I've watched people posting things on social media more frequently on social issues that involve a vast host of societal foibles. Who can use what bathroom? Who should be allowed to carry a gun? Where should guns be allowed? Are Republicans evil? Are Democrats idiots? Is the world burning? These are extreme arguments that many times break down to uncivil discourse.
Today I read a post about transgender bathroom usage article. The Article in question was a "conservative" pieces where women were stating they would be carrying guns in the bathroom from now on to protect themselves. A Transgender advocate responded to the article by saying they would disarm anyone carrying a gun in a restroom. I saw a hint of irony there. In fact, I saw the same kind of hypocrisy I often see when people on different sides of an issue act emotionally without thinking things through.
I have made my position on the transgender bathroom issue known. My position on the 2nd Amendment hasn't been delved but I am an avid supporter. The issue I saw here was a champion of rights was willing to ignore and penalize others for practicing one of theirs. Although this isn't something only seen with the current "bathroom bill" discussions, it is something I find all the time.
As a minister I carry a gun. Since I don't have a "brick and mortar" church (I conduct worship in living rooms), I often am wearing my gun at services. I don't know how many of my congregants have guns on them or if there are any in their houses. It isn't something I ask. Still, there are people out there who are filled with horror at the thought of a preacher with a gun. I have been told how "wrong" I am in carrying a gun much less proselytizing while armed. Other clergy have even told me bluntly that I am going to hell for doing such.
In politics I align myself with no party. I was brought up to weigh the value of the individual. For years, I didn't even know the party affiliation of my congressman, Rick Boucher (D), even though I was a staunch supporter. When I felt he turned against his constituents, I voted for "the other guy." I have voted for Democrats, Republicans, and Independents. I've written in the names of candidates and even "Micky Mouse" when there was nobody worth voting for.
When baby Bush was President I was called a Democrat when I criticized him. Now that Obama is President I am called a Republican because I criticize him as well. I have a great dislike of Hillary Clinton, and this has led people to call me a Republican and worse, a Fundamentalist. No matter who I would like to see elected there is always someone out there on one side or the other ready to label me their enemy and attack my education, knowledge, and even ethics.
I have a novel idea. How about we put on our big boy panties and just worry about ourselves. I'll discuss any topic a person wants to bring up as long at it stays a discussion and not an argument. Let's stand up for our beliefs but allow others the courtesy of having their own beliefs. Don't demean or condemn someone for disagreeing with you. Don't attack someone for expressing their opinions. Fascism is on the rise in American society.
Contrary to popular opinion, fascism isn't a conservative or liberal construct. Fascism is a means unto itself, it crosses political and ideological lines. We see fascism today in the violent protests led by Sander's supporters against Donald Trump. That's right, I said Sander's supporters. We see fascism in Washington DC where the lawmakers result to lies and shouting down opposition. In the Executive branch we see lawlessness and arrogance that can only exist in a Fascist state. With the rise of Black Lives Matters we see a street level fascism that has grown like a wildfire to burn down anything in it's way. Attorney Generals who are going after Exxon are using fascist techniques and being cheered on by crowds of activists who don't seem to see the end of the road they are pushing.
Let gay people marry. Let transgender people pee where they want. Let citizens carry guns when they feel the need. Let people reserve the right to refuse service when it violates their beliefs. Let people dispute climate science without fear of persecution. Make politicians stand on their own and quit voting for a Party. In other words, take responsibility for your life and let me be responsible for mine. Quit blaming others for life not working out for you. Quit trying to be everyone's mother and let people live their lives.
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