Why does ego take lead in discussions where choices are opinions can differ, like politics?

CSM William Everroad - I hear you. I am a HS teacher and it's very difficult to get students to think rationally and logically about a position, especially one where they have strong feelings. Some simply refuse to do it. When parents ask me why their child received a zero, and I explain I am accused of expecting them to agree with my point of view or my bias. What people fail to think about is everyone has a bias. Bias isn't bad, it's simply a preference. To logically and rationally think about a topic isn't to say that you believe in the outcome or agree with the outcome, but can use that strategy to better understand what someone who disagrees with you is basing their opinion. So, I've found it much more efficient to just simply state my opinion and reasons, and sit back and listen to the weeping and wailing.

SFC Melvin Brandenburg - I have the same issues when trying to get people to understand their own position. There is so much resistance these days to self-reflection. People tend to think you are trying to change their opinion or position. This is especially true if their position is arrived at through faulty logic. You can feel their brain twisting in discomfort as they begin to realize it.

CSM William Everroad - I increasingly am coming to the opinion that people anymore would rather not think and just follow along like lemmings. I have so little love for the social justice warrior crowd because they epitomize the idea of going through life running from one offense to another, crying around about the injustices, while at the same time not having a logical explanation or reasoned logical argument by which to support their opinions. They fail to see the difference between wants, needs, desires, fact, opinion, and fiction. More and more I see this play out in life.

Then again some people think brow beating is intellect

We don't always share the same opinions, which is fine but when people start belittling You and be insulting just because You didn't agree with their opinion that where I draw the line. I have no problem with others expressing their own opinion, that is their right and once We can't do that there is a problem. Some don't seem to grasp that concept or what Freedom of speech is about.

SMSgt Lawrence McCarter - Roger that. Freedom of speech, not freedom to be verbally abusive.