Yes, we certainly all do have opinions about nearly everything, don’t we? We may or may not express it, but what we say and do, the choices we make, and our reactions to others are all expressions of our opinion. But what is an “opinion?”

Miriam Webster says, “1. a view, judgement, or appraisal formed in the mind about a particular matter or, 2. Belief stronger than impression and less strong than positive knowledge.” Of course, there are also legal definitions about “expert opinions” typically offered by doctors or lawyers, but let’s focus on Miriam’s first two definitions for a moment.

In today’s times, we are bombarded with so many opinions about everything under the sun. Those opinions do not have to be based in fact, rather they are “formed in the mind.” So, it begs the questions, what good are they? Who’s right? Who’s wrong? Is there even a right and wrong anymore?

A previous blog post talked about us being good enough for great leaders. If we are to be a free and evolved society we also need to distinguish between information and real facts and process the opinions of people, some of whom we don’t even know. That is a task most of us feel ready, willing and able to do; just look around at the many opinions presented to us daily.

Even our sages have different opinions about the Torah. So, it should not surprise us that we all have varying opinions about this and that. Respecting those opinions and how we present our opinions is where we should have the opportunity to make a difference. We have all heard the hyperbolic statements of our leaders in society, as well as some of our friends and family. We have all heard someone express their opinion followed by an expression of our own opinion. Of course, if we disagree with someone’s opinion there is a tendency to ridicule or dismiss the opinions of others who don’t agree with us, or with whom we don’t agree, or even like what they have to say.

It is too easy to get lost in opinions in these times of such polarization when we try to address monumental decisions that affect so many. We should be expecting our leaders (on both sides of the issues) to show us real alternatives, to discuss the merits of varying opinions so that “we, the people” can better understand and not get caught up in ideology or in the us versus them mentality. Societal problems will not get better because of this thinking and behavior.

I want my opinions to matter and to be respected, don’t you? I cannot expect that to happen without seeking out and respecting the opinions of others, without thinking and testing my ideas in discussion with others. In other words, it is a two-way street of ideas and attitudes.

Watching our elected leaders, appointed leaders, and the media manipulate the opinions of others has been detrimental to getting things done. We should pay attention and demand our leaders on all sides of the issues to show some respect and careful thought about the many important issues of our day. They should consider the real opportunity we have and that is the opportunity to bring people together, to bring prosperity to all who strive for a better life and to show the world what a magnificent thing it is to be an American.

My opinion is that America is one of the great successful cultural and societal experiments the world has ever seen. Let’s show some pride and respect in that and demand all our citizens and those who wish to be citizens, to embrace that and participate in it, if nothing else then for our children’s sake. Being a Zayde has made me look at the world from a different lens that I would encourage everyone to at least consider. After all, our future depends on it.

Vito Simone is a local resident, home renovation expert, and a Zayde to Zev and Leo. You can find his professional business online at www.TodaysHomeRenovations.com. Comments are welcome below or you can email Vito at [email protected] or call him at 410-952-5595 with blog comments or ideas, or for more information about Today’s Home Renovations.