Anger: Human Nature

I think one reason that people get so heated about the health care debate is because peoples' health is at stake. We think of ourselves and how we need (or think we need) health care. Or we think of how hard we work and that we deserve to pay for our own health care. Both sides have valid arguments but we only seem to see the facts that support our own opinion. This is the first flaw in human beings regarding anger and opinions. Another is the idea that "I am always right". We all have opinions and once we make a decision on an issue, we become attached to that position. When other people disagree, we take it more as an insult to ourselves instead of a healthy argument consisting of more than one supportable sides. So we retaliate. Instead of using reason and examining the other side of the issue, we become more radical and firm on our own stance. It takes a very tempered and humble person to admit they were mistaken and switch sides on an issue. This type of action is submissive and we feel as if we are the "losers" if someone else presents a better argument. If everyone just accepted that people have different opinions and nothing can be done to change that, much less anger would exist in the world. Instead of thinking your position is correct, think of it more as an outlook. Is the glass half-full or half-empty? It just depends how you look at it. This is how our opinions work. But we need to realize we may be right, but we may be wrong; or maybe there isn't a correct answer. So next time you start debating with someone, don't let the anger get to you. Give valid points for your stance, but also listen to the opposition. You may find that the more you listen, the more you realize that both sides can be right, and one doesn't have to be wrong.