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Imagine not being able to say what religion you believe in. Or that you don't believe in any religion.
Imagine a place where expressing your opinion about marriage, divorce, abortion or the death penalty was illegal, and where people were intolerant of anyone who's view differed from theirs.
That place would suck, wouldn't it?
I live in America and have been lucky (hardly seems like a powerful enough word) enough to never know what it is like to have to hide what I believe in for fear of being shot or thrown in jail. And, being that I am an American, one can, and should assume that what is written here are written in an American tone of voice.
Do people disagree sometimes? Sure. Am I sometimes wrong? Yes. But never-ever-has anyone ever disrespected me here or harassed me because of what I believe.
And I am saddened that there are people out there that would do that. To anyone.
What makes this world beautiful is that opinions are shared, discussed and yes, sometimes debated. But that is okay. In fact, it is what makes it so beautiful. Passionate people talking about passionate topics.
Intelligently.
Deeply.
Respectfully.
I will never understand why one human being would hurt another human being-either physically or verbally-simply because their views differ. It is incomprehensible to me, really, how, for example only, a Catholic could hurt a Muslim or a purple person could hate a green one.
Today, and everyday, I ask that you take the time to appreciate the freedoms that you have to hold and express your own opinions and to respect the fact that your neighbor also has that same right. You don't have to agree. You can even debate.
But always, always...respect.
Friday, July 06, 2007
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12 comments:
Very, very well said. :)
Yes, I agree with danielle. Spoken like a true friend!
I hope that nobody has disrespected you. :(
(dont' make me hafta open a can, people...)
I think the problem lies in the actions that follow the thoughts. I could respect your religious views and your right to believe them but at the end of the day I am going to continue to perform stem cell research. So we are still at odds..
If that makes sense so yes in theory I agree in respect for peoples right to choose their own path but the actions that our individual beliefs cause us to take will keep us as odds
Thank you Danielle and Tish-and no, no one has disrespected me.
Brian: Yes. You are 100% correct. But I can respect the fact that you hold your beliefs and can appreciate the fact that you have the right to perform for example, stem cell research.
I understand that not even 1/2 of the people out there can step back and look at it this way. But I'm just saying that I wish they did.
I once heard a lecture on freedom of speech and the right to protest, have religious beliefs etc...something they said really hit home with me. They said that everyone has a right to their beliefs and to voice them-even the KKK. Now, you may not agree-you may even strongly disagree-but you should appreciate that they have the same rights as you do to believe.
And like you said Brian-it's the actions-if they go and break the law and hurt someone or burn a cross, then that's crossing the line...
Otherwise, we have to respect the right. Because once we lose that, then people can ban me from wearing pink. Or from believing that God exists or whatever...
Right?
I agree but actions usually follow words and while I can respect that everyone has the right to free speech and debate that is different from respecting what they say. In the KKK example I can respect that they can say what ever they want but I don't have to respect them or their message in fact in my opinion I have an obligation to challenge their way of thinking since my mere toleration of it allows it to continue.
Yes. You are right again Brian. And being able to challenge them verbally (and even in your actions-protesting) is your right.
Very well written as always mags :)
I am green!
I am enjoying reading yours and Brian's little debate. I shall remain Canada and agree with you both :-)
Well, religion has been the biggest issue of disagreement since the beginning of time. It will continue until the end of time as well. If you watch other parts of the world you will see religious wars in progress. It's all about power. You are right, as long as we can discuss things with respect life is good.
Disagreement without being disagreeable. Challenge without physical harm.
I feel that this is where the problems occur - when we disagree violently and act on those violent impulses.
We protest those words and actions with which we disagree. This is our right. But we have no right to injure another, either through physical or mental abuse, simply because we disagree so strongly with a belief or position they hold.
We have a right to defend ourselves against verbal or physical attack with appropirate words or actions. But we don't have a right to attack someone for voicing an opinion, no matter that we disagree.
Excellent discussion Mags.
can i be a purple one?
smiles, bee
This is where emotions come into play. I hate the very thought of it, but I even support people's right to burn the flag. I detest it, it is deplorable and there's no excuse for it. But it is a protected right under our law. It is so ironic to me that the very people that do this do not see that the very act is a freedom given to them! My husband and I disagree on this point. He cannot see it ever being right. This is where law and emotion override one another. The KKK does have a right to exist in this country, as despicable as they are, but they do not have a right to act out or harm anyone. They can march around in their stupid sheets like idiots all they want. If the press wouldn't give them air time and if no one would show up at their parades, they would fade away. Again, it's emotion trumping law.
Good topic, Mags! And I love what you wrote...
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