Cornel West not withstanding, I think it's wrong to sit back and let others start discussions. If you have something to say on a subject, speak on it. It should matter if you think yours is the minority view -- in fact, that is the time when it's probably most crucial for you to speak up.

Isn't solely directed at you, because this is all too common here.

Stand on the strength of your convictions, and back them up. As long as you do so intelligently, offering some reasoning behind your opinion, no one can accuse you of anything. If they do, eff 'em.

Say what you believe. Believe what you say.

RED

"Sounds like Zen," I said. "Interesting
enough in itself as a system of
thought, but not much
good for explaining anything."
© Haruki Murakami, The Wind-Up
Bird Chronicle.