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Reflection in the MirrorPosted Monday, January 21, 2008, at 2:20 PM
What does an American look like?
Or better yet, what comes to mind when you think of an American? If the image that comes to mind is similar to your reflection in the mirror then I am writing this with you in mind. In my opinion, narrow mindedness begins at home. That's right, I am saying it. If a parent is prejudiced, homophobic, or sexist then what kind of chance does a child have in ever having an open mind? Not much. A child has an innocent mind. An innocent mind has no hate or fear. Intolerance is a learned behavior which is usually fashioned after mom, dad, grandma or grandpa. Intolerance is a problem. It is learned and passed on like some kind of inherited disease generation after generation. Has anyone ever told you that you don't look American? Has anyone ever told your child that he or she doesn't look American? If this has never happened to you then ask yourself the following: Have you ever (even innocently) told a person that he or she doesn't look American? Has your child ever told a person that he or she doesn't look American? Again, I ask you what does an American look like? Ask yourself. Ask your child. We may just be surprised in the answers we generate. I know that some readers really believe that there is no intolerance in Greene County. But I would never be writing this if it weren't so. I have had personal conversations with people who are dear to my heart about this subject. So yes, Greene County it is true that even in 2008 intolerance is alive and well in the hearts and minds of many of our neighbors. For the sake of raising a generation of tolerant, compassionate Americans let our children know that Americans are more than a replica of the reflection in the mirror. Comments Showing comments in chronological order [Show most recent comments first] |
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America, I agree. I personally have to work harder at being tolerant and dispelling images and myths that were driven into me as a kid. I was raised in a very closed-minded family with views I do not agree with. I work even harder to counter what my children hear at school or from close family members. I have to quickly give them my opinion and explain and teach them why certain viewpoints are wrong and outdated. They will never hear me saying certain words or telling jokes that will encourage that kind of thinking. This part of the country is by far the most closed-minded place I have ever lived...Maybe I can promote change from within my own home. I am fortunate to have experienced many other cultures and people... and broadened my horizons...
Are you referring to the Chuck Colson who was one of the Watergate Seven? Is this the man who compiled Nixon's Enemy List? Is this the same, tolerant guy who wrote "I was valuable to the President ... because I was willing ... to be ruthless in getting things done."? Is this the tolerant man known as " the evil genius of an evil administration"? There is no doubt that he should be an expert on tolerance.
Thanks to Jeb Bush, Mr. Colson, can now vote again. It is good that we are so forgiving and tolerant.
Okay, let's go...GC Patriot, Do you actually know any homosexuals personally? judging by you comments, I will assume that you don't. What exactly are you trying to say? How is Healthcare and Marriage a reward? I thought those were basic human rights. Should we deny straight people these rights when they show "deviant" behavior, i.e. have an affair against their spouse or break other laws? Why is loving a person of the same sex deviant, especially when they are monogamous? who decided that? If you say God, I will have to say that you are wrong. If you go by Christian teachings, Christians are to love everyone, not show hate, and try to teach the ways of God. They are taught to replace judgement with understanding and tolerance. Religion in itself seems to breed intolerance and hate. It seems almost every religion out there has intolerance toward other religions. Go Figure. Somebody is not paying attention in Sunday School.
Illegal immigrants? GC are you a Native American? How did you come to be an American. Do you even know? Those people you are disgusted with are mostly extremely hard working people with dreams and hopes for their families. Sure our laws are still as they are, get in line and do it the right way...however, this was their country before it was ours. The only thing that's different now is the fence and border patrol. And most of them do speak English. Every time I have been to Mexico, I spoke English, because I know very little Spanish. They did not ask me to leave their country.
Healthcare for the illegals? Yep, you're right, but they only get emergency healthcare, if they are pregnant. Should we take that away? When does a human's life mean more than your tax dollars? Always...that is the answer. This is why most of the free world would view us as an ugly, fat, arogant, Americans.
So, I guess that I do not agree with your "simple truths" and illogical thoughts. Your turn.
