Assumptions and brushstrokes...

Some marines were charged with murdering an Iraqi civilian. Do you believe they are innocent until found guilty? Or do you believe because they are marines and in Iraq, that they are guilty anyway? Do you believe that because they were charged it means they're guilty?

A woman accuses someone of raping her. Is she lying? Does this mean the accused is a republican? Does this mean she is a republican? Should she count on being denigrated by the media and defense lawyers before there is even a trial?

A rich man is accused of murdering his ex-wife and the judge overseeing the their case. Does that automatically mean he's a republican? Does this mean that most male republicans abuse their spouses? Does it mean that democrats are less likely to do this?

Ann Coulter likes to use wide paint brushes as does Limpballs and a few others. People like them have said homosexuals are pedophiles, liberals are godless, democrats support the terrorists and so on. The list is endless.

It's really easy to hop on the same bandwagon of like-minded people. It's even easier to make snap judgments without the benefit of facts and specifics that sheds light on complicated issues. Critical thinkers are usually hesitant to make quick judgments without knowing the facts. Most of the ones I know can see the shades of gray and don't believe everything is either right or wrong with no in between.

Looking at such simple questions it's easy to say...'everyone is innocent until found guilty', but much of that sentiment goes out the window when assumptions are made with no facts to back them up. Quick judgments without knowing specifics are made and some automatically think the woman is lying about being raped. Just because a man is rich and may have killed two people doesn't mean he is a republican. No one knows the specifics except those individuals involved. Common sense dictates that judging before knowing the facts is premature. Those who do it are more than likely to be wrong on a regular basis.

it's always easier to base your opinions on emotions or preconceptions than facts. The truth should always be sought, even if it's uncomfortable or inconvenient.