80sU2isBest
Rock n' Roll Doggie Band-aid
- Joined
- Nov 12, 2000
- Messages
- 4,970
Melon and Irvine,
First I want to apologize to both of you for the times I have replied in anger toward you. I don't reach the level that some do, calling people names (and no I'm not talking about you two), but I do go off on angry rants, and invariably, it makes me feel bad when I do that.
Secondly, I'd like to tell you that I have come to an understanding that I didn't have at the beginning of our battles. While I still believe that homosexual relationships are wrong, I can now say that since you don't believe it is, I can understand why you would be so mad at conservative politicians. My equally conservative Christian friend has helped guide me to that realization. She has has this amazing ability to step into other people's shoes, which is a quality I lack. The truth is that if I thought my rights were being denied, I'd be mad, also.
But I would not be honest with you if I didn't offer this bit of what I hope is constructive criticism. The whole thing I have objected to the most in all our battles is that you two keep bringing up your hatred of the religious right, even in conversations that previously didn't deal with the issue. I've got to say, I don't think this is an effective manner of getting your point across. It tends to alienate those you should be trying to reach with your ideas, those of us who disagree. The majority of people in this forum agree with you, so if you keep up the constant, incessant bashing, you're only preaching to the choir. If that's your intention, fine, but don't be surprised if others get upset with you about it, as I have.
I should have just said these things from the very beginning. It is calm, rational, and goes a longer way toward bridging the gap between people who have differing opinions. I couldn't have said some things, because I didn't understand them at first - I learned them. But I should have reacted more calmly; a a caalm word turns away wrath, not anger.
First I want to apologize to both of you for the times I have replied in anger toward you. I don't reach the level that some do, calling people names (and no I'm not talking about you two), but I do go off on angry rants, and invariably, it makes me feel bad when I do that.
Secondly, I'd like to tell you that I have come to an understanding that I didn't have at the beginning of our battles. While I still believe that homosexual relationships are wrong, I can now say that since you don't believe it is, I can understand why you would be so mad at conservative politicians. My equally conservative Christian friend has helped guide me to that realization. She has has this amazing ability to step into other people's shoes, which is a quality I lack. The truth is that if I thought my rights were being denied, I'd be mad, also.
But I would not be honest with you if I didn't offer this bit of what I hope is constructive criticism. The whole thing I have objected to the most in all our battles is that you two keep bringing up your hatred of the religious right, even in conversations that previously didn't deal with the issue. I've got to say, I don't think this is an effective manner of getting your point across. It tends to alienate those you should be trying to reach with your ideas, those of us who disagree. The majority of people in this forum agree with you, so if you keep up the constant, incessant bashing, you're only preaching to the choir. If that's your intention, fine, but don't be surprised if others get upset with you about it, as I have.
I should have just said these things from the very beginning. It is calm, rational, and goes a longer way toward bridging the gap between people who have differing opinions. I couldn't have said some things, because I didn't understand them at first - I learned them. But I should have reacted more calmly; a a caalm word turns away wrath, not anger.
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