.....And So Can I

Let me just start this blog by saying that we all have opinions, varied and passionate, but let's be clear.  The nature of the word "opinion" makes it imperative to realize that these are not facts people.  NOT facts.  And because we live in the great country of America, we all have the right to express our opinions.  Let me also be clear that I have absolutely no desire to change your opinion.  What you believe makes you inherently you.  It is what makes you unique, and I don't want to change that about anybody, even if our beliefs are drastically different.  Lord knows I live with and love a man dearly who doesn't agree with most of my beliefs.  But both of us have no problem with saying, "Let's agree to disagree."  My 13 year old understands this concept.  Why some full grown adults can't figure it out baffles me.  So please, feel free to use your right to express your opinion, as will I.

However, let me also be clear that you do not have the right to express your opinion in a hurtful or hateful manner.  No one has been given that right, unless I missed something somewhere.

Let me give you a list of just a few of my loved ones: those who are gay, those who may be but are too young to comprehend this yet, those who can't walk, those who can't see, those who can't talk, those who can't read, those who are in wheelchairs as we speak, and those who will be.  Every single one of these people are not the "social norm".  Every single one will be the recipient of disgust, disdain and degradation.  They will be bullied, they will be laughed at, and they will be treated as "less than".  And if you are one of those people who are openly hurtful or hateful to any of the ones I hold dear to my heart, I will call you on it, I will fight you on it, and I will win.

I am a huge believer in karma.  (If you are not, see first paragraph).  I believe every single person needs to remember to treat others as they want themselves or their loved ones to be treated.  And if you are a person who chooses to be hurtful and hateful, God forbid anyone you know or love doesn't fit into what is society's idea of "normal".  Because karma can be a bitch.....(insert title of blog here).