Why the generalities from those who oppose generalities?
By: Gary S Mind
Tags: Politics, Opinion, Religion

I would say over time I have become fairly liberal minded. I grew up in a very conservative, rightwing family. I believed in all the ideas and ideals that were preached to me as a young person. In my mid 20s I moved to Germany for the first time, and began seeing a whole different side to things. Now that I am in my 40s I do not agree with most of the things I was taught as a child. HOWEVER, my opinions didn’t change on everything. But, it seems that the side I lean toward most, tends to also chastise the most when they are also the ones preaching acceptance, equality and tolerance. The right wing may be bible thumping, gun crazy nuts, but the left are generally self absorbed, hypocrites.

The reason I am writing about this is that since I began writing online, I noticed a distinct trend. While I agree with many opinions out there, there are many I don’t. The difference is, how I am treated when expressing my agreement or disagreement. It baffles me, how people that seem generally educated have such a hard time processing and dealing with alternate opinions. I understand if it’s someone like my brother-in-law, who has labeled me as anti-American because of my opinions of its’ new CEO. He is the quintessential “redneck”, hates to read, and has no desire for mental stimulation. But, when a person claims to be educated, speaks of science, society and art and then resorts to name calling and verbally beating someone; this is just… I’m not even sure of the best word for this.

I love to discuss and debate. I enjoy hearing others points of view, and if it differs from mine, that is fine. I teach my daughters that it is imperative that you respect others opinions, whether you agree with them or now. And you DO NOT try and force your opinion or “way of life” on anyone. Everyone is entitled to their own thoughts and beliefs. And you do not put someone down for their opinion, or belittle them. Like I said, I love to debate, and I do not feel like a debate about a subject is forcing your opinion on someone. The caveat to this is if you notice that they start getting defensive, that you have hit a point that they are no longer debating and are now trying desperately to defend their own belief or force theirs on you. You have hit a nerve at this point and anything said beyond has no real bearing on the subject, neither is anyone listening to the each other.

So, what brought on this post? I read a question on a site recently, and the first response floored me. What floored me was something I see on many answers online. This person started the entire response by going into a diatribe about how stupid you have to be to believe in creationism. Now, your opinion on the subject aside, is it necessary to belittle someone for their beliefs? You can say you disagree, lay out your facts and arguments, but what purpose does it solve to criticize to the point of name calling like you’re in 3rd grade? Like this is going to change someone’s opinion? I love science, and am very open-minded. I am educated, and generally liberal. I do not, however, believe in evolution. What’s funny is how many people just assume they know what I believe by that statement. But, regardless, this does not suddenly give me some mystical quest to try and force someone else to believe in creationism (or my version of it). Nor does it give me authority to bash or otherwise belittle someone with an alternate opinion than mine. On the flip side, it does not give you the right to treat me or someone else the same way. I know my opinion isn’t the most popular (except with certain groups of people with whom I tend to disagree). But, my opinion is just that, my opinion.

Some other opinions I have that tend to draw bashing; I grew up in Indiana with guns, guns everywhere. I see nothing wrong with people being able to own guns. However, there needs to be strict guns laws, and you should be required to go through firearms training, and get (as well as renew) a license. I feel the current view and opinions on guns in the US is categorically wrong. The statistics on gun violence and shootings speaks for itself.

There is no reason gay marriage should be an issue. People should be allowed and have the right to live how they choose as long as it does not infringe on another persons right to the same freedoms. Two people wishing to get married, no matter the gender, does not infringe on anyone else’s freedoms. And, lets not forget that God specifically said that no human has any right to judge another human. On the flip side, the gay community needs to chill a little. The constant “we are gay” in your face, all the time, kind of defeats your purpose. And let’s stop with the multi-gender thing. There are 2 genders, and no amount of making stuff up is going to change genetics. If I am wrong on this, then I am officially claiming that my gender is coffee machine and I will identify as such. All joking aside, if you wish for “mainstream” acceptance, this isn’t going to achieve that.

Trump has distorted the Republican party, and is slowly destroying the US and will most likely destroy the Republican party. I know, most people I have seen online will agree with this. But, most people I personally know in the US will not. I have been called Un-American several times for being concerned about the direction of the country. Funny how no one thought I was Un-American when I criticized Obama (or when I served 16 years in the military and went to Iraq 3 times). Obama was a very good statesman, but some of his policies were very lacking in substance.

I believe in God (and the Goddess), maybe not in the exact same way as the bible thumpers, but this seems to piss people off for some reason. It isn’t my place to try and convince you to believe the same as me. I am happy to discuss theology, but you aren’t going to change my mind either.

I’m sure there are many more, but the bottom line is, be respectful. A good argument, with facts and no emotion can be convincing. I completely changed my view on global warming (I used to believe it was a hoax). And, I have changed my opinions on other subjects through discussions and study. Discussion helps everyone learn and grow, but just be respectful.