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Free Speech Works Both Ways

Free Speech Works Both Ways

Last updated on: March 25, 2016 at 10:41 pm by John O'Keefe

Free Speech Works Both Ways 2016-03-25T22:41:32-05:00 John O'Keefe

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I wonder if our Political Leaders are simply mirrors reflecting back to us our images? When I hear people like Trump, or Cruz, I wonder if I’m hearing their voices, or am I hearing the voices of those seeking to be in total control? Generally speaking I’ve never been very political; I’m political enough to know who I’ll vote for, and what others stand for – but I just don’t like the games – and I’m not into the arguing, name calling, and race baiting. It’s not that I’m not interested in politics, it’s that I don’t have the mind to keep straight all the lies, insults, and yes – violence, being tossed around by those seeking my vote. This year, this election cycle, I think I’m more disconnected [?], more disillusioned [?], more tired [?], more disgusted [?] – I’m not sure what I am, and to be honest I’m not sure there is a word I can use to express my feelings.

This may take a bit of time, so walk with me on this. I’m tired of all the hate, all the injustice, all the racism, all the dividing lines people like Trump and Cruz are using. I worry about where we are, and where we’re heading, as a Nation, and that people are actually supporting those who seek to divide. I’m upset with “leaders” who claim to speak for all, but serve only those who fund their campaigns. I’m disillusioned at a broken economic system that serves the rich, and pushes aside the poor. I’m disgusted with a judicial system where people of color are seen as “super-predators” because we are unable to understand, or deal, with the conditions of their lives. I’m broken, because I hear people seeking to hold the highest political position in our nation speaking violence, and racism, while standing on some misguided, twisted view of what it means to be a Follower of Christ.

We’ve spent decades dividing ourselves, decades listening to others tell us we don’t need to hear each other, decades of hearing voices of hate and separation lead us into a valley of a dark, bitter spirit. When we confront those voices of bitterness, anger, hate and racism we are pushed aside. Those who speak hate say that those of us who stand against them are taking away their “right to free speech.” This may come as a shock, but your freedom of speech is not infringed because people disagree with you, or because they refuse to hear your stupid, hate filled, racist remarks. Free speech works both ways.

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