The 'right' to be heard?

I heard on the radio a political add that said 'we all have a right to be heard... '

I got to wondering if thats right or not, do we have the right to be heard, or just the right to speak?

[TW2005]

Originally Posted by Far Rider

I heard on the radio a political add that said 'we all have a right to be heard... '

I got to wondering if thats right or not, do we have the right to be heard, or just the right to speak?

IMO.... We have the right to be heard but hardly anyone listens. When someone disagrees with you they just brush you off and call you an idiot or ignore you. Not to say that everyone has to listen to what you have to say, but not listening shows that you are a "know it all" and no ones opinion matters but your own. Other peoples opinions and voices are great to hear, I listen all the time. I don't always agree but thats the issues with some people. If I disagree, I'll come back with my perspective to try and get my views of the other side across.

TW,

See thats how that statement hit me too. I instantly remembered back to some of the arguements with my siblings and try as I might I would not be heard. especailly when I was younger than the brother I was argueing with.

I have a right to speak, but nobody has to listen.

[minks]

Originally Posted by TW2005

IMO.... We have the right to be heard but hardly anyone listens. When someone disagrees with you they just brush you off and call you an idiot or ignore you. Not to say that everyone has to listen to what you have to say, but not listening shows that you are a "know it all" and no ones opinion matters but your own. Other peoples opinions and voices are great to hear, I listen all the time. I don't always agree but thats the issues with some people. If I disagree, I'll come back with my perspective to try and get my views of the other side across.

Yes we do have the right to be heard, that is the trouble these days so many people have the attitude of "I don't have to listen to you" but wait where is your ability to listen open mindedly, accept the fact it is an opinion, then decide how to react if at all. I think we are all guilty of tunning out what we don't want to hear. Listening has become a very very weakend human skill.

[koan]

We have the right to speak. Listening is the option of our audience. What are you gonna do? Tie them to a chair until they can repeat back to you what you said?

I could stick to discussion boards that tend to agree with me and abandon those that don't. Then I'm more guaranteed of being heard but what does it matter? They all think the same thing already anyway. If I speak to one hundred people who have a different point of view and one single person says "hey, you really made me think" I feel wonderful. It is good to go where discussions can be sought amongst like minded people where you agree on basic principles and seek to expand on them but it is also worth going to places where people don't agree and speaking to them about the opposite point of view. I want to hear their's. If they don't want to hear mine at least I tried.

I've had incredible arguments face to face with people who disagreed with everything I said but we both listen to each other and acknowledge when the other makes a point. Acknowledge when they speak with passion and conviction.

People can't be wise unless they openly consider all points of view and challenge themselves on a regular basis. Not everyone wants to be wise. That is their right. I just hope it is the wise who lead the world.

You absolutely have a right to be heard in a court of law...but outside of that you take your chances and choose your friends.

[Adam Zapple]

Well put. I concur. It may be rude not to listen but no one has the right to coerce others into listening. The constitution merely protects your right to speak. Make your message compelling and then perhaps you will be heard.

Originally Posted by Adam Zapple

Well put. I concur. It may be rude not to listen but no one has the right to coerce others into listening. The constitution merely protects your right to speak. Make your message compelling and then perhaps you will be heard.

hahahaha... so its salesmanship then? The better the speaker the more folks want to listen? Or the better the message the more folks will want to listen?

In the Army we taught 'command voice' for issuing orders in groups. But I found that a command voice is greatly enhanced by effective leadership.

In some situations then you may have the right to be heard, and it can be demanded. As in rank structure in the service. But you signed into giving up your rights then and voluntarily placing yourself under authority of the UCMJ, so Im not sure if that counts.

Originally Posted by Jives

Works for me in the classroom!

But seriously, I once heard a great expression about the freedom of speech,

"Your rights end, where mine begin."

You don't have the right to yell "fire" in a crowded theater, because that infringes on my right not to be injured in a stampede.

Jives, shhhhhhhh Man! Don't say the "s" word around here... Minks will show up and start in on her St****de talk....


Check out my new signature line, Im sure you heard it before!

Originally Posted by Jives

LOL! Whoops! Hey Far! Are you Military too? Cool! that's why I like you!

20 years of BDU's, mre's, dirt, sweat, good friends, hard work and long boring, read'em if you got'em waits....

I figured you'd have heard this one before! Cracked me up when I first heard it... I laughed out loud and got smoked for it!

[Accountable]

Mark the calendar! I agree with Koan! Of course, we never would have known had I not chosen to listen to what she has every right to say.

A tree has a right to fall in the forest too, y'know.