You truly think someone would make the choice to be homosexual knowing all of the ridicule and intolerance they would face in our society?
response to needgod.com:
I didn't have anything against the quote, I just don't have much faith in Mr. Colson. This man at one time suggested that they bomb the Brookings Institute and steal the documents they needed while the firemen fought the fire. He would have put firemen's lives on the line to steal some documents, fortunately they (Nixon's henchmen) deemed the project too expensive.
After his indictment for his role in Watergate, he found God. I guess when you are in that position, it is a good time to find God, I seem to read of many criminals that do the same thing. Good for them, but I wonder why they never seem to find Him prior to commiting the crimes. At least it has given him an opportunity to make a lot of money. I'm probably sounding like I don't agree with all of this, but that is only because I find it way too convenient.
And now, he has come out and condemned the actions of Deep Throat for bringing down President Nixon and his house of criminals, misfits and liars. Strange fellow to be casting stones at others.
(WARNING)
IF YOU DON'T HAVE A ON GROWING
RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD SOMETHING IS
WRONG!!
okay...I will try to respond with a little less vigor this time. I understand why homosexuality is seen as such a strange deviation...I used to be confused over why a person might make that choice, but then I actually met a few and started to understand. They love their partners, just like a straight person. They want to be married to the person they love...just like a straight person. Essentially, they are wanting the same thing the rest of us have the freedom to have. I do not believe that all homosexuals 'choose' to be who they are, I believe that some have that inclination or preference, naturally. They work and pay taxes, really they are no different from straight people besides the fact they fell in love with someone of the same sex. It's really not about the sex at all...at least to most people I know.
I don't understand the intolerance of immigrants. I asked if you knew where you came from and you said that you have traced it back...I understand that we all came here as immigrants to a foreign land, we are the fortunate ones...we got in before there were laws prohibiting us from entering.
Most of our ancestors came here to seek better life and/or escape persecution for their beliefs. I see nothing different between our ancestors and the new immigrant. Except now the world is getting smaller and we all are having to learn to co-exist like never before.
We fear what we don't understand. It's okay, but try to make an effort to at least learn, for our childrens' sake, they are going to have to live in a world that we create. I hope it's not totally full of hate.
Pick any person you have a preconceived notion about, talk to them, and you will probably find that you have more similarities than differences...
Ps. GC I wasn't trying to attack you earlier...I just have alot of opinion at times...thanks for sparring.
Renee71,
Thanks for the shimmer of light.
America, is that a first...:)
The main difference between our ancestors and illegal immigrants is the word illegal. We have to make and enforce laws to protect this country and the people of this country. This is a very dynamic world we live in, always has been and always will be, nothing ever remains the same forever.
I've always liked anonymous, he/she can say the darndest things.
"Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes you a car." Anonymous
Bye, after 4 wonderful days of sitting here alone with strep throat and an earache, I'm returning to the workforce to bore the heck out of my trusted band of merry men and women.
Thank you America for enlightening me. I had no idea that the Bible and the Quran said all of that. Now, I am starting to understand why this part of the world is probably the most closed-minded...it is also full of God fearing people.
Timberly, you asked "what does America look like?", it may not seem like it, but you have your answer right here. It is a large group of people who are all allowed to have their varied beliefs and understandings. And we are all protected by the Constitution to hold our beliefs. We don't have the pleasure of seeing what each person physically looks like, but we can see their opinion clearly. That is what America is all about, I will continue to teach my children tolerance and I will try hard to practice tolerating all those I disagree with...It's what I believe to be right.
Just the fact that I am a woman that has been allowed to get an education, have a voice, have a good job, and raise my kids as I see fit is proof alone that I live in the greatest country in the world...Anywhere else and I might have been stoned after my first blog...Thank you!
GOD DOES NOT WANT RELIGIOUS NUTS,
GOD WANTS SPIRITUAL FRUIT!!
CHECK YOUR SELF BEFORE YOU WRECK
SELF.
If we keep fraying the edges of the moral fabric that this country was founded with, soon there will be no cloth.
Sometimes I think that people believe everything they learned in High School about our Founding Fathers. The moral fabric of some of these scoundrels, had some pretty frayed edges to begin with.
