I have people that I am close to who feel that I don't have a right to an opinion, when I don't conform they cut me off. Point in case, I had updated my Facebook status to state that I was grateful that the US election was over and I was thankful with how it turned out, I also wished we could all move on.
Someone close to me told me I had no right to say that if I didn't live in the US. I told them that I would defend their right to have their opinion even if it's different than mine. I do have a right to have an opinion due to the fact that what happens in the US affects Canadians.
I was then told if I would stop sharing my opinions where they could read it, then everything would be fine with us. REALLY, that is blackmail... I have the right to my thoughts and opinions; I respect their right to have their opinions. Why can people not just agree to disagree??? I don't understand!!! I have NO animosity towards people who don't believe what I believe.
That is what is wrong in this world, people need to understand that everyone has a right to believe what they want as long as they respect that others have that same right. Democracy was fought for that exact reason!! When we don't want to let others have their own opinion that is a dictatorship.
I have lost a great deal by not conforming to what this person wants. I am saddened by this but I have been held down far too long from people like my ex step mother Ruth and my ex husband Andrey who made it difficult for me to express my feelings. I can no longer stand by and say that it is okay.
I have the right to think and feel the way I do, just as they have their right. I don't argue about politics or religion since I truly believe we all have the right to choose. I would just hope that people would afford me the same right!!!
"Everything you want, also wants you" ~ Jack Canfield
Well said Launna. So many of the conflicts world wide are the result of one group of people trying to force their beliefs on another. If we are to survive, we must learn to accommodate other points of view.
ReplyDeleteHere! Here! These elections were an ugly business and I lost friends too because my opinion and who I voted for differed from theirs. My guy won ( Yea!) but I am saddenned that now I have to hear about the negativity still even after everything has been said and done. I wont be silenced either! Speak your voice and mine. :)
ReplyDeleteYou're absolutely right - the person who criticized you for voicing your thoughts is wrong. Completely wrong. Good on you for taking to your blog and standing up for yourself! You rock!
ReplyDeleteEveryone has the right to their own opinion. It's too bad that others can't respect that.
ReplyDeleteThank you Cindy... I wish people could get to that point.. for real
ReplyDeleteThank you Joy, I am grateful Obama was elected... I told this person that I will pray daily that Obama makes the right decisions for the country and for them. Unfortunately that was not good enough... I am shocked that I cannot have my own opinion, I won't be silenced!
ReplyDeleteAwe thank you Janice, I appreciate what you wrote... I honestly don't care if someone agrees with me, I just want them to respect that others have other opinions. I think you rock too... ;)
ReplyDeleteHi Daisy, it is too bad that others cannot respect that we all have our own opinions:) Thank you for your comment!!!
ReplyDeleteI agree with you maim. We should have the freedom of speech and that is logical!!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Sangay, I wish everyone felt the same way. There would be much less fighting.
ReplyDeleteI think nobody has to be offended because the opinion of other people. It´s great to listen the others and your aticles are always interesting. A big kiss my friend!
ReplyDeleteThank you Armando, you are SO sweet xox
ReplyDeleteI don't live in the USA either but I had an opinion on who I would have liked to win the election and he did win. Infact a lot of Brits had an opinion because it does affect the world what happens in the US.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Launna that you have everyone has a right to be heard, to have an opinion. If someone does not agree that's okay we agree to disagree. No one though has the right to try and silence you. I was silenced with control most of my life and I became a mouse scared to speak but no more. Control like that is negative and not right.
Keep letting your voice be heard.
Thank you Behind the Smile... I was controlled most of my life... it's not going to happen again. Especially since I really believe that everyone has a right to their opinion!
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