Introductions discussion

Lately someone reached out to me wondering if I was foolish, dense, or just a complete idiot for siding with BlueEyes in one of his threads. The message amused and puzzled me at the same time. Once we chatted it through, his logic turned out to be straightforward: you despise BlueEyes, so why would you ever agree with him? The truth is I have no dislike for BlueEyes whatsoever. We certainly clash sometimes—there’s no denying that—and may do so again down the road, but my stance remains clear. I look at a thread or comment and decide whether it resonates with me or not; I either back it or I don’t. The author matters little to me personally. If someone says something I agree with, I’m perfectly content to voice that agreement regardless of who wrote it. This doesn’t mean I endorse everything they do, but fairness is important: credit belongs where it’s due, whether you like the person or not. That’s my approach. Also, hate is a heavy word. I avoid using it and certainly wouldn’t apply it to BlueEyes. My feelings are quite straightforward: BlueEyes has his view, as does anyone else; having an opinion doesn’t force me into agreement with them any more than they must agree with mine. So no, I don’t hate BlueEyes. Our perspectives clearly diverge on certain points, yet we’ve both stated our positions well. We are entitled to hold and share our own views. When I align with him, I say so; when I differ, I do the same, always treating it fairly. I believe BlueEyes is reasonable enough that he would support my side if I were the one writing it. If you got the impression from this member that I despise BlueEyes, you’re mistaken. I think we’d both agree that our disagreement is simply a matter of differing views on specific issues—nothing more complicated than that.

:cool: - and isn't it wonderful? That life in general, not just here on CM, is far more intricate than a basic question of love or hate...?