I chose these cactus photos today because I'm feeling a little prickly. The main reason I'm feeling prickly is because of something I heard on the radio yesterday. I was listening to a Christian talk radio show called Jay Seculow Live. Jay Seculow is an attorney with the American Center for Law and Justice (http://aclj.org/). They are kind of like the ACLU, except they defend religious freedoms that the ACLU tries so hard to curtail these days. Yesterday their discussion was about a new organization the United Nations is trying to setup. The purpose of this organization is to prevent Christians from discussing the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, & Holy Spirit) in public because it may offend Muslims. I can't tell you how tired I am of hearing such and such may offend so and so, so you can't say that anymore. WHO EVER SAID EVERYONE HAS THE RIGHT NOT TO BE OFFENDED?? I just don't get where this mentality comes from. It is time for people to stop trying to sue everyone just because someone said something that offends you. So what?! Are you going to drop dead because someone offended you? I sincerely don't think so. I believe there should be laws to prevent discrimination based on sex, religion, age, disability, race, sexual orientation, and weight (which isn't in the law books, but should be). However, I don't think we need any laws to protect us from being offended by something someone else says. If people continue on this path of thinking that they have the right not to be offended, then this country will soon lose the right to free speech. What is worse, being offended by something someone says, or not being able to express your opinions at all for fear of offending someone and therefore breaking the law? If the United Nations is able to create this organization they are pushing for, then Christians (especially in the middle-east) may no longer to be able to discuss their religion in public. In some countries, breaking the law by speaking openly about the Holy Trinity (which some say offends Muslims) will be punishable by death! We need to work together and be proactive to promote free speech for everyone in all countries. Christians, Muslims, Jews, Buddhists, Hindus, and every other religion should be able to discuss their religion openly without fear of persecution. Even if we disagree with someone's religious views, that doesn't give us the right to prevent them from speaking in public. Thinking about how ridiculous and thin-skinned people are becoming has really got me feeling prickly today.
Aloe Cactus
Prickly Cactus Spines
I agree Melissa! When people get so offended so easily like that by "words" - it makes me think it's because they doubt their own faith and it's not strong enough. If you believe strongly enough in something - someones mere words should not be able to upset the balance in your world.
ReplyDeleteWith that said - nice photos!
I think it just comes back one of the basic fundamentals that we learned as little children.. we all need to respect where each other is on our paths. So, no discrimination.. no being offended.. lets lose the judgements towards each other and truly walk in our paths with strength and faith and then we would never be offended by what other's say, like not allowing us to say the Holy Trinity for fear of offending someone. Here they are not allowed to say the Lords Prayer in school anymore or sing Canada’s National Anthem. Going a little to far I feel. Lovely photos! Peace!
ReplyDeleteI don't get why we can't all just talk about what we believe in without expecting others to believe the same thing and not offend anyone. Doesn't seem that crazy to me. *Sigh*
ReplyDeleteWow, you got some really great close-ups of that cactus, makes me prickly just thinking about it. I'm enjoying your photos, very nice ideas.
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