Recently I entered diary concerning the secession of Texas, which has gathered national attention. In this diary, I concentrated my opinion on the difficulties concercing leaving a union. Many, however, responded with statements assuming I was labelling all Texans secessionists; this was absolutely not the case. Even with an update to the diary with regards to commentors, a number of people still regarded me as being against the State of Texas in one way or another.
This is definitively not the case. I had laid forth an opinion which I hoped (and possibly rightly so, given the responses in comments) would spur further conversation. While some saw my piece as ground for furtive conversation, others saw it as a topic to be dicussed, which is always my intention in a diary. It is never my intent to divide people, but to spur an open, honest expression of ideas and opinions.
I am an an old-school Worcester boy; I may not be the most PC person, but I don't think my ideas should be drowned out (nor should any others) because they are not the same as your own; respect others ideas. If I say something different than yours, open a conversation on it. We'll listen, just do the same.
No matter the topic, this is a goal we should all strive to achieve. No matter how vehemently you may oppose a point of view, all Kossacks are entitled to an opinion, and are given the chance to defend that opinion. At the end of the day, we are all individuals, each with our own set of ideals and values. We go out of our way to connvice ourselves we all hold the same opinions and beliefs, but that is simply not true. What is true, however, is that all here hold respect for others.
And that, perhaps, is the most important thing we all hold on to.
I stated a view not held by others, and was villified for it. If I say something disagreeable, I hope to be held to account for it, and relish the opportunity to rebuke it and state my opinion. Unequivicocally, I should be held to my words. I believe what I believe, and I try to state those views openly.