So, I saw an article on a friends Facebook page about LGBT groups boycotting the Salvation Army. Wow. There's a lot of crap flying in the general public over it. And quite frankly, it's just that. CRAP!

The Salvation Army's stance is merely based on religious believe. There is no "preaching intolerance" and the LGBT groups that think so are just ridiculous. I really do feel that many LGBT groups are, themselves, intolerant of religions that have beliefs against homosexuality. A lot of those LGBT groups want to do away with any group that expresses negative views against it. Guess what! Just like it's our right to live our life the way we want, and preach what we want to others, IT'S THEIR'S TO DO THE SAME! Let them be, and if you don't like what they say... STOP LISTENING TO THEM!

As Scotty says, "You have the right to free speech, but you don't have a right to force me to listen...". "Do what you want, I'll do what I want, and as long as you don't impede my right to life, liberty, or the pursuit of happiness, we're good."

In response to my second paragraph above, posted on Facebook, one friend wrote this:

"No one wants hatred thrown in their face and then asked for money. Its not about tolerance in this case, its about keeping them out of my neighborhood so I can actually live my life without bullying."

Well, technically, we have access to the assistance that money provides, if we needed it. The SA's policy is to not discriminate against those in need. However, be ready for some preaching, if you live a life that is contradictory to their beliefs. Also... give me one single instance of a bell ringer that YOU'VE SEEN AND HEARD telling you, and the rest of the world, that homosexuality is wrong? A bell ringing is not "throwing hatred in your face". The only time I ever hear about this supposed intolerance is from news articles like this. The only reason I don't like them is that damned bell is annoying. Every bell ringer I have ever seen or heard rings the bell, occasionally says something about supporting the Salvation Army, and says God Bless You, when you donate. THAT'S IT! There's never a message, or preaching involved. In 33 years of my life, not once have I heard a bell ringer preach.

Scotty also said, "It's so funny, conservatives and liberals are the same underneath it all. If you don't agree with their stance, you're intolerant." And it's true. Gay people are JUST as intolerant of religion and others. They're ok with it, as long as it doesn't preach AGAINST THEM. But the second someone's opinion or believe goes against our lifestyle, gay people start flipping the fuck out and become the SAME intolerant ass holes that the religious people can be.

Again, someone said, "People flip out because the world doesnt see us as equal. There is still a fight and if you want to ignore it, thats your right. By saying its ok for other people to view us, is condoning hatred and I personally dont believe it helps us in any way gain equality. By allowing anyone to say my life is against the law, against any religion, or against their personal beliefs, is a hit. Its not about being gay anymore for me, its about being treated, viewed, and respected as an individual just like anyone who fills their hearts with that kind of hate (and it is hatred). I dont have a place for that in my life."

Well, all i have to say... good luck getting EVERY religion to conform to the same beliefs on homosexuality. Because until you do, and they're your views, you're never going to be happy.

And now I'm just getting upset. So, I'll leave it here. You all know how I feel.

-dak