Reply #61: I think you might very well be right...

[originalpckelly]

because not being exposed to other viewpoints in a way that equally legitimizes them as your own, helps you to write the other viewpoints off.

If you know why someone thinks something, you may not be so likely to have the attitude of:
"No one really thinks that way. People really aren't different from me. They don't really mean what they are saying."

Well unfortunately, whether that is intentional or unintentional people will be offended by having you think that about their viewpoint.

It is a form of disrespect.

Just think about a situation in which you yourself is told by a freeper you don't hate George Bush, you don't really think he is a fascist or a dictator, no one could really think that.

Well, if you do think that, you do think that way. It is a position which people really believe in. It isn't an act.

Having someone write you off is not a pleasant experience, it is probably a cause of the anger between both sides.

So I can actually see what you are talking about with the fairness doctrine.

On the other hand, expecting them not to want to re-institute the fairness doctrine, guarantees they never will. If you don't think it is possible to explain to them you views on it, and to try to persuade them, then you never will try and they never have a chance to agree with you or not agree with you.

Since it seems like a logical conclusion, hopefully enough people on their side will feel the same way. Can't guarantee it, but it is worth trying. Our whole nation depends on it.