Should tolerance be an individual decision or mandated by the State?

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   cjhunsingerposted 9 years ago

   Should tolerance be an individual decision or mandated by the State?
   
   I take great pride in my intolerance of others, in my individuality and  my freedom to think independent of government. My requirement for tolerance is to respect my beliefs, before you demand respect for yours. Respect me before you accuse me of disrespect.
   That the State demands tolerance and, in that, am I to lay aside my principles, my values and  acquiesce to the beliefs of others?
   
   

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2. 78

   dashingscorpioposted 9 years ago

   "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."
   Those are some the most powerful words ever written. The challenge a state or country has when attempting to live up to those ideals is by making sure that it's government is not enforcing laws with do away (equality) and due process. Bear in mind as the Declaration of Independence was being drafted slavery was still legal and women did not have the right to vote. Nonetheless it's the idea that everyone should have the same rights is what draws a lot of people to U.S. even today.
   The government cannot legislate a person's heart or mind but he can enforce laws to make sure you are not discriminated against, discourage sexual harassment, and bigotry behavior.
   One's freedom stops at the point it infringes on another person's freedom. It's a "love thy neighbor as thyself" or treat people the way you want to be treated mentality. Everyone is entitled to have their own principles, values, and beliefs as long as they don't lead to actions which would stop someone else from having their unalienable rights. Unfortunately without government intervention some folks would trample all over other people's rights.

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      ChristinSposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      excellent answer.

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3. 60

   Robert the Bruceposted 9 years ago

   The older and more informed I become the more I realize that less and less of our lives should be controlled by government. In the case of the USA, our government was intended to be as least controlling as possible while still being able to carry out it's legitimate functions outlined in the Constitution. This plan for the government has been discarded long ago and that's why we are seeing it grow in power from year to year. As long as the people in general remain apathetic as to the government's activities, this program will continue.
   
   To answer your question directly, no...the enforcement of what it defines as "tolerance" should not be within the power of the government generally. This is a matter for the individual to determine and society will react to a person's decision by either accepting or rejecting that person's behavior.

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      cjhunsingerposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Robert---Once again we are in agreement. Is there any truth to whtt I have been hearing on Scotland wanting separation form England?

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      Robert the Bruceposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      I saw a news story about it last year I think. It didn't seem to have widespread support at that time. Being a US citizen, I haven't kept up with the story very much.

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4. 0

   Sri Tposted 9 years ago

   It is an individual decision, but don't expect it. Each person can live life as they choose. They have an idea of how people should behave. And that's how they get disappointed. Many people have moved away from the golden rule, do unto others...etc. Some people have no respect for others, have never considered it, nor do they care what others think of them. The younger generations have bought into the arrogance and ego driven entertainers (manufactured personalities) that they think are real. Older people are fed up with being pushed around by the government, forced to pay this and that, being tracked on everything, every device and everywhere. Freedom is being destroyed every day. Mass mind enslavement and intimidation is becoming a reality. So naturally there is a rebellion. People may not be as tolerant while under constant media,  State and Federal pressures. But that's the goal. It distracts people from their own power. Which means they will be more obedient to external forces or pay a price.

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      cjhunsingerposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Sri---I think that we have some agreement, but from different perspectives. Any agreement is a good starting point.

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5. 71

   Old-Empresarioposted 9 years ago

   No, you're supposed to be free to think whatever you want. The government's role is to protect the civil rights of others to ensure their personal freedoms are not infringed upon.

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