Natalina takes a stand: Be nice or go away
July 1st 2009 07:07
Hopefully this is the only time I have to write a post like this. My real friends already know all of these things anyway, but for anyone in doubt, consider this my manifesto on warring bloggers, fearful accusations, and peace & love.
"What is tolerance? -- it is the consequence of humanity. We are all formed of frailty and error; let us pardon reciprocally each other's folly -- that is the first law of nature." Voltaire
I am not one who is afraid to make my opinion known. If I don't like something that you've said, I'll tell you. Equally, if I appreciate a sentiment that you've shared, I'll let you know. But, what I will not do is pick and choose my friends based on whether or not I fully agree with their views. I will not hate people based upon who they associate with. I will NOT be bullied into backing away from anyone. I'll never hold someone's past transgressions against them. And I will love people with the fullest capacity of my heart. Even those who seem to believe that it is impossible for me to befriend a wide variety of people with a wide array of views. I will do my best to show compassion to you as well.
Perhaps it would help if I lay out precisely where I am coming from. I seem to have attracted an element of attention to myself by being....well...myself. I enjoy life. I enjoy people. I like trying to figure out what makes them tick. I like to hear their stories. I have plenty of room in my heart for all kinds of people, and I know that our world view is often formed by the life that we've lead, which is often outside of our control. Therefore, I try to base my opinions of people upon the interactions that I've had with them personally. The best way to gauge sincerity is to engage sincerely.
“In the practice of tolerance, one's enemy is the best teacher.” Dalai Lama
I am a person who has been accused of being a fence sitter. I've planted myself firmly into the moderate way of thinking about life, politics, and faith. I have views that could fit into any number of philosophies, and I think this confuses people. Perhaps in our incredibly polarized climate, it is a rare thing to find someone who keeps her eggs in more than one basket. Have I ever written anything provocative? Oh sure! Hellooo, does this post ring a bell???
Jesus, The Liberal
But, mostly, I try to maintain a nice equilibrium. I don't like to fight with people. I don't like it when things get nasty. My feelings are easily hurt. My late grandfather once told me that the danger that comes with having a big heart is that it is a much easier target, and more likely to be broken from time to time. I suppose that's true. But I'm not weak, and I will stand up for what I believe is right.
What's the point of all of this? I just want to make it abundantly clear that I am not afraid of a good debate when I feel that the person with whom I am engaged can handle a fair dialogue. However, you will usually find me steering clear of arguments that look like they are going no where. There are writers on Orble that I have been inspired by. Some of those same writers have infuriated me with their views. These people come from varying backgrounds and political standpoints, and I will continue to associate with all of them.
As far as my own views? Well, I will not be forced to pick a side. I will not be told that I can't be a person of faith and still be a liberal thinker. I will not be told that I can't be a liberal thinker and still embrace a bit of conservative philosophy. I will NOT be compartmentalized by anyone!
"God does not forbid you to be kind and equitable to those who have neither fought against your faith nor driven you out of your homes. In fact God loves the equitable." Chapter 60, Verse 8 from the Qur'an
If you cannot handle the fact that I am fully capable of being a person of integrity who loves people regardless of their political and social views, than I suggest you just move along, because I am not going to change the way I am for anyone. While it may not be visible to the naked eye, my glasses have a nice rosey tint to them, and I intend to wear them with pride, as I see nothing wrong with trying to put things and people in a positive light as often as possible.
This post is not aimed at anyone in particular. I just decided that it was time to address this little issue of where my loyalties lie. Answer: Myself. I will remain loyal to what I feel is right. I'm not a child, and I will not be intimidated into choosing my associations based upon childish ideals of right and wrong, because I believe that the truth is often found somewhere in the gray area of life... Just as I'll never ask anyone to accept what I say to be gospel. Deal with it, ok?
Sorry if this came across as harsh or insensitive. This type of a post is not easy for me to write, because I don't want anyone to think that I'm angry with them. I'm not angry. Just a little sad that this even had to be said.
Now just for fun, I'll show you just how much of a line straddling young lady I really am. I was equally excited to see the following two people speak up close. President Barack Obama (While campaigning) and Presidential hopeful Congressman Ron Paul. Two more opposing philosophies would be harder to find, and yet, I think they're both great. Here are a few pictures from my encounters with these great fellas.
