Debate

1404: 

It’s hard to get a debate going on Animal Rights.  We may be busting to tell people everything we know about the horrors of animal abuse, but others hold strong views too, so we need to respect the sovereignty of opinion, even when we reckon it’s wrong opinion.  All opinion-holders should feel free to say their piece, otherwise we’ll lose the privilege of having freedom of speech.

         

There should be clear channels for airing our views without fear of being attacked or cut down before we’ve finished speaking.  If, for example, we’re debating the use of animals, we’re bound to touch on the use of animal products, which will bring us to the use of eggs or milk and the cruelty behind their production.  Whether we’re discussing with friends or speaking to an audience of strangers, there’s no point in becoming defensive or aggressive as soon as we’re no longer on common ground.  If we get aggro about our views, we cause people to dig in their heels and argue against us, if only to save face.