Somehow Conservatives and Libertarians have become anti-immigrant because we're for border control, including something like a border wall.
I know it's a talking point the left likes to use to stir up emotions and get more people on their side. Of course the people flocking to the left because they think the right hates immigrants is another scary topic as they're being misled but they don't care enough about it to actually research it.
I haven't met a single conservative or republican or libertarian that is against immigration. I for one have no problem with immigration. The only problem I have is when people come into the country illegally. That shouldn't be a controversial statement. We all want to be sure we're not letting in criminals and rapists and.. oh god, did I just sound like Trump? It wasn't on purpose! It's just common sense. We DON'T want the criminals sneaking in. That also shouldn't be a controversial statement.
What's wrong with a wall to protect that border? Yeah, most criminals will be able to figure out a way around it, or over it, or under it. But it will make them have to take at least one more step to get here and that might be a step they're not willing to go. Is it going to stop all illegal immigration? Of course not, and nobody in their right mind would say it will. There's a reason you put a lock on your door. Any person really determined to come into your house is going to make it through a lock. It's just another obstacle they have to overcome to get in. If they're desperate, they'll still do it, but this might ust be enough to make it not worth it.
Come in legally. I know it's a pain and takes too long, but if we can control the influx of people first, we can then start working on the process to become a legal citizen. But you have to control the flow first, otherwise you're just closing one hole and another is opening.
But with all that, I don't hate illegal immigrants, I just want them to be here legally and do it the right way. I believe most every other person on this plant believes the same thing for their own country. And no, I'm not talking about the neo-Nazis or white nationalists, because those people should be totally condemned. Oh god, I sounded like Trump again. I think I need a nap.
Good faith isn't just an attitude; it's a series of actions. It’s the commitment to a shared process, even when the topic is difficult. Here are the core traits to look for and to cultivate in yourself.
1. Intellectual Humility
This is the foundation of all productive conversations. It’s the understanding that your own perspective is incomplete and that you might be wrong. A person with intellectual humility isn't afraid to be proven wrong; they welcome it as an opportunity to learn.
What it sounds like:
"Based on my understanding... but I could be missing something."
"That's a good point. I hadn't considered it from that angle."
"Help me understand what led you to that conclusion."
Why it matters: It turns a confrontation into a collaboration. Instead of two certainties clashing, it becomes a mutual exploration of a topic.
2. The Principle of Charity
This is the commitment to interpreting the other person's argument in its strongest, most persuasive form. Instead of looking for flaws and attacking the ...
The worn leather of the armchair creaked a familiar protest as Michael settled in. Across from him, on the edge of the old sofa, sat David, a man whose face was as familiar as his own reflection, etched with thirty years of shared laughter, quiet commiserations, and unspoken understandings. But tonight, there was a tension in the air, a subtle crack in the foundation of their long-standing ease.
"Thanks for coming over, Dave," Michael began, his voice softer than usual. "There's… something we need to talk about. It feels like there's been a growing misunderstanding, and it's been weighing on me."
David nodded slowly, his gaze steady. "I'm listening, Mike."
Michael took a breath. "I've heard things, felt a distance. And it seems like you, and maybe others, have a picture of me that isn't true. Like I'm… someone I'm not. And I need to set the record straight."
He leaned forward, choosing his words carefully. "I want trans people to have the same freedom and rights as any non-trans person. I want ...
10 rules for a productive discussion about controversial topics.
1. The Prime Directive: Argue in Good Faith This is the foundational rule. Both parties must enter the conversation with the genuine intention of exploring the truth, not simply to "win," embarrass, or provoke. Assume the other person is also operating under this principle until proven otherwise.
2. Intellectual Humility: Be Willing to Be Wrong Enter the discussion with the understanding that your current position could be flawed or incomplete. The goal is to refine your own views through challenge, not just defend them at all costs. Acknowledge valid points made by the other person.
3. The Principle of Charity: "Steel Man" Their Argument, Don't "Straw Man" It Instead of misrepresenting your opponent's position to make it easier to attack (a "straw man" ), do the opposite. Articulate the strongest, most persuasive version of their argument you can, and then respond to that. If you're unsure, ask, "So, if I understand you correctly, you're saying ...
