![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon_e_biggrin.gif)
I'm obviously really hoping we can actually do this civilly and have some great dialogue back and forth, but who knows, this thread may get blown up before it even really gets going!
Wags, appreciate your perspectives, although I don't agree on all points. Which is totally fine.
50's pride, I know your last post took a few things from my post(s), but they were cherry picked a bit my friend to be fair, I would encourage you to ask about meaning rather than presuming. Remember, text can make accurate interpretation a challenge.
What I was largely doing originally was simply showing some love to Cards, one of our OWN, who to my knowledge is a VETERAN that carries the badge of honor for being someone who actually defended the rights we are referencing. Even for people who stand for the opposite of his views, and have little idea what honor truly means. I'm sure you and Wags and others will even disagree with that, and that's ok, I'm good with differing views. That's just mine.
I didn't serve, but have many family members who did, as perhaps you do as well, and so my definition of things like respect is likely a bit different than some others today. I don't view symbols and actions as arbitrary and meaningless. They absolutely carry meaning. If not, well then I guess kneeling is meaningless too right, and therefore all of this is just nonsense serving no purpose? But I bet you don't believe that. It just seems that one side is being deemed meaningless because it doesn't fit the desired narrative (standing), while the similar element on the other side (kneeling) is somehow deemed carrying some great purpose. Nah, can't have it both ways. Symbols and actions either mean something or they don't. And anyone with the power of thought knows they do.
That said, I want to be clear I'm not going too crazy about the kneeling. No, I don't agree with it, but I will gladly take that form of awareness / protest over violence and destruction claiming to be in the name of something great (hint: it isn't, it's domestic terrorism by extremists on both sides who are using unsuspecting groups who are trying to do something positive and hijacking it for evil). At least this method is peaceful, and for that I am thankful.
Anyhoo, here's my biggest issue with today: this isn't about clamoring for awareness anymore. We HAVE awareness. I doubt there is a single person in this country that is not aware of the issues going on. It's been forced down everyones throats incessantly and completely bastardized and misconstrued by the extreme media, on ALL sides.
-->> The problem is we aren't just demanding awareness anymore, the demand has become AGREEMENT. We now ALL have to agree to the views in power or be lambasted, shamed, and hated on for daring to have a different thought. And it's the same on both sides. It is absolutely ridiculous, and that I cannot stand for. Because THAT is constitutionally, morally, and ethically wrong. That's literally trying to control people, to demand that everyone be the same, and that is what is happening in this country right now. It's wrong, left or right, or anywhere in between.
NO ONE gets the right to force people to agree with them and to have the same exact opinion they do because that's what THEY deem is right. The hypocrisy I see in this country today has reached epic proportions. The left side is running around demanding their voices be heard, which they absolutely are loud and clear, while simultaneously demanding any opposing view from the right is fully silenced. And even worse, it's being promoted and encouraged in the name of social justice. And people are believing it. That right there should scare everyone, on all sides, and that's what I mean when I say the true original intent of things today has become totally lost and distorted by extremists. Any opposing view today, any at all, is being labeled evil, publicly shamed, etc, it's insane. People are being FIRED and having their careers and lives ruined because they don't agree with someone. Folks, this is utter idiocy.
And let me clarify, I am neither Dem nor Rep, because they're all full of manure
![Razz :P](./images/smilies/icon_razz.gif)
I have voted both sides over the many years, depending on where I see the best chance for positive impact and value on key issues to me. Some things I lean left, some things right. So I'm not promoting one over the other here. But what I can't stand for is someone repeatedly telling me how awful of a person I am because our views differ. That's completely irrational, and I fully reject that thinking and treatment.
Here's what I think: We all need to be more tolerant. ALL of us. Seek first to understand, then to be understood. A lot can change from that simple approach. I'm praying for it, for us, a lot, but I'm also not holding my breath. Just standing for what I believe is right to the best of my ability, in my way, by living my life the way I think I am called to, with love, care, and respect for others. By example. And then hoping others do the same, in their way, because I know my way isn't the only one. BUT love, care, and respect are the key operatives here. When those things guide us, we are all better off, no matter the method.
![Smile :)](./images/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif)