In a recent conversation with a former professor of mine, a very valid point was brought to my attention. His thought was as follows: "While there are several major political and social concerns in our society today, the one that is being overlooked all too often is the state of public deliberation. Far too often do conversations turn into shouting matches and name-calling, and while this is not the biggest problem our society faces, this does contribute to why these problems are never solved."

This point made me look back at the past six months and realize that not only is he right on the money, but I am just as guilty as anyone. I have been so caught up and heated in my beliefs over issues facing our country that I have not stopped to listen to the other side.

Maybe it's all my fault; maybe the other side of the argument was being just as stubborn as I. Whoever is to blame, I feel that this is an issue that needs to be addressed on a national level before the wedge in this country is driven further between us.

The lack of quality debate is not something we cannot go blaming the media for, either. We are the ones waiting in lines and in elevators flinging more mud than the politicians. As far as the coming election, I cannot even begin to calculate the ratio of name-calling to actual candidate-backing. And to you sitting there shaking your head in agreement - stop it, you are guilty of this, too.

Instead of trying to ram our opinions down each others' throats, why don't we try to have an actual constructive conversation that might end up in both sides learning something? The next time you have a discussion about politics, science, relationships or whatever with someone of the opposite viewpoint, listen and accept the fact that you might not be 100 percent correct on every one of your opinions.

I do not mean to be condescending in my tone. Remember, I am guilty of poor debate myself. I would just like to see a few more enlightening conversations take place before this nation's back yard resembles that of the Hatfields and the McCoys.

Ben Hater of Taylor Mill is an audio visual technician, a "rookie" wine consultant and an aspiring scriptwriter.

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