On Sunny Lane: It's Just My Opinion

One day, many years ago, when I was a newspaper reporter, the editor, another reporter and I, while there was a lull in the work, got into a discussion.

I don’t remember what the discussion was about; I just remember that it was controversial. The other two people took an up-and-coming viewpoint that was making its way onto the scene in America. I was holding to a more traditional view. They were both from a generation that was younger than mine.

There came a point in which I no longer wanted to participate in the talk. I didn’t envision a point where we would reach an amicable conclusion. The reporter said, “There is room in this world for more than one opinion.” 

Still, I saw no point in going on. They seemed to be very adamant in what they were saying. I don’t know if the ideas they were expressing were the result of long, thought-out research, or if they had jumped on the bandwagon with other people who had come up with the position.

It could have been that my colleagues were just a little too forceful in expressing their view that caused me to return to my desk and get back to work. Maybe I was being too timid to speak up, even though I am not a timid person. Or, I might have just decided to let them keep their opinion and I would hold on to mine. 

I believe it is important to have facts before forming an opinion and to be sure the information you are receiving is trustworthy. I think a person needs to hear and read information from opposing sides.

I don’t think people should resort to shouting, name calling and expletives in order to make their viewpoints known. And, they should look within themselves to be sure that they are not blaming other people for what they are doing. The outcome of a situation does not belong to those who shout the loudest; throw the most bricks; or cause the most disturbance. 

Let cooler heads prevail. Form your own educated opinion. Use common sense. Work for the greater good. Don’t jump on the bandwagon. Don’t be timid.

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Dorothy is the author of two books—“Miles and Miracles” and “Getting It All Together “. You can purchase a book or send a comment by emailing her at dorothybutzknight@gmail.com