I go on Facebook daily to see the latest posts from my “friends” and I quickly scroll through searching for meaningful news.

Sure enough, there is always someone who post an opinion on the latest controversy or political fallout. These regulars, (you know who they are)  who are quick to offer their opinion about a public controversy make me uncomfortable. They seem in a hurry to Jump to the defense of one side or another. My inner voice chastises them for making their views public so quickly and for painting themselves into a corner. There is always more to the story than the first wave of information. Do they have enough facts to proclaim with so much certainty and emotion?

I’ve always been more of the “keep my opinion to myself”; at least in pubic and at least until I  created this blog. Unless the truth of the debate is obvious, I take comfort in telling myself to wait and let the dust settle. If I state my side too early and am proved wrong, I will appear foolish. Yet they stand up and shout their opinion early in the timeline of the scandal and do so with conviction.

On the other hand, I could envy them. I play it safe too often, cautious in my hesitation, maybe to the point of cowardice. Without their brave and sometimes naive postings, we’d have no meat to chew on, no fodder for the next step. They take advantage of their freedom and their confidence to position themselves and I sit back afraid to err in my judgement.

I know enough about myself to know I’m more comfortable observing,  but I should give more credit to them for their swift postings and celebrate their contributions, not frowning on their rapidity.

Always striving to see another perspective. B. Toner

When I speak up, the room divides.       Some shout in while some of you hide.         Both reasons and emotions crowd in, still networks expand.                      Now I must defend my voiced line in the sand.        Those of you staying silent, save face per chance.     You gather quiet thoughts for our contested dance      Who’s to say, could be right, could be wrong,                                                 Who’s to say: the subject of many songs.        Claim it loudly now, or wait, whisper another day.        Stand with the latter then Who’s to say?

B. Toner 2016