I just realized I hadn't answered my own questions.

Quote Originally Posted by Pax View Post
I understand everyone has an opinion, I also understand it is your "right" to express it; my question is why do you express it? Are you hoping to change someone's views, find common ground, validate your process, degrade someone else, create an open dialog?
Why - because words, chosen carefully, can have transformative powers on both the speaker and the listener.

Generally I hope to find common ground or failing that, to educate, to create an open dialog.

I'm not a fan of arguing and confrontation;

- In person I have enough mental quickness, verbal skills, and strength of personality to decimate most of the people I encounter. I enjoyed that when I was younger and going toe to toe with a bigot, now I'm tired, now I want peace.

- Arguing online is pointless unless you know the person IRL, you don't know their motivations, their true thoughts/beliefs, and many times you end up getting involved in a debate with someone who has no real interest in the topic, they just enjoy argument.