I’ve talked with two black men this week.  Both are educated and in the upper-middle class.  Both are about the same age. Both have successful jobs.  Both live in California. 

One is a Liberal and the other is a Conservative.

The Liberal believes in the message and agenda of the BLM organization.  The Conservative does not.

Which one should I believe?

It’s a trick question.  The answer is: “both”.

Because I said that both men told me what they “believed”.  Belief is the result of personal contemplation so both of their reactions are legitimate.  I know what they believe because they told me.

Now, let’s abstract this a bit.  As with many things in America, there are people who support the BLM organization and those that don’t.  If both groups are attempting to sway your opinion in their favor, which are you more likely to listen to?

Notice I didn’t say “agree with”, I’m talking about just listening to them.

Will you listen to the person who is treating you in a civil manner and engaging in a conversation?  Or, will you listen to the person screaming in your face, throwing insults, rioting and hurting innocent people?

It’s an easy choice for me.  I’d go with the first one.

Let’s try another.

Which one are you more likely to “hear”?  Which one’s message are you more likely to ponder?

Are you more likely to hear someone who is listening to what you have to say, or someone who won’t let you speak?

And finally:

Which one are you more likely to agree with?

Are you more likely to agree with someone who can respectfully articulate facts, logic and reason, or someone who merely repeats slogans or buzz words?

In summary:

• If you want people to know your beliefs, state them
• If you want people to listen to you, be civil
• If you want people to hear you, listen to what they have to say
• If you want people to agree with you, work to convince them