Really great quote though. I like great quotes and use them quite often, I always wish it was me who had that thought first. I just can't do it, just not smart enough. I'll always be a quoter and not a quotee. :>)
I can see it now...the year 2025...the book...Bartlett's Familiar Quotations...page 356
I'll always be a quoter and not a quotee. :>) Ol Simmons
"Native Americans might think all of our ancestors are illegal. Just a thought. At one point in our history, all immigrants were welcomed with open arms."
No doubt they do, because of the way they were treated. Regardless of the way the scoundrels created this country, it has been created and is governed by laws, passed and enforced to protect the legal citizens of this country. We cannot roll back time and change the way the Native Americans were treated, nor can you or I do anything about the slavery issue of our forefathers. It is smart to be good students of history in order to learn from our mistakes. But we can't change history, nor should we have to continually apologize for something that occurred long before our time.
We can live within our era and abide by the laws and help enforce the laws that protect our country. We cannot afford the "huddled masses" anymore. We cannot afford to care and pay for everyone else's problems at home and abroad. We must address our world trade policy and enforce immigration laws or we will continue to plod towards an economic depression like no other in history.
I'm glad my blog sparked so much interest, but I never had illegals or immigrants in mind when writing it.
"For the sake of raising a generation of tolerant, compassionate Americans let our children know that Americans are more than a replica of the reflection in the mirror."
greene county patriot
it's usually the case that people who scream loudest against homosexuality are gay people with alot of self hate. the one's who are always preaching against it are usually having gay sex in secret. most gay people who are out can tell you about all of the "straight men" who frequent the same places the do. maybe if you came to terms with your sexuality you would have a happier life.
i don't think this comment is against the rules of this site. however, i'm sure it will be removed just like all of my other comments have been.
An expatriate (in abbreviated form, expat) is a person temporarily or permanently residing in a country and culture other than that of the person's upbringing or legal residence. The word comes from the Latin ex (out of) and patria (country, fatherland), and is sometimes misspelled (either unintentionally or intentionally) as ex-patriot or short ex-pat (because of its pronunciation).
Go Timberly! Another blogger on the GCDW website currently holds the record for the most comments posted on any blog entry - 42. With this post, the score is tied. In the morning, she'll be working on her next entry so this is the 11th hour - just one more post will put her over the top!
GO MOM!!!! You're the best blogger here you know.
Do you think Mark Foley, Ted Haggard, Larry Craig and Green County Patriot have something in common?
I do.
whatithink
you are a very cruel person....how can you make such malicious remarks towards someone which you have never met???...how presumptuous...and incorrect might I add. No wonder you're comments are being removed as fast as you can type them! You need to think about how you are hurting people before you turn your computer on to blog....that's what I think!
Green County Patriot has trashed every minority while thumping his bible. Now he wants all to be kind toward one another. He gets to spew his hate then want others to be silent. So typical.
I see I was late, all I would have said has already been said, but just for good measure, I agree; unless you are looking at a native american in the mirror, we are all uninvited 'immigrants'. The 'real' American's still suffer horribly in the reservations they were pushed into. Nothing we can do about the past, but the present is TODAY....they are still suffering.
I also feel very sorry and saddened for those people so blind that they can't see how their hatred belies their claimed 'faith'. If being a 'christian' community (and country) is what will save the day, and most people in Greene County claim to be 'Christians', why is the county going to hell in a handbasket?
This county is in a vicious cycle and will never grow and prosper until people broaden their minds (or at least open them a crack), soften their hearts and observe the basic rule Jesus gave to;'love they neighbors as themselves'...oh wait, that is why they don't want gay neighbors, right? As long as they don't live here, we don't have to love them? @@
And just for FUN..., here are some GREAT happy ending links for the Vick dogs!! ;p
http://www.badrap.org/rescue/
http://www.bestfriends.org/vickdogs/
GCP- Yippeee! Oh, wait, or was that a threat? Whatever. Pray away! I'm not trying to be rude...but,in all honesty, you come off on here as a total hypocrite. Sorry, that is just the impression you give.
