Opinions and Facts: Emotion or Reasoning?

“Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth.” --- Marcus Aurelius

“Too often we … enjoy the comfort of opinion without the discomfort of thought.” --- John F. Kennedy

Often we hear people say or read in a commentary on social media that a person has a right to their opinion. That is true. But the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States does not provide a right for someone's opinion that ignores the facts. Too many people are confused just what an opinion is. 

  In the Merriam-Webster Dictionary (established in 1828), the definition of opinion:

1 a: a view, judgment or appraisal formed in the mind about a particular matter.b: approval, esteem2 a: belief stronger than impression and less strong than positive knowledgeb: a generally held view (//news programs that shape public opinion)3 a: a formal expression of judgment or advice by an expert (//My doctor says that I need an operation, but I'm going to get a second opinion.)b: the formal expression (as by a judge, court, or referee) of the legal reasons and principles upon which a legal decision is based. (//The article discusses the recent Supreme Court opinion.

An opinion essay is a formal piece of writing which requires your opinion on a topic. In the essay you are expected to provide various arguments, reasons, viewpoints on the topic and they will be supported by evidence and/or examples. Even in this instance, facts cannot be ignored or deleted.

Wikipedia:

Ignorance is a lack of knowledge and information. The word “ignorant” is an adjective that describes a person in the state of being unaware, and can describe individuals who deliberately ignore or disregard important information or facts, or individuals who are unaware of important information or facts.

An opinion is that blue is the best color. It is in their personal perspective that blue is best. Another person would add black to blue and create purple and say that is the best color. It is a matter of opinion and not fact that either blue or purple is the best color.

“Opinion has caused more trouble on this little Earth than plagues or earthquakes.” --- Voltaire

In a Pews Poll:

Many think America is experiencing a crisis in facts and truth, and they believe this problem ties into the current state of distrust people have in institutions. … They also say made-up news and information has a big impact on Americans' confidence in government (68%) and in each other (54%).

Too often when people are voicing their “opinion” - they purposefully ignore facts, as though their insistence upon their opinion will create facts.

As Senator Daniel P. Moynihan (1927-2003) once stated:

Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not his own facts.

Senator Moynihan was correct. Opinions are generally created via emotion and too often defies reasoning. When it comes to politics, facts and reasoning is paramount. Opinions based upon emotion is not beneficial and often leads to negative impact. Marxists know this and that is one reason their line of thinking is dangerous. History has proven this if people would only pay attention. The Founders created a system based upon reason and Marxism should never replace it. Those "lost souls", mostly younger generation, who believe that Karl Marx had a better system than our Founders is not within the realm of reality and pursue the fantasy known as Utopia.