Political Guilt

        I feel strongly about a lot of political issues. 
        ...And these feelings clash with basically everyone I come in contact with on any given day. 
        Sometimes I wonder if my opinions are less valid than others' simply because I don't have many people agree with me.  It's hard to not be so... similar.  I feel guilty for "arguing" with their opinions. 
        I tend to keep quiet about political issues, even when I really, really care about them.  However, I always feel like I would be better off if I shared my opinions, and if I challenged opinions I disagree with.  It's painful either way -- either I'll dislike my own silence or I'll be afraid that someone else will dislike me. 
        I'm going for it, though.  It's terrifying.  I'm terrified.  But it feels good at the same time.  I like to believe that, at the very least, I'm helping someone to think deeper about a topic.  Hopefully they'll help me to think deeper about it, too.  This is how we form developed opinions -- we discuss, analyze, and think. 
        I'll try not to be too afraid. One who fears thought fears the world.