I have been provoked. After the talk that President Packer gave in General Conference for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints my sister was on Facebook. Someone claimed, as many have done since then, that President Packer spread "a message of hate." My initial thought was the exact same line spoken in the move V for Vendetta where it was used in an equally absurd manner. Regardless, my sister spoke out against it saying that she felt it wasn't hateful and that she agreed with the statement Elder Packer gave. What ensued was disturbing to me. The girl whose wall she posted on along with two other self identified lesbians proceeded to attack my sister claiming she was judgmental, hateful, and generally a horrible and unhappy person. I hesitated to read it a second time because of the anger that was directed at my sister who really meant no harm.
I feel that it is vital that everyone should be able to express their opinions. It is that principle which creates good government in the United States. A friend of mine, specifically a tall handsome one with a nose, once taught me that having such a wide variety of opinions was indeed necessary for the stability of our nation. I also feel that everyone should have their basic human rights. I oppose anyone who opposes those things. I honestly feel that people with the direct opposite ideas as mine should be free to say them. That doesn't mean that I have to accept them, nor that they accept mine. When such ideas create a Hegelian dichotomy it allows us to progress in society as a whole.
The vehemence of the statements that I saw were in fact the statements of people who feel strongly about what they believe. I recognize that. What I fail to recognize is why anyone can believe that they have the right to demonize, slander, and attack personally anyone who disagrees with their opinions. That is wrong. End of statement. There is no reason that it would ever be acceptable. It violates the necessary ideological dialectic that allows social progression. They attacked her merely for stating her opinions. She clearly allowed them such liberties as the ability to have their own opinion but chillingly wasn't granted such courtesy in return.
As I mentioned previously I have been provoked. I have started my research. I will not spread a message of hate, though I'm sure thats what many would say if they read this and what I plan to post in the future. I will state facts and show properly cited scientific studies. I will state well documented history. I will add in my own commentary and analysis, naturally. I will be as objective as possible because in the end I don't want to leave any room for complaints. I will show why I feel the way I do and while anyone is welcome to disagree they cannot say I'm being unfair or unreasonable about it. I will not stand for people saying that my opinion is not legitimate because it doesn't agree with theirs. I have no intention of violating the dialectic of this nation. I willingly acknowledge their opinions as exactly what they are:opinions, which allows for differing opinions as well. I don't know how long it will take me, but its coming
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