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Politics : Sharks in the Septic Tank -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Solon who wrote (39186)	11/28/2001 4:42:16 AM
From: one_less	Respond to of 82486

OK, I think you honestly misunderstand the statement. I say that I believe that I know what is right about fifty percent of the time (at best) and the other fifty percent of the time or more as things come up, I admit that I don't know what is right. That in no way states that I think my beliefs are wrong fifty percent of the time, or only correct fifty percent of the time. I think my beliefs are pretty close to 100% correct all the time. They are simple and basic enough to form a foundation for my life view but do not explain the intricacies, and complexities of the universe. I hold opinions about many things based on my knowledge, experience, and attitudes toward such things but that doesn't equal beliefs. There are many things,issues, phenomenon, etc that I don't know the answer to and when asked about them I would have to admit that I don't know or often don't care. Here is an example of how beliefs and opinions are different: I believe it is bad for a leader to decieve those who empower him/her to lead. This helps me to form an opinion about which leaders I support and which I do not. I may form an opinion that politician xyz is a corrupted liar and not fit to hold office. When asked about most politicians I would simply say that I don't know enough about them to form an opinion (this has nothing to do with my belief that it is wrong for politicians to deceive their constituants). My belief that it is not good for a leader to deceive those who empower him/her to lead is not going to change. My opinion about politician xyz might. Opinions are very rational. Beliefs can also be rationalized and believers spend a great deal of time and effort in moddly coddling non-believers by rationalizing their belief systems. I believe it is wrong to deceive others with few exceptions. I believe it is right to seek the truth in all things. I believe it is right to stand against injustice. I don't in any way think my beliefs are fifty percent correct. I feel as close to 100% about them as the human condition permits. Beliefs are another way of knowing. One which you have shown you reject as valid, so it does little good to explain it further. I realize that this does not explain why groups of people who simply want to live in the light, find themselves standing in the shadow of each others darkness. It does not explain how people of conscience find them selves in the death throes with one another. However, as these situations are presented in the world I will struggle to form opinions about them and act accordingly. My opinions may in part be based on my beliefs but are not equal to my beliefs.