Taking Liberties with Liberty
Posted in Politics and tagged with America, God, Liberty, Politics on May 6, 2010
If you don’t like something in the American culture at large, is it okay to say it? Fight it? Encourage lawmakers to restrict it?
If the issue is the treatment of animals, the emission of greenhouse gases, or the enforcement of immigration laws, the answer seems to be yes.
But what if the issue is moral? Limiting pornography distribution, the defense of the traditional family, or the ending of legal abortion?
The answer seems to be no.
I know we Americans pride ourselves on our freedom. I’m thankful to live here, truly. But when did our inalienable rights to “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” come to mean “you mind your own business and I do whatever I very well please” ?
I’m okay if that “whatever” is just a difference of opinion. Or just stupid. But when it is something harmful to others or trashes and distorts one of God’s good gifts, a line has been crossed.
Civil discussion encouraged.
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May 6th, 2010 at 8:20 am
Your boldness in blogging about real issues leads me to believe that your comment policy was needed. You don’t mind stirring the water to share your convictions.
Don’t get me wrong – I don’t think this post was controversial in the least because I agree with you. But I do think that using the words “moral” and “God’s good gifts” can be, to some, quite controversial.
I have SO much pride in my country and I’m thankful to live here.
May 6th, 2010 at 8:49 am
Jennifer: Isn’t it sad that we live in a day where even the word “moral” is controversial?
And while I didn’t purposely intend to introduce my comment policy before this post specifically, it is posts like this one that made me realize it was necessary to be clear.
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May 6th, 2010 at 8:50 am
I agree that it has come to the “mind your own business” mentality, but I think that there has to be a line of moral conduct for each individual. While I would never get an abortion and I disagree with it, I do believe people have a right to choose what to do. It’s up to our parents to instill within us morals and ethics. Some people don’t learn it (and Lord knows I shouldn’t have either) but it really boils down to our own choices. Just because I choose not to do something or I choose not to own a gun doesn’t mean that I want everyone else to choose that way, too. Ha. That would be nice though, am I right?! :P
I get what you’re saying though and I think policies should be set in place for what you’ve said: limiting pornography distribution, owning guns/weapons, and abortion. I am also appalled that schools don’t say the Pledge of Allegiance and Star Spangled Banner. This liberation thing has gotten completely out of control. I’m all for freedom to do whatever, but when you’re influencing the kids it’s never going to end well! People wonder why youth is so bad these days. Hmm.. *shakes head*
That was a lovely tangent! Thank you for letting me get it out lol :)
May 6th, 2010 at 9:00 am
Angelica: The difference with abortion is that if you recognize the personhood of the child being killed, it IS different than a matter of personal opinion. Now, I recognize that not everyone believes that the growing baby is a person, but to someone who thinks that, abortion IS murder, and the rights of that child to life should be protected by the state.
May 6th, 2010 at 2:37 pm
I think the key here is the respect of the other side of any issue – by not using profanity, screaming bible verses at each other, or outrageous displays intended to incite violence. When a debate reaches such a point of fervor and dramatics it can only end badly – without understanding from anyone. Incidentally, it also lowers the respect of everyone else for those engaged in these tactics, since they are so ineffective and childish.
Glad to see someone support civility :-)
May 6th, 2010 at 11:58 pm
While I keep myself informed, I try to stay away from political discussion. It becomes too emotional too quickly and people tend not to argue politely. Too many times, my ideas have been degraded and myself demeaned which has led me to change my opinion about my offender that I just prefer to like everyone as I know them, before they get to calling me names and telling me my ideas are stupid. I think this is mostly the reason things become controversial. It’s more that people are assholes and don’t know how to carry polite conversation about issues they disagree on than actual controversy.
May 7th, 2010 at 10:18 am
Shayna: Exactly. Nothing wrong with different opinions, even radically different opinions.
Melissa: I don’t do a lot of discussions in person, unless it’s one-on-one for that reason. Online, it’s a little easier because it’s just words on a screen…gives me a chance to make sure I choose the just-right word!
May 7th, 2010 at 12:04 pm
This is difficult, isn’t it? I know you’re on blogfrog, and I’ve been involved in some discussions over there. Ones on abortion and another on sin. The ones on abortion I felt were very respectful (for the most part). It is difficult to share your views without offending someone simply because they can be so polar. But when you come from a position of respecting all life (even the ones you disagree with), it helps.
The discussion I had with some on sin was eye-opening. I discovered it’s okay to have firm belief in a flavor of faith as long as it is open-minded enough to include all beliefs. *grin* I found it interesting that to some people, a belief is only commendable if it doesn’t convict them and say that they might be wrong. Some messages will always be offensive no matter how delicately we deliver them, but I do always try to be loving and diplomatic even as I share what I believe to be Truth.
May 7th, 2010 at 12:07 pm
GlowinGirl: “a belief is only commendable if it doesn’t convict them and say that they might be wrong.” There’s the rub, isn’t it?
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May 11th, 2010 at 11:17 am
It is so hard to juggle the many issues that are there to be dealt with in society. Personal opinions and skew what is really “right.” Everyone has issues they are passionate about, and everyone sees “right” as something different. It’s all so confusing lol.
May 12th, 2010 at 6:18 am
[...] Can we still stand up for morality? Ronnica has started a great conversation at Ignorant Historian with her post Taking Liberties with Liberty. [...]