Finger-Pointing Frenzy

Subscribing to a belief does not make you any less fallible. You do not have to sign a waiver promising to cease any and all hypocritical activity when you choose to broadcast a certain view or opinion. Each individual, regrettably, has the freedom to remain close-minded. Likewise, associating yourself with a particular outlook does not mean that you agree with every single person who shares that view.

If someone says they're a Muslim, it does not mean they agree with Al-Qaeda or any other radical movement. It does not mean that they support the oppression and objectification of women. It does not mean that they hate Christians. It does not mean that they hate America.

If someone says they're a Christian, it does not mean they hate homosexuals. It does not mean they think they are better than you. It does not mean they agree with what happened during the Crusades. It does not mean they are a Republican. It does not mean they believe in any Young Earth theory.

If someone says they're a Democrat, it does not mean they think that Nancy Pelosi is a saint. It does not mean they want America to become a socialist nation. It does not mean they worship Al Gore. It does not mean they approve of every move Obama has made. It does not even mean they supported Obama in the first place.

If someone says they're a Republican, it does not mean that Rush Limbaugh and FOX News are their only sustenance. It does not mean they worship Ann Coulter. It does not mean they love Glenn Beck. It does not mean they hate the environment. It does not mean that they think Obama is the Anti-Christ. It does not mean they are judgmental.

This all seems like common sense to me, but I suppose it is much easier to judge than to understand. It is easier to slap labels on each person we meet, to see them through a certain lens because of one thing they mentioned, to discredit one of their opinions because you don't agree with another. This is how we learn to walk through life, hateful and arrogant and full of misconceptions. It is easier to write someone off as a "left-wing nut" or "right-wing wacko" or "bible-thumper" than to figure out what makes them tick.

It is easier, but it won't get us anywhere.