So, I can be referred to as Shepherd Heath ...yet, you may think my writings are much like Steve's. That's because Steve and Shepherd Heath are friends ...and have given each other permission to not only interchange names, but share writings. Does it really matter who's pen name, or who penned it ...as long as both agree??

Okay, few of us often agree ...at least, on everything.  But, one should at least agree to be a friend to oneself.

And we can be mature enough to be able to hear those out who have a different way of thinking.  

Alternatives of thought are okay, as long as they have equal chance to express them ...and as long as they are not cruel and damaging, nor forced upon us.

And if alternative thoughts are given a chance to be express, then there is at least some chance that some of the real bad ideas are not put into practice.
That is, of course, unless the alternatives are limited and unequal.  But, with alternative voices, we cannot blame ignorance ...only ourselves.

Yet, with only one voice, though we can blame ignorance ...we deny ourselves choice.  We are stuck with what we are given, which often is not in our best interest.