Dear friends and readers,
You have been gracious and patient in letting me think out loud and share my ramblings with you. If I have offended anyone, I apologize. If you do not want to receive notices of postings, PLEASE tell me and I will remove your address from my address book. I have had two objectives from the beginning. (1) to force myself to think clearly and express myself in an understandable way, and (2) to generate thoughtful, respectful, challenging dialogue. I have not desired agreement with everything I have said. I like to be challenged to consider alternatives. None of us is infallible or has a corner on the market of truth. I prefer to get out of my comfortable shell, listen to what others think and why, and evaluate my assumptions. I began as a rabid fundamentalist and have long ago left that intellectual desert. I remain to the left on social issues BUT have become more fiscally conservative in the last ten years [ I do not think we can continue escalating expenses for Social Security or military spending for just two examples. ]
My two most memorable courses at Clemson were English 101 and Logic 101. Every Friday Dr. Hill required us to write an essay on a topic of her choosing. She taught and demanded clarity of thought, organization, and expression. She was wonderful! I don't remember the professor's name in Logic but I clearly remember the list and discussion of errors and pitfalls to logical thinking. I especially remember the professor saying that what so often happens when the strength of our argument is weak or non-existent, we resort to attacking our opponent personally rather than seek answers to his/her argument. I confess I have not always followed that advice but still think it is a worthy principle.
My promise to you, if you continue to tolerate me, is to be faithful to my objectives, to respect you and your opinions, and to "listen" as carefully as I hope to be listened to.
Thank you so very much! Peace, Hal
No comments:
Post a Comment