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 Opinion Essay Topic: Should Everybody's Voice ALWAYS be heard? 

       In an ideal world, I believe it is good to allow each person in a group to express their point of view. There are times when it is unrealistic. In an emergency, it is not always possible to take the time to include everyone in the decision-making process. During emergencies, like the wildfires in Central Washington last year, decisions had to be made quickly. There was not enough time to allow each person involved in the situation a chance to express his or her point of view on what was happening.

         I believe it is necessary and good to allow each person in a group chance to express their point of view. I have learned a great deal from listening to other people’s opinions, even if I don't necessarily agree with them. I really find it interesting to hear how cultural differences paint people's view of what's going on. I believe if we devalue people's opinions and ideas eventually they will stop are talking. If this happens, the only opinions that will be heard will be from the people who yell the loudest. In group projects at school I have found that sometimes the shyest and quietest person in a group may be the smartest. As a society, I believe we should listen to everyone's opinion because it is morally the right thing to do.

        Realistically, there are some instances where it is dangerous to take the time to ask how everyone feels about a particular situation. During emergencies, like the wildfire that burned over a hundred square miles south of Wenatchee, Washington in June of 2013, there were very few decision-makers. Firemen worked on a plan to stop the fire before it reached a wind farm near Vantage, Washington. The fire burned three homes and several outbuildings and 60 residents were evacuated. Because of the unpredictable nature of fire many people were evacuated, whose homes ended up not even burning. During the Central Washington fire, the officials in charge, put firefighter safety before the needs or feelings of the people who were being evacuated. I feel they made a good decision that probably saved many lives.

        I feel every person in society matters. When many people express their point of view, everyone can learn a great deal. During an emergency it is not only unrealistic but also unwise to take the time to ask everybody his or her point of view. In the long run it probably saves lives having an authority figure in charge during emergencies.