Ron, I don't think anyone is trying to stop anyone from opinions, but the easiest way to not make opposing issues opinions is to simply dismiss them and ignore them. In other words, "say what you want, and if choose to ignore you, that's the way it is."

It may be a defense mechanism, true. But if it works for the defender, then it is effective.

ron, there is no clear cut way to measure opposing opinions for personal agendas.