaching consensus. I don't reply to him for his sake, I do so because he is a useful foil for bringing out and debunking the standard talking points of his ideology. It used to a also be an excellent source of revenue, but that was more because of the way he personally attacks people than the positions he frequently espouses.
Discussion does have value. Anyone who thinks it doesn't is clearly wasting their time, and the tine of others, by disingenuously being part of one.