Dissent

tracker · Posted: Thu Apr 26, 2007 9:09 am Post subject: Dissent

The last time I checked, I still wasn't perfect. I probably won't be the next time I check too. I sometimes say offensive things and I don't get to un-say them. I think this is true for everyone.

I believe we all have the right to say what we want to say and if previous comments of mine were misconstrued, I'll attempt to clarify them. I believe we should sometimes moderate what we wish to say, that with the right to speak should come the responsibility to speak appropriately and respectfully. Even though I'm one to usually toss out a teaser or a smart-mouth comment, I try to maintain a line of respect for all human beings and their beliefs.I'm generally fairly sure the person I'm kidding knows that it's meant in humor. I don't always succeed, but I try. I've had differences with other members here in the past, and we settled them, I believe, honorably.

Several people have asked me questions about the traditional ways of my people and the right to speak one's mind in a community circle was considered a sacred right. None interrupted when one was speaking. Again, though, we were taught to temper our words with respect and humility. Humility is an elusive thing.

I also believe in the right to argue. I admire my southern neighbors for the freedoms their bill of rights guarantees them and it is the right to present the dissenting argument that made that bill of rights possible.

Consequently, I believe that every person of every stripe, politically, religiously, age group, race, or gender has the right to speak his or her mind and those are the areas --the where they are coming from--that I don't have the right to attack. If I want to argue with someone (and believe it, I still will) I will do my best to present my side of the argument based on my knowledge and logic. I also try to look at where someone else is "coming from" because I think it's a bad idea to attack someone in an area that might be sensitive to them. If I think something has been said in a wrong way, or inappropriately, I'll speak up. Often I will try to poke fun at something that I think is wrong, but sometimes I'll just call it how I see it. I certainly won't deny someone the right to respond and I don't think we should ever ignore what someone else has said or has to say. That's my thinking.

I guess most importantly, as soon as I say something that even hints that I am impugning that other person's right to speak, I am giving them or anyone else the right to do the same to me and I certainly don't intend on losing that right. I absolutely enjoy the discourse and exchange of information and opinions that go on here and will continue to conduct myself according to those beliefs. I mention all of this because of some "arguments"/comments that I have been included in in the last few days and I hope that this little rant is not offensive to anyone here.
God Bless You All

rdncktink · Posted: Thu Apr 26, 2007 2:45 pm Post subject: Re: Dissent

Those are very honorable things to try and remember and I think most (I've learned in college not to say everyone) people need a reminder every so often of how we are perserved by others. I know that I have the problem of speaking before thinking - a lot. I think that if I try to follow the idea that I am getting from you of thinking about the other person first than I won't be seen as the B***H that most think I am.

I guess what I want to say is thanks for the reminder.