"What is tolerance? -- it is the consequence of humanity. We are all formed of frailty and error; let us pardon reciprocally each other's folly -- that is the first law of nature." Voltaire
I am not one who is afraid to make my opinion known. If I don't like something that you've said, I'll tell you. Equally, if I appreciate a sentiment that you've shared, I'll let you know. But, what I will not do is pick and choose my friends based on whether or not I fully agree with their views. I will not hate people based upon who they associate with. I will NOT be bullied into backing away from anyone. I'll never hold someone's past transgressions against them. And I will love people with the fullest capacity of my heart. Even those who seem to believe that it is impossible for me to befriend a wide variety of people with a wide array of views. I will do my best to show compassion to you as well.
Perhaps it would help if I lay out precisely where I am coming from. I seem to have attracted an element of attention to myself by being....well...myself. I enjoy life. I enjoy people. I like trying to figure out what makes them tick. I like to hear their stories. I have plenty of room in my heart for all kinds of people, and I know that our world view is often formed by the life that we've lead, which is often outside of our control. Therefore, I try to base my opinions of people upon the interactions that I've had with them personally. The best way to gauge sincerity is to engage sincerely.
“In the practice of tolerance, one's enemy is the best teacher.” Dalai Lama
I am a person who has been accused of being a fence sitter. I've planted myself firmly into the moderate way of thinking about life, politics, and faith. I have views that could fit into any number of philosophies, and I think this confuses people. Perhaps in our incredibly polarized climate, it is a rare thing to find someone who keeps her eggs in more than one basket. Have I ever written anything provocative? Oh sure! Hellooo, does this post ring a bell???
Jesus, The Liberal
But, mostly, I try to maintain a nice equilibrium. I don't like to fight with people. I don't like it when things get nasty. My feelings are easily hurt. My late grandfather once told me that the danger that comes with having a big heart is that it is a much easier target, and more likely to be broken from time to time. I suppose that's true. But I'm not weak, and I will stand up for what I believe is right.
What's the point of all of this? I just want to make it abundantly clear that I am not afraid of a good debate when I feel that the person with whom I am engaged can handle a fair dialogue. However, you will usually find me steering clear of arguments that look like they are going no where. There are writers on Orble that I have been inspired by. Some of those same writers have infuriated me with their views. These people come from varying backgrounds and political standpoints, and I will continue to associate with all of them.
As far as my own views? Well, I will not be forced to pick a side. I will not be told that I can't be a person of faith and still be a liberal thinker. I will not be told that I can't be a liberal thinker and still embrace a bit of conservative philosophy. I will NOT be compartmentalized by anyone!
"God does not forbid you to be kind and equitable to those who have neither fought against your faith nor driven you out of your homes. In fact God loves the equitable." Chapter 60, Verse 8 from the Qur'an
If you cannot handle the fact that I am fully capable of being a person of integrity who loves people regardless of their political and social views, than I suggest you just move along, because I am not going to change the way I am for anyone. While it may not be visible to the naked eye, my glasses have a nice rosey tint to them, and I intend to wear them with pride, as I see nothing wrong with trying to put things and people in a positive light as often as possible.
This post is not aimed at anyone in particular. I just decided that it was time to address this little issue of where my loyalties lie. Answer: Myself. I will remain loyal to what I feel is right. I'm not a child, and I will not be intimidated into choosing my associations based upon childish ideals of right and wrong, because I believe that the truth is often found somewhere in the gray area of life... Just as I'll never ask anyone to accept what I say to be gospel. Deal with it, ok?
Sorry if this came across as harsh or insensitive. This type of a post is not easy for me to write, because I don't want anyone to think that I'm angry with them. I'm not angry. Just a little sad that this even had to be said.
Now just for fun, I'll show you just how much of a line straddling young lady I really am. I was equally excited to see the following two people speak up close. President Barack Obama (While campaigning) and Presidential hopeful Congressman Ron Paul. Two more opposing philosophies would be harder to find, and yet, I think they're both great. Here are a few pictures from my encounters with these great fellas.
Obama in ND
Ron Paul in ND
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Comment by Bryn
Horrorphile
Comment by Natalina
My Life My Muse
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Comment by Bryn
Horrorphile
Comment by Cheryl J
Rhythmatism
Budget Centsability
All you need is love (all together now)
All you need is love (everybody)
All you need is love, love, love is all you need.
Lennon / McCartney
Comment by Bryn
Horrorphile
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Comment by Natalina
My Life My Muse
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Tra la laaa! Back to Horrorphile to read the hidden link!
Cheryl, actually I was thinking of another Beatle's song when I wrote this post...
