Not everyone likes what I have to say.  I know this because I don’t always like things that other people have to say.  Here’s the thing—say it anyway and don’t let anyone tell you that you should keep your mouth shut.  Ever.

The instant we silence one dissenting or diagreeable opinion, we’ve lost all freedom.  Not just for the person you’ve succeeded in silencing, but yourself as well; though, you just may not realize it yet.

I see a horrifying trend occurring.  Our country, the media, the politics, and the people are divided.  The media is suspect.  No one believes the facts if they are being reported by the other side.  Any facts that oppose a belief are immediately dismissed as “fake”.  What a convenient excuse!  No matter what is being reported, the other side scoffs and doubles down, no matter the consequence.

Now, we have started to see the ridicule and shaming of any person or entity that has the audacity to question or criticize the circumstances.  You may cheer when someone is silenced, but remember that someone will cheer when you are silenced.  The irony is that you will find that incredibly disrespectful, dishonorable, or even intolerable.  You will piss and moan about your “rights”, probably never recognizing the rights you denied someone else.

While we fight each other, someone is getting rich.  While we try to shut each other up, notes are being passed under the table.  With each sleight of hand, the magician picks your pocket.  You have to ask yourself “Why?”  Who benefits from this chaos?  That’s who we, together, should be fighting.