something better to do...

There have been a number of posts on this site entitled "nothing better to do..." in reference to people who invent ways to inhibit progress, who try to force others into complying with their beliefs only, who debilitate freedoms, or who foster ignorance. This post, in a way, cites the antithesis to these types of arguments.

This past week, Dan Savage from the "Stranger" was guest blogging on andrewsullivan.com. He discussed quite a number of things, but he also wrote one of the most important things in belief and support of American democracy and especially the Constitution. He says it in response to Sen. Rick Santorum's recent interviews and book.

Personal freedom is like free speech: Some people are going to exercise their personal freedom and/or freedom of speech in ways that make you uncomfortable. So long as they’re not imposing themselves on you, they should be left alone. And, I’m sorry, Rick, but the haunting fear—or certain knowledge—that someone, somewhere, is enjoying himself in ways that you think are sinful does not qualify as an imposition.
SANTORUM VS. FREEDOM

I remember that for the longest time this thought has been tantamount in my mind. It came from my parents. I remember two things that were said by them as I was growing up that have stuck in my mind clearly.

From my father, "Try anything once. If you don't like it, don't do it again."

From my mother, who was devoutly Catholic, upon hearing a newscast sensationally reporting about people's response to two lesbians: "It's nobody's business who sleeps with who. They should mind their own business!"

Sadly, there is always someone who wants to tell you what to do, what to think, and what to believe. The American Revolution was fought by our Founding Father's to eliminate this ever happening again in our land. It is even sadder that the loudest, though not the largest, voice in this country is espousing just that. At the end of the 18th century they had to deal with The Madness of King George. At the beginning of the 21st century we're having to again deal with the madness of king George and his minions. There is still...

something better to do...