Comment: I upvoted your post and I agree

I've been saying the same thing for awhile now. If I get downvoted without an explanation I consider the person a coward who doesn't have the courage of their conviction. And that's what an upvote/downvote is, a conviction. I don't have to explain or have an upvote explained because that means there's an agreement with the sentiment expressed. But when I see a downvote and no reason for it I wonder what it was I said that was perceived as wrongheaded. I want to know why my thoughts didn't strike a chord with the reader. That downvoter's position may give me pause and I may even cause me to alter my position. We are supposed to be discussing things, and I really don't mind being questioned re: my thoughts. If we don't challenge each other with new ideas we become stagnant and an explanation of a downvote is that opportunity to express and exchange ideas. Unfortunately, I believe too many downvotes are given by others who have no idea why they are downvoting and can't express their dislike of what was written except for an unreasoned 'I don't like it' proving the dumbing-down GRIC (govt run indoctrination center aka public school system) has been successful.