Free speech break off...;)

Hmmm...is this in the realm of a lie that draws a smile or a truth that draws a tear?

As most things, I don't think it's so black and white, as illustrated by that cool story about the waitress Jestor told.

I didn't mean it in a "remain polite", "be a good guy" or "do not offend" way.

The reason the feminism topic eventually turned this way is because I feel women (thank you Jestor for providing your wife as an example) talk a lot. way too much. They criticize one another a lot. they seem very concerned about what's appropriate and what isn't. Etc.

But it's important to let people be themselves. If you think your waiter sucks and you dont want to tip, it's your right. Keep on thinking it and on not tipping. But don't need to have a go at the guy. Maybe he doesn't care. Maybe his mind is elsewhere. Maybe he has a handicap of sorts and is actually doing his best. That's besides the point. The point is, it is his right to be a below average waiter more than it is your right to turn his day into a shit day.

The point is, it is his right to be a below average waiter more than it is your right to turn his day into a shit day.

Amen....

Are we not supposed to be relieving the burden to others?

Helping our brothers and sisters?

Treating others as we would want treated?

Id love for that waiter to come back, apologize for his crappy service, and go tje other way with kindness and attention, shut that family members attitude DOWN....

Doubt it would work...

Most people can't see beyond their noses....:S

ren wrote: The point is, it is his right to be a below average waiter more than it is your right to turn his day into a shit day.

I'm all for having good manners, but I'm also not for being shi! on by other people just because I don't want to make their day worse.

In your opinion, what's the proper balance? Or is it a case-by-case thing?

I think one should always consider the other party when you try to tell them anything. Why? Because the conversation is about both of you. As for being as polite as possible, I think its a smart idea because no matter how many laws and self delusions tell you it won't/can't happen, nothing stops someone from picking up a rock and hitting you in the brain pan, let alone putting drano in your coffee or lighting your house on fire. Human passion must be respected. Even a five year old can sneak into your room at night and jab a pencil through your eye socket because they couldn't have cookie's after dinner. Reason won't stop something as unreasonable as passion.

We're all fee agents here. Out thoughts, actions, words are all our own no matter if our emotions were sparked by someone/something else. We choose our own beliefs and how to respond. If someone is being "mean" you have the ability to take it or leave it. Therefore, freedom of speech is not only a right it's really not something that can ever be stopped. And it shouldn't.

I mean, if no one ever ticked you off, told you something you didn't like, or want to know then how would you learn and grow? If you're surrounded by the same ways of thinking and the same ways of talking then it's probably going to be fairly boring. And you probably won't experience the Mother Theresa's, Gandhi's, Einstein's, Voltaire's, George Washington's, Napoleon's of the world.

Imagine if we all still believed the earth was flat or round. Imagine how stunted out species would be.

Free speech can sometimes cause conflict, but conflict can give birth to creativity.



But you guys are right. Tact and politeness go a looooong way.

Learn_To_Know wrote:

ren wrote: The point is, it is his right to be a below average waiter more than it is your right to turn his day into a shit day.

I'm all for having good manners, but I'm also not for being shi! on by other people just because I don't want to make their day worse.

In your opinion, what's the proper balance? Or is it a case-by-case thing?

Case-by-case...

And, what I think is the right decision, may not be what you think...

Learn_To_Know wrote:

ren wrote: The point is, it is his right to be a below average waiter more than it is your right to turn his day into a shit day.

I'm all for having good manners, but I'm also not for being shi! on by other people just because I don't want to make their day worse.

In your opinion, what's the proper balance? Or is it a case-by-case thing?

I'm all for telling people to f off. In fact it's the best defence there is against those who think they are so rightful they must tell you how you should live your life. imo

ren wrote:

Learn_To_Know wrote:

ren wrote: The point is, it is his right to be a below average waiter more than it is your right to turn his day into a shit day.

I'm all for having good manners, but I'm also not for being shi! on by other people just because I don't want to make their day worse.

In your opinion, what's the proper balance? Or is it a case-by-case thing?

I'm all for telling people to f off. In fact it's the best defence there is against those who think they are so rightful they must tell you how you should live your life. imo

Got it.

ren wrote:

Learn_To_Know wrote:

ren wrote: The point is, it is his right to be a below average waiter more than it is your right to turn his day into a shit day.

I'm all for having good manners, but I'm also not for being shi! on by other people just because I don't want to make their day worse.

In your opinion, what's the proper balance? Or is it a case-by-case thing?

I'm all for telling people to f off. In fact it's the best defence there is against those who think they are so rightful they must tell you how you should live your life. imo

And quite honestly, if the rest of your countrymen feel this way, it might be why Americans think (stereotypically) that the French are rude....

It couldnt be because we are big, whiny, fat babies, could it? :laugh:

Honestly, I agree with the mindset... Just like poking at you my friend...