Yeesh. I guess people need to rage about this and that when appropriate (or inappropriate, depending)! Here's hoping you can at least stay out of those sorts of discussions! ^^

Some people are good at laying out arguments and presenting their views. Others are not. A person can have a completely terrible and factually incorrect opinion, but present it fabulously and persuasively. Someone else can have a well-reasoned, correct and important point of view, but present it so awfully that it gets tossed out as bullcrap.

Surround yourself with people that can debate a good debate, even when the topic gets heated. Don't surround yourself with folks who will coddle you and grow your ego while your self esteem deflates. Be intelligent.

:)