posted on Jan, 21 2010 @ 10:05 PM
Originally posted by RowenaMcQueen
I commend those communities also. It does not say there will be any action again people that violate the hate speech community standard, but it is
made clear that the people of that community won't stand for it and there will be social consequences for it. It's nothing new, and it's not
stepping on your rights.
First, I'd like to say welcome to ATS RowenaMcQueen. I'm glad you found my thread interesting enough to make one of your 1st few posts on it.
You could be right, I could just be some paranoid old conspiracy freak seeing shadowy plots to steal away my freedom at every turn. Believe me, the
thought HAS crossed my mind.
I feel I should make a personal disclosure at this point (probably should have done this sooner). I am not some crazy racist bigot with a heart full
of hate waiting to get out. I do have my racial and religious biases,as do most people, but I try not to let them influence the way I treat people. I
prefer to judge people as individuals based on their actions.
I always try to be civil with others, even those who disagree with my opinions or beliefs. I am not always successful but I put forth my best
effort.
The signs don't offend me by their message. I feel combating racism and bigotry are good things. It's just that, from the 1st time I saw one of
those signs, they made me feel unconfortable. I don't like being told what to think.
I think what bothered me was the intolerant way in which the message was presented and their use of the very vague term "hate". Hate does not always
spring only from racism or bigotry. It is possible to hate a person for a very valid reason (take a child molester or murderer for example).
Also, as I've said frequently in this thread, I fear the signs may be conditioning people to accept hate crimes legislation which would outlaw the
speech itself, as has happened right next door in Canada.
[edit on 21-1-2010 by FortAnthem]