After all the coverage of the Quran burning this week and all the recent election diatribe I just have to say it is time for everyone to grab a fire extinguisher! The hate rhetoric needs to stop. There seems to be a new culture, enhanced by the 24/7 media, that supports more and more inflammatory talk. It's time to dial it back.
The gift we have of free speech in this country will go away if we can't have reasoned debate with strong opinions expressed on all sides with out personal attacks, threats and calls to destroy or kill or burn. Whipping mobs into a hate filled frenzy seems easier and easier. The various political opponents and religious zelots have gotten into a "can you top this" frenzie to attract the media which covers the event with delight at having something filled with action video to fill their 24/7 vacuum.
It is up to each of us to get out our fire extinguishers and say STOP! Don't support individuals who try these mob tactics to get support. Express your own opinions with reasoned and information filled discussion. Don't just parrot someone else. Do some basic research and find out the facts before you join the crowd. Be respectful of others opinions. You have the right to disagree with people but not the right to incite riots and continue the pattern of violent rhetoric.
Take a breath, figure out what to say calmly and with passion but without harming others. Keep your fire extinguisher handy.
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