Hello! My name is Gem, and I'm a newcomer to this forum. I'm not, however, new to the minefield that is political discussion, being a journalism student and an advocate for civil rights. Something I do not understand is the idea that opinion supersedes fact--if one side has facts on it, should one not at least consider it? I also do not understand people who do not change their views based on fact. So, I decided to open this thread for the discussion of more difficult and political topics with a single goal in mind--education, the understanding of different points of view and the absorption of knowledge. I'd also love it if we respected one another and didn't subscribe to bigoted views, but as that is a part of having opinions and opinions are a part of human nature, it must continue. But please be mindful that if your opinion attacks another's existence, you may be met with resistance.

Well then, shall we begin?