We are a reflection of where we've been.

Like it or not, we all have an opinion about so-called "hot button" political issues. If you think about it, all of your opinions stem from the experiences you've had. The more you see of the world, the more your political opinions change or solidify. I'm not just talking about seeing different countries. If you go to several different countries, but stay in luxury hotels, then all you know is which country has the best room service. What I'm really talking about is your world, the world you see when you step outside your front door. For example, you're more likely to be pro-legalization of marijuana if you enjoy blazing occasionally than someone who has had a loved one join MA (Marijuana Anonymous: http://www.marijuana-anonymous.org/), but if you've seen/dealt with both, you have a better perspective on things and develop a stronger argument as to why things should be one way and not the other way, yet the more significant experience will be the one to sway you one way or the other. Never apologize for having your opinions, so long as you can back them up. Usually, you have a reason for believing what you believe, and in my experience, once you tell others about it, they'll be more respectful of your opinion. Don't shut yourself off to their experiences, either, because you never know why people are on the other side of an issue, or why there's another side of an issue at all, until you listen to them. Takes all types to make the world go 'round.