Philosophy, Censorship, You and Me

It occurred to me that not everyone thinks as I do. For example, to me, political thought, religion, and other processes where you must use your mind to THINK and then express it is Philosophy. Philosophy - the study of thought, mind etc. Please refer to Merriam Webster for the full definition.

As I recall my Philosophy 101 studies, I think Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle did, as well. After all, aren't these men the Fathers of Philosophy?  Yes... I believe they are.

So then, when I post my commentaries to various groups, it amazes me how many people are critical of me personally and want to have my commentaries treated as Spam. Why is that? Is it because you disagree with me? You can, you know. But I don't call for your retorts to be spammed. If you don't like what I have to say, please disagree. But don't call for my censorship. That is very Nazi and Soviet of you.

One other thing, my friends. If you have read my commentaries in the past, I have tried to let my readers know that I write my opinion about a topic. You certainly can respond, pro or con. But I learned an invaluable lesson from my friend, Ed Koch. I paraphrase, don't get into a debate. You made your point. Let others make fools of themselves.

Oh, and by the way, as I said, I am not a fan of censorship in a free society. I am including a commentary from November 2, 2014 called And Then They Came For Me. Maybe all you censors need to reconsider your bully practices. I welcome your comments.

And Then They Came For Me

November 2, 2014

I found out something this week with a couple of my commentaries. Liberals can say whatever they want and post to whatever groups or sites they wish because their views are egalitarian and "righteous". But if you are a Libertarian like me, or worse, a Conservative, which they perceive me to be, quick, it is time to scream that my views have no place on those sites.

Their reason? Why, the group is about creative expression, trying to share views which are supposed to be about creative writing, a specific philosophy, freelance writing or whatever else soothes their souls. Non-believers need not share.

Here is a news flash for you: you are all self-righteous censors.  Those of you, who had the audacity to chastise me, remember that the censor might just someday come for you.

I thought all these groups on LinkedIn, and elsewhere, were created for the free expression of ideas, there to share thoughts and philosophies not necessarily with those we agree. Especially the ones which have to do with writing.

And to those fools who need an education on what philosophy really is, understand that political thought, theology, and other beliefs which exist contrary to our own belief systems, well, all thought process is philosophy. You may not have to agree with it, but you should respect it. I don't agree with the thought process each person has, but I agree with and respect your right to express yours. I only ask that you respect mine.

Trust me. I don't want to preach to the choir (oh my, a religious reference! Quick - ban that violator!) and I don't need that choir to preach to me. I would much rather have a discussion with someone who DOES NOT agree with me. Perhaps, I can learn something, even one thing, which will give me something to consider.

I don't prosthelesyze.  And if you notice, if someone responds to my commentaries, for or against, I never comment back. Why? It is very simple. I said what I had to say on a topic. I respect your view, pro or con. I might learn something from you if you can say it rationally. I don't engage in a yelling contest. Nothing is gained from that.

You know who you are. You are all self-righteous censors because something was written that you don't agree with and are using some perceived group basis now to throw me out of your groups. All because you are pompous, "free-thinking" buffoons.

So much for your free-thinking. If I am somehow banned from your precious sites, I will be writing another commentary exposing all of you for the hypocrites you are.

In the end, remember this:

"First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Socialist.

Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me." (Martin Niemoller and the American Holocaust Museum)

I hope the censor doesn't come for you.