I suppose every rule has its exceptions.
I think that underlying the Zappa rule, people will agree with you only if they already agree with you. You do not change people's minds, is the supposition that the other person's mind is already made up....he is not undecided. Certainly, someone with an open mind is always subject to persuasion.
I should also add that my not caring to try to change anyone's mind was not referring to the practicalities of the death penalty that you listed (although I agree with them): it's too much trouble, costs too much, splits an otherwise agreeable body politic, and in the case of McVeigh, creates an unwanted martyr. Rather, for me it is a moral/ethical issue. I simply do not believe that killing humans, for whatever reason, is a good idea. Back to the Zappa quote, it seems to me that an adult either has this kind of personal value system, or does not....I am not going to create one in someone else no matter how eloquent my arguments.
Quahog
P.S. I am surprised and delighted at the level of conversation going on here, and the civility of people with different views. |
