My Turn
I'm a little angry right now.
No, I'm more than a little angry. I'm frustrated and disappointed. Let me explain why.
I have always tried to be open-minded, to listen to the other guy and respect who they are, regardless of whether I agreed with all that they did. I always felt that another's beliefs are their RIGHT. As much a right as the right to breath, to have a heartbeat, to live.
Our beliefs are the very essence of our souls. To embrace the differences, to learn about them, can only nourish my own soul. Make me a better person. At least that's what I believe. But I'm finding that not everyone is of a like mind.
What I thought was a basic premise of humanity is being proved false.
And the worst offenders are those who DEMAND that I give them equal time. Those who INSIST that I listen to them speak their hearts and minds are the very same ones who turn a deaf ear to me. I can handle being ignored. I do not require the approval of others to feel complete.
What I do require is the same respect I offer. I am tired of being attacked for being who I am. As much as you beg that I see you as the individual, you refuse to offer the same courtesy. I am NOT a group.
I admit that there are others who have earned your contempt. I have not.
I admit that many things need to be changed before equity can be truly achieved. I am trying.
I agree that my beliefs are not for everyone. But I'm not trying to force them on you.
I know that you have been unfairly treated. I know that you have struggled hard. I know that you have been attacked, ridiculed, abused.
But guess what? In your struggle to be heard and respected, you are attacking me. The very person who has opened her heart to all that is different between us is now on the defense for those differences.
I will not apologize for who I am. I too have struggled to reach this place in my life.
So remember, before you once again attack that which makes me who I am, you are attacking me.
I am a conservative in many ways. I am a Christian. My opinions, values and morals are right for me. I do not ask you to embrace them. I only ask that you respect them, as being part of ME.