I like to hear the unvarnished views of others, not that I am going to adopt their viewpoint, but everything I hear is input which goes into my internal databse and forms my viewpoint on things.

I think it makes one a more rounded individual, more tolerant and understanding but not necessarily a wimp.

They say a pessimist is an optimist with experience. Listening to this stuff give you experience.

It beats the hell out of news channels where 90% of what's on there is commercials and the latest Scott Peterson, Kobe Bryant, John Karr crap over and over.