Posted by Todd (171.218.63.42) on March 10, 2000 at 18:36:37:
In Reply to: I AM FOR REAL posted by Linda B on March 10, 2000 at 13:35:53:
Right: Freedom of speech
Responsibility: Don't cry out "Fire" if there isn't one.
Right: Free Thought
Responsibility: Tempering individual opinions with a recognition of the audience's sensibilities.
Right: Individual Opinions
Responsibility: Expressing these opinions in a calm, adult, rational manner.
All rights carry with them responsibilities. Exercising the right without fulfilling the responsibility is irresponsible.
Case in point: the all too common 'agree to disagree'. This is an incredibly simple, insightful phrase and concept, which has lately been bastardized as are most truisms, eventually. Use in an appropriate context, it's a wonderful way to resolve differences. Used as an excuse for poor behavior, it's just that...an excuse.
KTSSU,
T