It's a shame that a closed mind doesn't come with a closed mouth

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

My husband said that to me when I read a flame-bait response to a post I made explaining the Lakota philosophy that all things are sacred. The opening post was about animal rights and asked those who ate meat why they did, and why vegetarians were vegetarians--a very straightforward post, not flaming in the least. I felt that explaining the Lakota viewpoint would be informative-it was to some, but one person, whose other posts on the thread labeled them as vegan and an animal rights activist, tore into me, saying it was "romantic nonsense".

Since that poster was NOT the author of the OP, and another thanked me for the post, I believe the flame-thrower was way out of line in their comments. The Lakota ceremonies were outlawed by the US government from about 1890 until 1970 (they were practiced in secret during that time). I know of no other religion practiced in this country that was so treated.

But the flame thrower was intent on only seeing their side of the animal rights issue (and immediately jumped to the conclusion that because I ate meat, I did nothing to help "animal rights"), and was so intent on making sure I knew THEY were the only "true and right" way of looking at the matter, I felt like I had stumbled upon a fundamentalist tirade. Well, maybe in a way I had. Anyhow, when I went to reply, the thread had been locked. I alerted the person to the mods, then told my husband about it. He came up with the opening line of this post.

Just had to get this off my chest. Thanks for listening.

[I Have A Dream]

1. Don't let anyone ever take away your voice, Ayesha.

You are a wise woman who has much to share, even if one particular person doesn't want to hear it. I will always be enriched by what you post.

It's apparent that your husband is also a wise man. (Great opening line! :))

:hug:

[NMMNG]

2. That would be nice

Unfortunately how closed one's mind is tends to be inversely proportional to how vocal they are about their viewpoints. Hence the Concerned Women of America, Focus on the Family, etc., who spend all to much time letting everyone know what they think about every little thing and bullying people around.