I am acutely aware that Americans have lost the knack of debating in a civil fashion. I have been very bad at that in the past, so I try really hard to practice what I preach: growing a thick skin. Besides, you had made good sense all along. Americans are the best people I know, almost the only people I know. We've got to "cross the divide" to heal. The leftist-extremists never win arguments, they discredit the opponent. I don't want to do that, even though I don't have the nicest disposition in the world.
I do have the confidence to stand with what I believe, and have gone against the grain my entire life. I can't even joke with people without causing offense, so I've grown used to some turmoil. It is refreshing to converse with you, as you don't "take your toys and go home" as do many.
Odd that in the end, our beliefs aren't that far apart. Maybe in my next life I'll be able to start a conversation by leading with the pertinent. Still, I do thrive on a certain amount of turmoil. ;-D
Now, wait a minute! I don't think I...
Besides, you had made good sense all along.
Oh, OK. It looked like you were taking another tack with that opening.
I don't want to do that, even though I don't have the nicest disposition in the world.
Nice dispositions are highly overrated. Any disposition can be appropriate in the moment and conversely inappropriate in a different context. I was raised to always be polite and that was a major handicap until I learned that it is not always appropriate.
Still, I do thrive on a certain amount of turmoil.
An internet forum about politics is a rather appropriate place to find turmoil.
Gird the loins and loose the dogs of debate! ;-)