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Wrestling Swine

wild boar on swallow waters

I recently attended a function to support local law enforcement, seeking to encourage them during a time when their job is especially difficult. We had a great group of friends and family together as we cheered on the men and women who sacrifice a lot to protect our town.

There was another group that formed just down the street in protest to what we were doing. It was clear, as one of my kids pointed out, that “they just want to be mad.” Unfortunately, members of this other gathering were able to engage a few people from our group and instigate an argument that went exactly nowhere. The problem with some people is that they aren’t interested in the truth or being enlightened, they just want to argue. Fighting is more important than facts.

And that tendency is as prevalent today as any time I can remember since I have been alive. Whether it’s mask wearing, political affiliations, race, religion, or myriad other unfortunate dividers, so many on either side of those disputes seem far more concerned with picking a fight than they do with increasing their knowledge or uncovering the truth.

When faced with a possible confrontation involving someone who just wants to argue, don’t engage. Don’t take the bait. Regardless of the evidence or virtue supporting your beliefs, your opposition simply is not interested in discovering facts. They only want the fight.

Resist the urge to try to be “right.” Otherwise, you just end up being dragged into the mud and mire with them. It’s a lose-lose proposition. Remember, don’t try to wrestle a pig. You’ll both get muddy, but the pig likes it.

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