How have I offended you lately?

It’s become apparent to me that the only way to keep from offending someone is not to have an opinion. And I have many opinions so it seems I’m destined to offend everyone sometime. I’ve been called racist, hateful, sexist, hypocrite, homophobe, unpatriotic, communist, ect. These words are thrown around like catch-all shields against opinion people don’t like. The true meaning of these words is lost as those who use them, paint their meaning with a seemingly endlessly wide brush. My wife lives in fear of who she might have to apologize to every time I speak or write something. I think she worries too much, but I love her all the same.

But who I offend is my problem. If I was really worried about offending I would just not speak, or write. I live in a world of opinions and I’m entitled to disagree with them. I am perfectly happy to have others disagree with me. If everyone agreed with me, what would we talk about? Everyone is welcome to disagree with.

So a few examples of how I’ve rubbed people the wrong way.

Racist ~ it seems anyone who sees the negative impact the civil rights movement and welfare (social programs) has had on the poor (and blacks in particular) is a racist.

Sexist ~ apparently believing what God says about women and wives is sexist

Hateful ~ it is hateful to challenge someone’s religion apparently, even though mine is challenged constantly

Homophobe ~ to call sin a sin and oppose sinful behavior is offensive, even though I have many relatives and friends who are gay. We are all sinners. I can love you without agreeing that your sinful behavior is right.

Selfish ~ Apparently all conservatives are selfish and uncaring for believing in personal accountability, and self-reliance. Selfish for thinking a person has a right to his or her property.

Unpatriotic ~ apparently because I think it wrong to send our boys to die for unjust wars, I’m unpatriotic. Even though I served 6 years in the Navy and fully support those I know who are still serving. How dare I want them to be safe from harm unless actually defending our country?

There are probably countless way I don’t know that I’ve offended people. Life is too short to worry about the little stuff. If you know me you know I have opinions. I’m happy to debate anyone about just about anything. Offense is rarely intentional. Knowledge and truth are typically the goals. If the truth and or my opinion is offensive to you, so be it. I think the truth is worth defending.

So to those whom I’ve offended, my apologies. To those who enjoy sharpening their wits and knowledge in healthy debate and discussion, I welcome your engagement.

To everyone else, you are welcome to enjoy the show and laugh, cry or scream at me along the way.    I will soon be the proud owner once again of a desktop computer.  Hopefully that means I can re-ignite my blogging, though the reason I'm buying it is for school, which will be eating up my time.  We'll see what the future holds for me and my "proverbial pen".