I have no clue if you are or not, but judging by what you've shown, that would be my guess. Does God even hear the prayers of hypocrites? Hang on, lets ask him. The God I know has an AWESOME sense of humor..wait..I can hear him sighing and see him rolling his eyes now with each pretend pious prayer you send up. He just elbowed me and winked, He has a great laugh! He said to tell you 'hi'. Oh, and He added to remind you that Jesus today would likewise be labled a radical and liberal. Oh heck, let me just have him type. "GCP, you need to repent of your sins of judging others, that is MY job. Repent and be converted. And quit leaving me so many rambling messages...I'll send someone with the 'jaws of life' to get that log out of your eye shortly."
Wowwwww...think of new things to say! EXCELLENT ADVICE!! Do you happen to see the irony there? It would help you also to heed it. You are a broken record on most things I've read.
Hey, as long as you are not praying ill will towards me (as I'm sure as such a holy christian you never would!) knock yourself out!
If God doesn't need anyone speaking for him, why is that all you ever seem to do? Pray tell? Is there any reason anyone should believe an anonymous blog responders interpretation of the bible is any more accurate then their own?
Now go back and answer the reply in Nicks' column, which I'd really like an answer to. Here it is pasted for your reading pleasure: (My response to your VERY intolerent post)
"Wow, and one of your posts says this county has no intolerence? Hello? Nearly everything you post has intolerence throughout it. So if you have tattoos, love animals and are considered a 'hippie'by conservatives, your opinion is not valid? By the way, I posted MANY other links including from the FBI about the link between animal abuse and human abuse. Did you bother to read them? Or do you think the FBI agents might have tattoos also?
Have you ever READ the Bible? Did you read the part about God knowing every sparrow that falls from the sky? Do you think that is because he is up there shooting at them?!?!?
Did you skip the part about Jesus being about PEACE and love? Kindness and comfort? easing suffering? The Jesus I know would certainly stop and help a needlessly suffering animal, what kind of average compassionate person wouldn't do as much??
I suppose 'your' Jesus carries an Uzi? Does he look at all like Chuck Norris or Arnold? Wow. Your mind must be a scary place to go alone at night!
Peace, love, kindness and understanding, that would be a better 'witness' as a christian then the things you are spewing out. If I judge the 'fruit' I see in your posts it doesn't line up with the 'fruit of the spirit'=
love (agape);
joy (chara);
peace (eirene);
patience (makrothumia);
kindness (chrestotes);
goodness (agathosune);
faithfulness (pistis);
gentleness (prautes);
self-control (enkrateia).
We'd probably better 'take this outside', I know others are getting tired of reading the comments between you and I, because I sure am.
I don't think you can take the Bible verbatim. Any of you who have taken a foreign language know that all things do not translate exactly. Pile on certain phases and uses of word or words during a time period, and you have even less of an exact translation. Examples: what would a foreigner think about the phase "painting the town red"? It doesn't translate correctly for meaning. What would someone say about the word "gay" as used in the 1920's vs. today; same word with two different meanings. Oh, and add to the fact that there was the whole Catholic Church saga, when they manipulated the known world, and you don't know how things were changed. Some people say the Book of James, was written years later in honor of King James. The rich and powerful used to like having cameos like that, whether written or painted or whatever. Supporting this argument is the book is mostly about religious philosophy. In other arguments, some books like Revelations would not have made it into the Bible, if the books were decided today. My point is I think you have to be careful quoting scripture to facilitate your cause... and that's all I have to say about that.
AMEN RAVEN!! I agree! (Who IS this masked poster I find myself seeing eye to eye with? haha) I agree and also know the details of the when the ruler Constantine held council of religious leader for MEN to decide what books were included and excluded.....so....
But, let me go one farther. Let's just Say for this discussion that that EVERYTHING in the bible is EXACTLY true, verbatim, literal. WORD FOR WORD. Then no one sin is greater then another also, agreed??
GCP- You've said there is no intolerance in this county but now you say there IS intolerance for moral issues against the bibles rules. But whomever is judging who is 'breaking the rules' and who need be treated with intolerence, has already missed some pretty big ones.
How many times is gluttony mentioned in the bible? If a fat christian person then, is not repentant and on a diet and trying not to be a glutton....then we should not tolerate them. They are sinning.
I really hate to point this one out....but all the divorced and remarrried christians also have some 'splaining to do....if you are going to be literal. While the bible gives guidelines for a man to divorce his wife....it says NOTHING about then being free to remarry. It says the man who marries the divorced woman makes and adulterer of her.
