The case for Intolerence

I have spent a fair amount of time and have given considerable thought to the divides that I have seen developing in this country. How it seems that people today have become intolerant, polarized, and entrenched into their own personal positions and that if you don’t believe as I do then you’re evil and wrong. It seems there is a growing attitude of a segment of our society to not only constantly offer up their unsolicited opinion but be unwilling to hear or entertain the opinion of others. We have lost the noble art and desire of the non-malicious debate and the aspiration for seeking of the truth.   

I was watching the growing intolerance with apprehension; however, thanks to the social media meme denizens I had an epiphany. My disdain for intolerance was really a matter of perspective. Now I have come to believe that some salvation for this country might actually lie in intolerance.

You see, I have not or have been – “phobia” or “anti”- anything. What I have increasingly become is intolerant. Intolerant of people trying to enforce their ideals and speech upon anyone and everyone. If we want to save this country, we all need to become a little more intolerant of compelled speech, intolerant of a congress that has less than a 20% approval rating, but over a 90% re-election rating. We need to be intolerant of the sexualization of our children in schools and of violence in the halls. I dream of the day that we as a nation without maliciousness refuse to tolerate pseudo-science, and become Intolerant of rampart unprovoked street violence and mass shoplifting. Where the first inclination of people is to pull out a cell phone over intervening. Let’s become intolerant of the belief that the traditional expectations and roles of Men and Women are toxic. These traits and expectations are a byproduct of thousands of years of human civilization’s trials and errors of what has allowed the human to flourish. All people, all races.

We should no longer abide by District Attorneys or judge that refuse to perform their duty or a military hierarchy that is more concerned with political correctness then remembering the premise of its existence. We each can in our own way let the powers that be learn that they have removed the chaff and topsoil and have now come upon a foundation of stone. While it is never my desire to promote hatred or division, I will not acquiesce into blind obedience or subscribe to falsehoods, rather it be grammar or science.

It has been said that faith is not just simply believing but requires action. It requires that you be willing to forsake some natural impulses and that you live a life where those around do not require a declaration of faith but can tell by your actions that you have guiding principles. So, while I will try not to offend, I won’t let this impulse stand in the way of truth, and if requires that I sacrifice a job, family, friends, or convenience, so bet it. I shall go no further. Why contend with the ideals of those who are actively intolerant of my own. Let’s restate I’m not calling for an increase in malice or discourse but for an end to silence.

Tolerance must work both ways.

“Tell the truth boldly, whether it hurts or not. Never pander to weakness. If truth is too much for intelligent people and sweeps them away, let them go; the sooner the better. “– Swami Vivekananda

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