Over the past few years, I have written this blog to share with others the places we have visited, things we have done, people we have visited, shown the good times along with the bad. People that REALLY know me, know I am a patriot for this country. Not that I sanction or condone revolt, but yet, speak my opinion/s without doing it hurtfully. Some people can't not do that. I don't like to write this one, but it needs to be said.
Let me give you an example. Facebook (and later social media platforms) were started by a few college kids to share others photos and info just within the college they attended. It evolved into the a 'what I ate for my meal photos', political lie telling, quiz show of questions, and finally a free speech abuse platform for anyone who has a gripe and an avenue about anything they want to blow off steam about.
Free speech is our first amendment granted to us as citizens of this United States of America. I for one, truly believe it is an essential amendment for our freedom. We cast our opinions during elections, ball games, around the family dinner table, on a box in a public gathering, or anywhere we can speak. There are many countries where you would go to prison and never be seen again for that brave move. I know, because we have been in those countries, and have been cautioned about speaking our minds, or wearing clothing with our flag or has USA on it.
I believe in free speech, BUT, I believe the culture of free speech is under attack. It comes in the actions of certain people wanting the limit voting rights, those who stretch, bend, or twist the truth into out and out lies so their followers will believe it. Both sides of the red and blue do this, not just one. Of course they want to make other believe their propaganda, but we are smarter than that. I have said MANY times, "CHECK THE FACTS BEFORE YOU BELIEVE ANYTHING".Someone said, "It is easier to lie than to tell the truth". I think it is easier to tell the truth than to twist the truth into a lie. Lying is called 'misinformation', and we hear a lot of that these days. People will feed you anything you are willing to consume because you don't like something. before you consume, check to see if it really the truth or the twisted truth. CHECK THE FACTS!
I was not born yesterday, and I know sometimes when you speak your opinion, someone will be offended or hurt by it. Then they get angry and lass out with hurtfulness, and it sometimes get personal. We can all be passionate about a topic without offending and hurt the other person. Much rather, we should attempt to debut our differences in a calm manner without losing our composure. It is not easy, I know, but unless we want to revert back to caveman style, and beat them over the head with a club until they agree, the debut will go nowhere. Then the walls of defense will grow higher.
One reporter said, "The election was won through social media." He was probably right, but, the twisted truth comes in many forms. You just have to be smarter than that author and see through the rhetoric and seek out the REAL truth.
We are SO lucky to be citizens of the USA and have so much freedom to do and say what we want. But, you hurt that freedom when you take that freedom and twist it to your liking and hurt others.
I invite your debat as comments on this blog. I have thick skin. Take care and stay safe.
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