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From: John Cussen <john.cussen@cmgplc.com>
Date: Mon, 18 May 1998 11:22:50 +0100
Fwd Date: Mon, 18 May 1998 13:05:17 -0400
Subject: Ideas, Viewpoints And Positive Discussion

Dear All,

I am a new subscriber to this list and extend a warm greeting to
all other subscribers and contributors alike. :)

It is particularly refreshing to be able to voice one's ideas and
opinions without fear of ridicule by others, no matter how naiive
those ideas and opinions might appear to some people.  It is
difficult enough to discuss topics such as this with people who
*do* have empathy, let alone with those who have a sceptical
viewpoint.  There is no definitive answer or concrete proof to
the questions we all ask, not yet.  But we are all, to some
extent, searching for those answers whether it is joining a
discussion list such as this, reading a book on the subject,
attending a lecture, or are one of the many people who devote
much of their free time (and often for free) trying to find out
the answers for themselves and for others.

We all disagree on some aspects of ufology, even over the
terminology itself - disagreement, in it's most positive form,
highlights conflicting viewpoints which might each have valid
basis.  Attempting to force a viewpoint usually results in
something else being lost.  We can probably all recount personal
situations where our disagreement with someone's viewpoint was in
danger of becoming a personal conflict.  It usually blinds us to
everything that person says - and that is usually when the one
nugget of valuable information is overlooked and lost or simply
supressed.

We want others to show us tolerance for our beliefs, just as they
want the same in return.  Sometimes it's extremely hard to do.
What each of us feels to be important may mean nothing to someone
else, but what we each feel _is_ important and we all have the
right to change our minds when the occasion to do so arises.
Disagreement is, of course, healthy if it allows us space to move
to an altered viewpoint.  Confrontation doesn't afford the same
luxury.

Please excuse me for speaking out of turn if that is what I have
done.  I'm just concerned that some disagreements are rapidly
become personal and is potentially damaging the reputations of
those involved when played out in public within a list such as
this, when we should be aiming to help one another with a common
goal.  If we can't tolerate each other, it's harder to expect it
from other people.

I am glad to have become a subscriber of this list and look
forward to all future postings.

Warmest regards to all,

John


 -------------------------------
  John Cussen
  Consultant - Advanced Technology
  CMG UK Limited, London

  Phone: +44 (0)171 592 4610
  Email: john.cussen@cmgplc.com