Exhibit A - how liberals handle rallys that they disapprove of -
Lets stop pretending that the left embraces diversity. In particular, I can't stop laughing about how lefties condemn others for being intolerant, then turn around and perpetrate what the politicians and citizens of San Fran just did. Sheer lunacy.
You see, the left embraces diversity as long as its LEFTY diversity. Ban a retired Navy ship from San Fran's port? If you are a San Fran liberal lunatic, this makes a lot of sense, because you generally hate the military and believe to the core of your being that you are superior to those who choose the military path, so therefore this is an acceptable solution. Anti-war rallies, gay rallies? Yep, if you are a lefty in San Fran this is acceptable, as it should be. Christian teens rallying in San Fran? NO - its an "act of provocation." So, insulting the military and Christians at every available opportunity isn't an act of provocation, but Christian kids marching around San Fran is? Bullshit.
What a bunch of foolish, senseless, childish sods that city on the bay is populated with. Except (e:twisted) and (e:ajay) - y'all are good people in my book for sure. Grown men and women calling teenagers "fascists" and holding up signs saying "I moved here to get away from people like you?" What a complete and utter embarrassment to themselves. Its things like this episode that make San Fran an ideological island, and ensure that no liberals will win a national election out of the fear that a Democrat would potentially be influenced by people this clinically insane. When you look at who is funding the Democratic Party nowadays, you should be worried about that. This is also why I fully welcome a Hillary nomination for '08.
Thankfully, the Constitution protects these people from themselves and from others. In Sweden, the country of my family's origin, you aren't so lucky. A minister was jailed there recently for calling homosexuality a sin during a church service! Just one of many reasons why Europe could never be as great as the USA is - in Europe, there ARE limitations to what you can say in public, thanks to liberals and the nanny state. Apparently this is hate speech, but what just happened to those kids in San Fran isn't. Its "hip" to insult Christians nowadays, so feel free to do so. But, when you come to me and cry about people talking about their religious beliefs openly, in groups and in public, if what they have to say offends you, I'm pretty much going to tell you to practice what you preach. Oooh, sizzle! Sizzle!
I so understand why you would steer clear of the religion discussions, (e:mrdt). I think that was an actual lesson in hairdressing school. No politics, either.
(e:Ajay), you said: Is it OK to bash people who are bashing gays? I think so.
I don't think i can agree with that. I don't think anyone at all should be bashed. If someone is bashing gays, why stoop to the same level? If we think someone is acting like an ass, why imitate it?
(E:Joshua), i have always been uncool... and due to this, and being mocked endlessly as a child, rather accepting. I don't care if someone is a Christian or gay or straight or bi or fat or skinny. Who gives a crap. Someone wants to stand on the street with a sign saying that Christians rock, then let them. Some Christians do.
I have always felt that talking about religion is impolite and unmannerly. Even if your real careful you might still offend somebody quick. Sometimes when I hear someone talking about religion I proceed to the other side of the room because most people think spirituality is a joke.
I'm all for airing diverse viewpoints.
On the other hand: if a group bashes gays (for example), should they be given the same rights of free speech as anyone else? Tough question.
Is it OK to bash people who are bashing gays? I think so. Doesn't the good book say, do unto others as they do unto you? Or was it do unto others before they do unto you? I can't remember... :-D
Well, we're embracing you two aren't we? Case closed... ;-)
No SB. Actually this is fairly straight forward, no mental gymnastics required. I'm equally accepting of all behavior - I'm an advocate of freedom. I defend the liberals' collective right to bash Christianity as fervently as I would defend the right of Christians to bash homosexuality. Do I think either behavior is unacceptable? Absolutely not. NOWHERE in my post did I advocate tolerating intolerance - that is a completely incorrect conclusion that you drew yourself. The point I am making is very, very clear - you cannot poopoo intolerant behavior when you are equally as intolerant. Its called hypocrisy.
By reading what I wrote, you would come to the correct conclusion that the thrust of the journal post is to show that liberals can't have it both ways when it comes to being tolerant and/or intolerant.
To address your last question - I think its okay to defend your values. That isn't the question here. The question is - at what point can you defend your values without ending up being a hypocrite? What liberals are essentially saying now regarding tolerance is, "freedom of speech is good for me, but not for you." Why is Christian bashing a good thing and gay bashing a bad thing? I think that they are equally atrocious, but in a country like ours, freedom of speech is sacred and we have to protect it even if we don't agree with whats being said. If we didn't protect it, sooner or later nobody would be allowed to say anything in public.
So you're saying that intolerance should be tolerated? Isn't that a bit of circular logic and mental gymnastics?
The demonstrators are there...basically protesting the fact that liberals are so tolerant..at what point do you then have to stand up for one of your core values?