Jean Voljean Growing old on the VS ( 70.196.76.228) on 5/5/2016 - 9:15 a.m. says: ( 674 views , 5 likes , 1 Disagree )
"So you're saying that a lot of Trump supporters are cowards?"
Message Replied To ==========

The predictions of a colossal Trump loss to Hillary remind me of UF versus Ohio State in 2006.

The pundits said the Gators should not have been selected for that game and would surely lose big. Buckeye fans I encountered in Glendale smirked when asking why we spent so much money to see our team lose.

There is an underestimated voter revolt in this country. I suspect there are many here that will vote for Trump over Clinton who will not post so for fear of ridicule by the vocal majority. I was never a Trump guy and feel the same pressure.

But I will not elect a person to the presidency through passivity I think is corrupt to the core and embodies the national political status quo. I suspect millions of others feel likewise but won't say so.

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They can't work up the courage to voice an opinion that goes against the majority?  Should I respect that?

Yes, I agree that we should be welcoming of differing perspectives.  But your comment about secret Trump supporters not feeling welcome does bring up some thoughts about why this is a much neater place than people give it credit for:

1.  I could be wrong, but most of the people who post here have at varying times stated opinions that were contrary to the clear majority.  And I don't mean troll posting, but the presentation of an honestly held view even though it will be "unpopular".  Heck, if people can't do that, then this would simply be an echo chamber.  

2.  Forums that encourage the presentation of differing views rather than just reinforcing views are not for the weak.  As much as we may try to be respectful (and we should), facing opposition stings.  Most people can't handle that.  For those who can, putting your views forth in an admittedly messy marketplace of ideas has a lot of value.  For those who can't, hiding in safer venues is probably a better choice.

3.  I agree with the maxim that we should respect the person, but does't mean we must respect his or her beliefs.  I hold lots of beliefs in contempt, but not that many people.  People generally post that way to.  If say talking about Trump voters in general (or more accurately, their reasons for doing so), the tone can be very disrespectful.  But if debating a particular person, few are so jerkish as to display that disrespect.  So, odd as it may seem, by not standing up for what they believe, these secret Trumpettes are actually ncouraging that disrepect that discourages them.

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