Reply #17: I can with those I know personally, with the people that I know

[merh]

enough about to understand where they are coming from or what has occurred in their lives that could cause them to have their feelings or positions. I can understand and accept them in my life (family, friends, etc). However, if they don't try to understand my position, when I am ridiculed or shouted down and treated differently because they don't extend me the same courtesy I have simply closed the door. It is the only way I have found to live with the inequity, with their closed mindedness.

As far as those I do not know, I try to understand but it isn't easy. I think everyone on DU should find a mixed board to post at. It is good to have DU to come to so that we know we aren't alone. It is a good place to vent and learn. But it doesn't provide a place to try to understand why "they" think as they do.