Being offensive is our right to free speech

I'm not an offensive person. I don't want to offend anyone. I want people to get along. I like teamwork and collaboration. I like hugs and smiles and laughter.  But I also feel strongly that our rights should be upheld and defended.  They make our country what it is today. It's why we have so many races and religions living harmoniously, for the most part, among each other in different neighborhoods.  And I'd say, where they are not - take a look at yourselves and ask, "Isn't that why I'm here?" or maybe why your ancestors brought your family here.

Sometimes it seems we forget the basis on which America was formed and need a little refresher. We all learned about it in grade school. So it's not like we aren't schooled in the country's history.  And we continue to see the injustices lived in other countries, and we choose to help them fight for their humanity....and the chance to make a better civilization overall.

Reading this article it reminded me, being offensive is why we're here!  We each have a right to our own beliefs and opinions.  Our ancestors came here to establish a country in which we could also be free to vocalize them, without fear of condemnation or public humiliation.  I can disagree. And I should not have to apologize for my opinion.  If I state them to hurt someone viciously, intentionally, then there are reasons to help alleviate that hate, but this country is great because of the ability its people have had and defended to challenge each other, and to question everything.  That curiosity for the sake of education and collaboration, not condemnation regardless of "sides", is what drives invention, innovation, and transformation!  If it is saddled with fear, and responded to with strong condemnation that socially destroys someone beyond anything we could fathom before the Internet existed, then what does that say about our civilization?

The laws are being structured with intent to help everyone get along.  But we need to remember, in a true understanding of each others' views, there need to be two sides (or more!) of the views.  We are not all the same, but we are created equally, and therefore must find a way to live harmoniously without condemning conflicting views, but rather embracing them to learn more, and live better!

http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-34613855