tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8442430064359197279.post1426698813980677331..comments2024-03-26T10:03:51.827+13:00Comments on Karl du Fresne: Political agreement shouldn't be a condition of friendshipKarl du Fresnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05054853925940134404noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8442430064359197279.post-27574108386586141092008-11-19T17:52:00.000+13:002008-11-19T17:52:00.000+13:00I think we all need to practice the art of discuss...I think we all need to practice the art of discussing ideas rather than the people who express them. <BR/><BR/>e.g. It is more effective to say:<BR/>"I don't agree with the idea that we should change to driving on the right side of the road" than to blurt out: "That crackpot Vaughan with his crazy idea about driving on the right!"<BR/><BR/>When ideas are discussed in a moderate fashion without mentioning the person who put them forward, solutions can be found.<BR/><BR/>In my experience, this system works amazingly well whether in big organisations, clubs or in informal situations.<BR/><BR/>People aren't afraid to put up unconventional ideas, and it is often these that solve the problem.Vaughanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13105760893956912855noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8442430064359197279.post-82558118932679183202008-11-15T16:33:00.000+13:002008-11-15T16:33:00.000+13:00Just as I hit enter, it came to me: You can't go w...Just as I hit enter, it came to me: You can't go wrong if you speak about - whatever - from your own position. How it affects you personally. <BR/><BR/>Where people go wrong is to start talking about others...others who they may very well not understand fully - if at all. <BR/><BR/>Summarised, it might come down to: <BR/><BR/>While one can critique the subject under discussion based on verifiable facts, it is important to distinguish facts from belief or prejudice. An open mind helps. No one has a monopoly on wisdom or experience. <BR/><BR/>Last but not least: If you haven't got something positive and constructive to say, then put a cork in it. <BR/><BR/>This week I heard a senior exec in an NZ company describe Helen Clark to an overseas colleague on the phone as "a lesbian and a cow".<BR/><BR/>That changed my view of that man. <BR/><BR/>Whether you agree with her or not, she deserves more respect that that. <BR/><BR/>Respect. Yes. That's it. <BR/><BR/>One should not expect any if one shows none.Steve Withershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04221815213521767405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8442430064359197279.post-79214930885239353042008-11-15T16:18:00.000+13:002008-11-15T16:18:00.000+13:00Hi Karl. Generally, I agree. People should be able...Hi Karl. <BR/><BR/>Generally, I agree. People should be able to tolerate differences of opinion and they generally do. <BR/><BR/>Where they begin to run into trouble is where the matters under consideration move beyond opinion and into the lives of those concerned. <BR/><BR/>For example: A woman at a party whose partner has just left her and shot through to Australia and now exists hand to mouth on the DPB should not be expected to remain calm while listening to someone at a wedding, who has never been in such a position, slagging off people like her as "bludgers". <BR/><BR/>For example: Someone who votes for a minor party will not stand calmly by while someone makes a case for dumping MMP and stripping them of their ability to elect the people they support to represent them. It's not a happy moment hearing a "friend" tell everyone your vote should be made worthless again...as it once was. Wars have been fought over less. <BR/><BR/>I can conjure many such examples, but these will do. <BR/><BR/>There are issues that should not brought up out is simple consideration for others. Or you'll get exactly what you deserve - right between the eyes.Steve Withershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04221815213521767405noreply@blogger.com