Stick To Your Guns

"These freaking liberals are always making speeches about what is right, and they know nothing," says Jim.

"I'm a liberal, dude."  Dave responds.

"No, no, I mean those guys on TV.  I wouldn't say that about you.  You aren't even really a liberal."

Here is an example of the average person having nearly no ability to stick to their belief system when it is challenged.  It seems that the instantaneous reaction is to back pedal as fast as possible and attempt to change the subject.  I can't wait to hear the first person I don't know, run their mouths about gay soldiers, and say they shouldn't be allowed to serve.  I will instantly assume the role of a gay service member and ask them what their issue is.  If you would like to bet on it, I will wage nearly any amount that they will say, "Well they aren't all bad." 

I don't understand this inability to stick to your guns about something that you believe in.  I have a friend who says that if someone is racist, he would prefer just to know that up front.  He doesn't want to think that anyone isn't racist just to find out they are talking about him when he isn't around, saying things like "Well he's ok, but he's black."  I suppose my buddy prefers when he meets people, if racist, they simply say, "Hi, my name is Brad, I don't like minorities.  Pleasure to meet you."  This scenario may be a little exaggerated, but it would certainly let people know where you stand on things.  If you are a terribly insensitive, and overall prejudiced loon, someone could make an immediate decision to avoid you.  To tell you the truth, that doesn't really sound half bad.  "Hi, I'm Kevin, I don't like Marines."  I can then say "Hi Kevin, I'm a Marine, piss off."  That just sounds easier.  I think I would rather have that exchange, then to have someone running their mouths like a coward behind my back.

The moral of today's story is simple.  If you have a belief, stick to it.  It isn't required that your opinion is politically correct or generally accepted.  That is the beautiful part of our country; I don’t have to agree with you.  I don't even have to like you.  You are entitled believe whatever you like no matter what the subject is.  Now, while this is always true, and your mouth really pisses someone off, you may also expect to get knocked out once in a while.  Also, please don't act like a child if someone questions your beliefs.  That is their right to disagree with you, to think you are stupid, and to stick to their beliefs about you.  Have a good day, and please, as usual, just ignore the rant.