As long as the speech is peaceful and not inciting violence, the message should be allowed unfettered. Burning a flag, any flag, is speech. The courts ruled on this matter long ago. Burning the American flag is not an illegal act; it is speech.
Burning the confederate flag is also free speech. And other banners that are emblematic of a political commitment, value judgment, whatever. The Gay Flag is such a banner. So are many others.
Incinerating a symbol may cause emotional reaction. Burning the symbol is emotional. The two emotions – acts and reactions – are natural. Not helpful except for the individual involved. Venting.
That’s it. We have the right to do so in America.
Prayer is the same thing. Speech done privately where and whenever desired. It should be done safely (closing one’s eyes for prayer while driving a car is an example to avoid). Otherwise, do your thing. No one else needs to bother with it. It is a personal choice. No one has banned it. They cannot do so. Just don’t require me to do it because you tell me to, or want me to.
Social media is a platform for free speech. Reacting to that speech is OK as well. It should be respectful and logical. If it isn’t, it will not be read, heeded, attended to. If it is nasty and uncivil, reactions may be expected, but best to simply ignore the ignorance of the ‘speaker.’
Just because someone says something on social media is not cause for you to react in kind. You may do so, but it is likely not a good thing. I’ve witnessed many damaged family relationships because of this. Some people must have the last word. Their opinion is the most important. You know what I mean. Those same folks have problems you and I cannot solve.
Understanding complex issues is a challenge. Just because you don’t understand all the ins and outs of the issue, however, does not give you credibility to oppose conclusions. That only demonstrates your ignorance. For example, wearing masks works during the COVID pandemic according to science. Not wearing masks during the pandemic spreads the disease. This is not a political issue. No one is telling you to give up your personal freedom. They are asking you to do the responsible thing and protect yourself and others. Not a comfortable thing. I don’t like wearing masks. But I do.
I just had to get these thoughts out of my head. Thanks for allowing my therapy!
June 26, 2020
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