Voices

Some would probably say I watch too much tv.  I do find it incredibly interesting a lot of the time.  Ok I watch mysteries and fiction, but I also watch a lot of nonfiction.  Stories about current events or events in history.
It seems to me there are many voices vying for my attention.  Many voices with a way of interpreting the world.  As far as I am concerned none is insignificant.  I do not necessarily hold to the same view, but I will never deny someone the validity of expressing a view.
I do get miffed when someone endeavours to tell me their view is right without question.  I think I, and everyone else, can and sometimes does, come up with different conclusions.
It seems to me so often others simply want to know they are heard.  The conclusion another reaches is not so important as knowing they had an opportunity to say what non their chest.  I will never forget one guy giving me his opinion (when I was the one who could implement decisions) but them saying something like “What you do with it is up t you.  I just wanted you to know what I am thinking.”
Honestly to me it is really important my voice is heard.  I understand that not everything I say or think is agreed with.  That matters to me less then knowing I have been heard.  Not just passive hearing or listening without really listening but involved listening.  Taking it in and processing it.
I read about Frankin Roosevelt who often had to endure long receiving lines at the White House.  He complained that no one really paid any attention to what he said.  “One day, during a reception, he decided to try an experiment.  To each person who passed down the line and shook his hand, he murmured, “I murdered my grandmother this morning.”   The guests responded with phrases like, “Marvelous!  Keep up the good work! We’re proud of you.  God bless you, Sir!”   It wasn’t until the end of the line, while greeting the ambassador from Bolivia, that his words were actually heard.  Nonplussed, the ambassador leaned over and whispered, “I’m sure she had it coming.”
There is no doubt there are many many voices vying for my attention.  The important thing to me is I hear what is being said, process it and make up my own mind.