government, religion, gays, lesbians, minorities...all of which force opinions down our throats and make us look bad for not agreeing with them.  So are we really entitled to our opinion or just the ones that they say we are?
133141
It's just an opinion, not a fact. Fact are indisputable, but opinions are just that. What one person believes. Your own opinion is just as valid as anyone Else's.\nIt may not be mine, or theirs, but it's yours and you are entitled to it.
70550
Yes, im very sick of it...I know this is america, and we do have freedom of speech, but making someone feel like theyre less than human because they have different beliefs is just wrong...example: Ive seen plenty of atheists saying horrible things to christians...one person (and I use that term VERY loosely) had an entire poem called "F*** The creationists"...and one girl even suggested that all christians should be eaten for being so stupid (kinda reminds me of the ancient romans who sentenced christians to be eaten by lions for having religion...and we dont want to go back to THAT now do we?)...and then theres the name calling (sheep, morons, cowards etc.)and insults claiming that christians cannot think for themselves... they seem very chidish to me...personally, as a christian-type, im very capable of thinking for myself, because I have CHOSEN to believe in something that most people do not understand...Also, in this country theres a little thing called freedom of religion, meaning people of faith should not be ridiculed for their beliefs...Atheists always complain that Christians force their beliefs on others, when meanwhile theyre very hypocrytically forcing their non- belifes on christians...frankly, I dont belive in forcing my religion on others, actually, I think people who do that are worse than athiests...I believe in having your own opinions, but also giving others the respect that they deserve...and id apreciate it if others would return the favor...my message to all atheists: contrary to your beliefs, you DONT know everything...and one day youll realize that...but untill then, stop being so unfair, childish and FRIGGIN mean...yes I can be one pissed off Christian sometimes...
52652
Everybody is entitled to their own opinion.  You shouldnt ask or answer questions if you are not prepared to listen to them.
144229
not really. why should other people's backwards ideas bother you, especially when they don't even impact your life? unless you're a homosexual. then they sure do. the scary thing is that these repressed puritanicals are in charge of our lives now, and this isn't just a gay rights issue. the government is after the breeders too, with restrictions on abortion and birth control, and the age of consent.
589088
We all have a right to our opinion , so that means we all have the right to criticize  .Freedon of speech .
671721
That's the point - so do a lot of straight people feel that way - and the amendment was turned down today.  \n\nThe Religious Right - the spiritually intolerant you might call them - feel they are poised for a big win and are pushing every button they can.  Frankly, this came up now, I think, to deflect people from realizing that as we speak, Bush is trying to have more of his like minded judges confirmed (link below).  That is the real danger - Bush knew he would lose but he played the card at just the right time do keep us all occupied while the real things happened.  He is playing us like children and we do not disappoint.\n\nYour problem is not with me and the millions of other straight folks like me, who ar happy for you to have the legal right to marriage - you are on your own for the spiritual side, but there are lots of faiths that do not care about your sexual preference, they care about your heart and soul.\n\nI think 75% of America just want to live their own life the way they want and they don't care what others are doing until it disturbs them (like loud music on saturday morning while you are sleeping, rudeness on the highway or in the office, etc.).  \n\nThe remaining 25% think that life would be perfect if everyone believed and did the same as they did and they work tirelessly in this pursuit, without thought for individuals or even what is right some times.  We are all persecuted by these intrusive, intolerant people in all levels of our lives.  I think that is where the team lines are divided more than gay and straight.
523786
you are entitled to your opinion, which is what this is
554597
I think so. The media has never been completely fair to us with regard to how we're portrayed. No group of people falls into one category of anything. I'm sure it's discouraging for many of us. I think it's a shame.
603958
Unfortunately I don't think so.  Things like that don't often happen to the people who deserve it.\n\nHateful, yes, but I am from Kansas, and I am sick and tired of them.   I used to think that everyone deserves to state their opinion whenever and however they want within legal bounds. \n\nI don't think that anymore and i hate myself for it.
593739
You have a very good point, and I completely agree with you on this topic. If we try and force out beliefs down their throats we are no better than "the Bible thumper's". Religion is a group of people believing in the same thing, and faith is your own personal belief in something. That's how I see it, and I try not to debunk any ones beliefs, but I will admit there are times where I am really tempted to try. Yet it is still wrong to say that some ones religion is right and some one elses is not.\n\nBlessed Be.
604121
I can't answer that, but I know you seem to be right.  I try to keep my opinions to myself in public, because I know I cannot be pursuaded to another belief, so why argue?  "They," however, seem to like to get into disagreements and arguments, and I don't give in.  On here, however, I love commenting on some of the silly answers given!  Too bad it isn't like IM so we can discuss some of these things further...
151643
Not really. If you are blunt and honest with people that can be a great quality to possess. People will know that you do not sugar coat things and that you tell them exactly how you feel. Some people are overly sensitive and cant handle critism.  if they dont want to hear your honest opinion then they should nt ask. In that respect maybe people are conditioned to think that by asking someone their opinion they are going to lie to them to make them feel better. Good for you in breaking the stereotypical view of what should and how something should be said.
177131
I'm the type of person who truly believes in people respecting the privacy of others, and in minding their own business.\n\nI, too, have read negative comments on various cultures and religions, and some of them are very cruel.  I would  prefer to learn about the activities of others, rather than go with negative thoughts about things which I have no knowledge.\n\nWhat's making it hard for people on this site, is that they are made to feel that they have to "defend themselves" from all the negative, and bigoted questions and answers.
621862
I get these comments too (on issues outside of religion mostly).  Some things are just a matter of opinion and no one has the right to insult people on the basis of their opinions.  I just brush them aside as pathetic people with nothing better to do than bash on people that they disagree with.
73427
I think the fact that you were scolded in the first place is an example of the underlying problem western society faces.  We all believe in freedom of speech, to the point that ignorant, irrational and illogical cartoons about a sacred religious leader are allowed, albeit with some disdain, under the ideals of freedom of speech.  Yet so many great questions, like yours, based on logic, are completely written off as taboo.  I too like to discuss the "unmentionable" issues that are in fact key to our society's progression.  A huge example is the "unpatriotic" label alot of Americans got back in '03.
66162
It depends, pity that our freedom of expression is tied down politically and religiously respecting others
441041
I really don't get that one at all, I think that "those people" that you speak of will use anything to justify their hate.  I personally disagree, but then I am in the twenty-first century, not the friggin dark ages.\nI am a Christian, by do not think it is my place to pass judgment on others, tell them how to live their lives.  I am also heterosexual, and I can testify to this, I did not choose to be this way, it is how God made me.  I cannot control what "turns me on".  I also believe that you can justify ANYTHING by picking apart the Bible, and that is BS.   God is love, not hate and competition.  Peace be with you.