I have a friend who can articulate her opinion on a number of different topics very well. Even those who disagree with her have to admit that she has given a great deal of thought to her position. She is gracious about it, and she is calm when someone else disagrees with her. If you aren't confident in your position, believe me, you do not want to debate this woman!
She was one of six children, and her mother and father encouraged talking about current events at the dinner table. They would turn on the evening news, and as they ate dinner, they would discuss the news of the day. They were permitted to disagree, and everyone's opinion was encouraged and respected. In fact, even the youngest child was expected to have an opinion.
As a result, my friend grew up believing that it is a great thing to have her own opinions and normal to express them in a respectful way. What an amazing gift her parents gave her. They have long since passed away, but they live on in this intelligent, well spoken woman. She is one of the best conversationalists I have ever met, and she learned it at her family's dinner table.
We three California women will create a place where it is safe to express an opinion.
Susan
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