Hey Y'all - Welcome to my world

Sometimes 140 characters just won't cut it so I started writing stuff down....here. Don't get me wrong, I love Twitter but there are times when the Random Thoughts of a Southern Liberal Mind just can't be contained within a Tweet.



Tuesday, November 9, 2010

I am not a Left Wing Nut Job....

Odd title, huh?

It seems that I've come under a little bit of fire for being too far to the left in my opinions. Maybe even too loud or "energetic" with sharing them on Twitter. The Twitter energy is probably because I'm a "Johnny Come Lately" to that app and have found quite an affinity for it. I not only get to share my views but I also get to read others view as well. While I've never met any of the folks I follow or who follow me, we engage in small exchanges and share ideas. We also get to see that we are not alone in our ideologies, political or otherwise. It makes someone like me, described as a "Blue Dot in a sea of red", feel warm and fuzzy at times to know that I'm not the only one who thinks like I do.

Occasionally, there are folks that don't see eye to eye with me and they call me on it. They share their ideas and ideologies and links to the stories and blogs that help form their opinions. I enjoy a good civil debate - I've even been known to invite one from time to time. Case in point, my new follower, SouthernIndependent. A good solid American citizen who doesn't share all of my opinions but is, at least, willing to address his differences with me in a civil tone. Good job!

However, I've come across a couple of "attackers" on Twitter. Those that resort to vicious name calling when someone posts an opinion differing from their own. These folks have typically been men and I've witnessed them attacking other women on Twitter too. I find it very sad that any person fulfills some banal desire to attack others or abuse others (especially ones they do not know) simply for stating an opinion. It is amusing that they do not show their faces or their names -they try to be completely anonymous. I find it especially worrisome that those who participate in this sort of behavior also refer to themselves as Christians in their profile or in their tweets. I find it comforting when other Tweeters come to the aid of one who is being attacked. I understand Freedom of Speech - I also understand that it applies equally to every single citizen of this Country - not just those that agree with you or with me - but every single person.

Christian is the term given to those of us who believe Jesus of Nazareth is our savior and for those of us that strive to model their lives after Jesus. Sometimes, I think the term is used too loosely. Now, I haven't read the entire Bible but I have read enough of it to know that Jesus didn't call people names and he didn't wish vicious diseases on people or their children. Jesus didn't seek riches or fancy clothes. He didn't own real estate. He didn't point the finger and lay blame on others for his troubles. Jesus loved his fellow man. He turned the other cheek. Jesus fed the hungry, he clothed the naked, he protected the downtrodden, he healed the sick, and he asked his disciples to give up their possessions and follow him.

Maybe people should apply their Christian values to their politics. I know I do.

I'm turning the other cheek now..........

PEACE

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