Lets start by thinking about the consequences of not debating ideas. It's called tyranny. Where things are done in one way, regardless of the will of the people- because people are too afraid or too lazy to discuss the things important to them. So this is why it's important for a diverse group of people share their ideas to make the world a betters place.
Now some [real]quick history. You know what the longest running republic empire was? Rome, It's an easy answer.
Next question. What nation was also the most successful in supporting a public forum where the government and citizens could discuss and argue points over issues important to them?
Rome.
See any similarities there? Because I do.
The biggest problem in America today is not our lack of intelligent people, Our generation is renowned for having access to more information than ever available. A great number (not the majority, unfortunately) of us actually use the information and toss away our ignorance and trade it in for intellect.
The biggest problem is our lack of Forum, or a lack of willing participants in Forum.
"The Socratic Method (or Method of Elenchus or Socratic Debate), named after the Classical Greek philosopher Socrates, is a form of inquiry and debate between individuals with opposing viewpoints based on asking and answering questions to stimulate rational thinking and to illuminate ideas."
(taken from http://en.wikipedia.org/wi
Who wouldn't want to stimulate rational thinking or illuminate ideas? Ignorant people.
Yes, some people take debate too far- they get overly aggressive, perhaps even physical- these people lead other to think that debate is a conflict of sorts.
Making people smarter should never be a conflict, one would hope it would be only natural.
I know i've learned a ton from talking to all sorts of people, Liberals, Repubs, Socialists, Communists and many many other political affiliations.
While I don't always agree with them, I can appreciate their perspectives and it allows me to see things from more than one angle for a little bit- which always makes an intellect go.
So please, I'm asking you dear reader- do not get offended when someone doesn't agree with you, don't get offended if things get warm, politics is naturally a cause to be passionate in. Why wouldn't you feel strongly about discussing the fate of all the people in a nation?
