about the value of a political opinion

Lately I have been lurking about and reading people’s political discussions. I came across a trend in the discourse that deeply, deeply worries me.

The trend in particular is this: “I can see that we disagree, but you need to respect my opinion. I’m an independent person and you need to respect my right to have an opinion.”

The speaker here is putting two things (1. his right to have an opinion, and 2. his opinion) into one group (things that deserve my respect).

Of course, the first of the two elements does indeed belong in that group. The right to have and develop his own opinion is a freedom of thought, and I respect freedom of thought without question.

The problem is that the second element does not necessarily belong in that group.

I am most certainly not obligated in any way to respect your opinion.

The value of a political opinion is derived from the truth of its premises and the validity of the logic leading to its conclusions. So, if your political opinion is based upon premises that are not true (regardless of whether or not they were true in the past) or if your conclusions are haphazardly drawn, then the value of your political opinion is significantly decreases. Accordingly, I will not respect that opinion because I have no reason to do so.

With that, I think my point is clear. Your opinion does not deserve anyone's respect simply by virtue of existing and being uttered from your mouth. The opinion needs to qualify as worthy of respect.

I apologize that this sounds so aggressive, but I’m being firm for a reason. I have had people show me an opinion that is the intellectual equivalent of a slimy, overripe banana and then demand that I offer their opinions my respect. Who is really the aggressive one here? (Hint: it’s not me.)