Let’s get a grip people #1
Ok folks, let’s start with the basics, FREEDOM is not free of CONSEQUENCE. We live in what I believe is the greatest country in the world. And yes, I have traveled around the world to have a look at the alternatives. One of the things that makes us great is our Freedom of Speech. We can pretty much say anything and we are protected from governmental intervention and prosecution for the most part. But that doesn’t mean we will not experience consequences for our speech, good or bad, and that’s the way it should be.
The story I think is a great example of consequence is about Natalie Mains and the Dixie Chicks. On March 10, 2003, Natalie told a crowd in London that they were “ashamed the President of the United States is from Texas”. She had every right to say this and as an American I will always support her right to say this. What I found simple amazing was the response to the blowback which I would paraphrase as “it’s not fair people don’t purchase our albums or attend our concerts” and “our employees, good people, are suffering because no one is buying our tickets or music”. For me, this gets to the core of a “Let’s get a grip moment”.
A human stands on a soapbox shouting at the top of their lungs what they believe to be truth. I have a choice, I can listen, I can walk away, I can ignore it, or I can get a soapbox right next to them and shout at the top of my lungs what I believe. And yes, I can choose to purchase a product or not purchase a product. These rights are equally protected by our freedom of speech.
I read a number of articles that talked about conservatives owing the Dixie Chick’s an apology. No they didn’t! Natalie Maines had every right to express her feelings and conservatives, liberals, and anyone else had a right to express their feelings as well. No one owes anyone an apology and everyone has the right to respond, within the law, as they see fit, period.
Let’s get a grip people, we all have the right to say what we believe. The consequence of expressing yourself is some people will agree, some will not and some just won’t care. They have every right express themselves, evangelize your words as spoken truth, or call you a nutty butter, a ding dong, or worse. Your choice is to listen, not listen or call them a nutty butter.
