Does it really matter what Americans think? Will it make any difference if the majority of folks oppose a policy? a bill? a presidential nominee? Aren't we now locked into a process with a controlling party that has carte blanc? Who cares what we think? It didn't matter with the TARP bill that passed. Americans were against that. Our voices were loud and clear on the issue of bailing out these Wall Street madmen. So what difference does it make what I think? This is just ONE example in a sea of everyday discussions folks have on issues and views.
Ever been in a conversation with someone and discover the person wasn't the least bit interested in what you say? Either they want to state their own opinion on the subject or they don't care at all about the conversation? In fact, they ignore your input midsentence and move on to another subject. Indeed, you have no doubt your thoughts were better kept stuffed in your brain. It's happened to me.
Sometimes it hurts my feelings. I am so surprised by the rebuff that I don't have any idea what to say, nor how to confront the situation. So I remain silent. I push all my previous thoughts inside the clamshell of a brain I have and snap the shell shut. Other times I may listen to what the other says and simply chalk up my thoughts as unimportant. (In other words, my thoughts weren't needed--nor wanted). Occasionally you have a person who appears to be listening, yet who gives not one iota of input, nor acknowledges a single syllable you utter. If you have an ounce of discernment in your noggin, you know they are not interested or are simply bored stiffless. Many times what you say is challenged--but not on its merit--it is just so one can counter with an opposing position or use your words as a jumping off point to start a conversation of their own with surrounding participants.
It really is a rare thing indeed to have someone actually want to converse with you, to discuss a topic, an issue, an idea, a view. It's rare because most folks have their own opinions that will not change. The views they hold are hard-formed views which carry them past your thoughts...your desire to dialogue and share in conversational relationships. When you find someone like that who really carries on a conversation with you...who stimulates your thought processes...and enjoys discussing things with you, you better grab them and hang on to them.
I'm one of those folks who treasure real conversationalists. I love the person who likes to dialogue face-to-face, or via email and letters, or even blog comments. However, having the gift of discernment, God often shows me the futility in a conversation or the impasse ahead in one, so I've learned to stay clear of many. I've been hooked by some conversation streams at times, especially if I have some strong views on the subject matter. But when conversations turn to argumentative debate, I usually tear the hook out of my mouth and let others bait and hook. I "go silent" in a room of voices. I retreat rather than beat the same drum that appears to be someone's gnat in their face. To me, it is just not worth the time nor the energy--time is too precious and energy too vital.
How about you? Ever feel ignored? Unimportant? Voiceless? Insignificant in the scheme of things? selahV