So...now stay with me. If you want to be literal and no one sin is greater then another, and remarried people are not repentent and changing their ways, then sexual sin is sexual sin and the homosexuals are in no way doing any more sinning towards god, then those divorced and remarrieds going to church every Sunday and believing they have a 'marriage before God'. They don't. So they aer back to adultery. Sexual sin is sexual sin. No sin is greater then another. So these people are in no position to judge homosexuals, which I see time and time again, they do with great vigor.
(However being literal you CAN justify getting yourself some slaves and concubines (sexual slaves) and having more then one legal wife...something that though 'biblical' I think we all agree is not tolerated in most societies, including ours)
Now see the problem when you get literal and when you judge others? So then are you judged. It comes back to condemn YOU. So unless you are a physically fit, pillar of the community, married to your original spouse and never commit adultery and never have a lustful thought, do not pursue riches above all else....lets see...what other things are so common inour society..you know, all that 'human stuff'..then well, when the people better then you come in and start judging, they will be intolerant of YOU. Do you see the problem?
also, in the 'literal world'. are you tithing? Do you give your church it's tithe regularly?? uh-oh...you may want to rethink that. Tithing is in the old testament and the bible clearly says if you put yourself under any of the laws but not all, you are cursed. Because we have done away with so many of the old testiment laws...but we are still tithing?? We are cursed, so the bible says.
Color me shocked that you agree with the remarriage point! Do note, I was using that as an example of typical hypocrisy within 'church folks'. I have no judgement of remarrieds. None of my business. That is between them and their god, if they have one.
How is being fat not directly related to gluttony and sloth? Don't get me wrong, I could stand to lose some lb's too. I'm just saying, taken literally, gluttony is a sin and we should be intolerant of it. If you aren't going to have any shades of gray then lets put all things into black and white, for arguments sake. Your body is a temple afterall, no?
Re:tithing, How about this view I do not take credit for. I can't find the link it came from, but I will look again. (Lets hope it's not some tattoo'd radical hippie! God love 'em, bless their hearts!)
"It is clear from the New Testament "sin and virtue" lists (such as Galatians 5:13-25) and the epistles what kinds of old covenant regulations are not necessary for Christians to observe. These are the observances that set Israel apart from the nations. They include physical circumcision, resting on days of the week and year, food laws, offering of sacrifices, temple worship, purification rites, strict percentage tithing on farm and husbandry increase, and similar worship regulations."
I have now fully forgotten what the topic of this column was or how we progressed to this discussion! Wait...it's coming to me..it was the intolerence issue and the excuses we use for being intolerant. Homophobia being the main lifestyle you were 'disgusted' with because of the bible references.
Do you think science has any bearing on issues that were not understood in the 'bible days'? There is research to support that many fetus's are for whatever reason, subjected to more of one hormone then another at a critical stage of development, resulting in possible sexual orientation, transgendered issues, etc.
Does that help clarify that it is not so much a 'choice' as biological? I absolutely will never believe that anyone 'choses' to be homosexual. I know too many and I know many of which much more gentle, peaceful,joyous,loving, forgiving and giving and kind then most people who claim to 'follow christ'. If we judge the fruit, I judge them as more godly then many church types.
The point being, we are all humans, we all have 'issues' and we are all intolerant of something, but we need to exam what our own issues are and whether it is our job to 'change' anyone. (Although I do think it is fair for all who claim to be of a religion that judges others, be likewise judged in return). You may think homosexuality is 'fixable' and we should not be tolerant of it. I'd like to think ignorance is 'fixable' and we should not be tolerant of it. We may both be wrong.
What a coincidence. The History Channel has had two very enlightening shows tonight. One on the missing books of the bible, including the Gospel of Mary and many others, and currently showing "Sex in the Bible". Stunningly insightful. Fascinating presentation and various input and views.
Glad to see the Giants won! What a great story to go down in the history books, that two brothers won SuperBowls back-to-back as quarterbacks!
Haha..ok. I'll keep moving forward with an open mind, how's that? And we can hope more people will start to see 'intolerence' based on religious double standards is useless to society.