What does liberal mean? Among the many definitions given in the Oxford English Dictionary are:
Free from narrow prejudice; open-minded, candid.
and
Free from bigotry or unreasonable prejudice in favour of traditional opinions or established institutions; open to the reception of new ideas or proposals of reform.
Most of us here would consider us liberals. I certainly consider myself one. Which is why it is very troubling to me to see people troll-rate people because they express a different opinion.
I have seen far too many people get tons of 1s or 2s simply for expressing an opinion that is different from the majority opinion here. As liberals we should be open to different ideas and not punish others for looking at things differently or drawing different conclusions. Instead we should be treating people with respect as long as they are treating us with respect. If someone expresses a well thought out, intelligent position that is not exactly the same as our opinion, we should welcome it, not demonize it. This should be a forum for a free exchange of ideas and opinions not an echo chamber for the majority Kossack opinion.
We sit here and criticize Bush for surrounding himself with yes-men and bemoan the fact that there are few if any dissenting voices in the cabinet, yet the very same thing happens here everyday. If someone dares to speak out and give a different opinion on something they are often punished, simply for disagreeing.
Don't we, as liberals, pride ourselves on being open-minded and accepting? We need to practice a bit more of this tolerance and open-mindedness that we all say we value so deeply. Having an open mind does not mean open only to opinions you agree with, being tolerant doesn't mean only of those who agree with you.
We need to be a community that is open to everyone, willing to listen to various opinions as long as the person giving the opinion is respectful and intelligent, this can only help strengthen our community.
Next time, before you give someone a 1 or a 2, ask yourself if you are doing it because you do not think this post adds anything to the discussion or is disrespectful, etc. or if it is really because you do not agree with the opinion expressed.