And in the end
The love you take
Is equal to the love you make.
By the way...I will assume by "pocket rocket" you mean a feisty little firecracker of a gal. In a former line of work of mine (read: porn store) a pocket rocket had a totally different meaning. Just sayin'. Nothing wrong with a little pocket rocket...in either sense of the word. Oh lord, I'm silly tonight!
Comment by Elisabeth Fraser
Paper Cover
Australian Take
Anyone who 'shops' at 'locats' and buys a 'cheezburger' has their feet firmly planted on solid ground and a heart as big as the 'M's we see around.
Peaceful postings to you
Lis.
Comment by Natalina
My Life My Muse
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Btw, I have to add at this moment how overflowing with excitement I am to see you Cheryl! We have SO much to catch up on! Skype soon? I think so.
Comment by samaritan
Fringe Faith
Samaritan's Stories
I really enjoyed this post. I particularly liked what you said about being a person of faith and still being a liberal, and being a liberal and still embracing some conservative views.
I had a big disagreement with my old pastor over politics at the last Australian election. He basically told me that there is no way I would vote Labor if my faith was important to me. It actually made me leave the church for a while. Now I've left and gone back a few times. But that was the first time I ever left, and so it was a big decision for me.
By the way, Natalina, have you read any Jim Wallis or Tony Campola? I remember reading Jim Wallis for the first time and it was just such a relief. It's like wow, I'm not alone. God's Politics is one of my favourite books. If you haven't read it, I recommend it.
Samaritan
Comment by Natalina
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Comment by Elisabeth Fraser
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I see Religion as the 6 or 8 lane black-topped Highway. It's still heading in the same direction, but you need to keep your speed level with the others on the route, travelling nose to tail. You get there a lot faster - but oh, you are missing some lovely wandering byways along winding, shady country roads. I'll get there in the end with a much enriched soul.
Samaritan seems to able to take a turn off the Highway when she needs to and I commend her for that. Not everyone can meld Faith and Religion.
Natalina, I do love my name the way it is spelled. I am the last 'Elisabeth' in my family. It has occurred in every other generation for hundreds of years. My great-great Aunt Bessie made 106! Not for me, I hope!
I like your humour and your strong and gentle faith
Blessings,
Lis.
Comment by Natalina
My Life My Muse
Beta Girl Blog
Well said, Elisabeth. I concur. Life's too short to spend every moment wondering if you've deviated from a path that no one really has ever fully traveled and lived to tell the tale. I believe that life is a gift, meant to be enjoyed with the fullest of our senses, which are gifts in themselves.
Growing up in a family where my grandfather (my hero) was a Pastor, I have been exposed to the beautiful fellowship that can come from an organized religious institution. Sadly, I've also witnessed the mob mentality and quick judgment it espouses. Those who are able to rise above and see it for what it is can have the best of both worlds.
Comment by Damo
If enough people get together and try to label someone then for some reason there are those that believe it.
Good post.
Too many people are running around judging others these days.
Comment by Elisabeth Fraser
Paper Cover
Australian Take
My parents weren't involved in the sect, and, I think wisely, let me travel through it.
I met the Dalai Lama twice and talked with him briefly. His eyes see into your soul and so very deeply. A monumental few moments I'll never forget.
I never forget a picture on the Tate and Lyle tin of Golden syrup - a lion in death with bees building a honeycombin his rib cage, and the quote was
"Out of the strong came forth sweetness."
Comment by Janet Collins
Acceptable Etiquette
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Janet Collins Blog
There is definitely no rule that you have to believe completely one way or another. In fact, I have very solid views on some things but I can easily revert to a different tack on another issue and that can often be seen as a contradiction, although it is not.
I really thinlk those who are willing to weigh up all things - even though they may at times be judged as fence-sitters - are probably more willing to take in both sides than those with hard ideas.
Interesting post.
Comment by Elisabeth Fraser
Paper Cover
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My Favourite
I think it worked! Oh JOY!
Comment by Natalina
My Life My Muse
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Elisabeth the link worked. What a neat image! So cool! I feel like I want to use it for something. Hmmm. I'll have to work on that.
Janet, thank you dear. You and I think alike. I suppose there are just those that are so firmly cemented into their own dogma that they don't have the capacity to embrace another point of view.
Comment by samaritan
Fringe Faith
Samaritan's Stories
Sammy's fine. (Although it did take me a while to figure out you were talking to me.)
You may not like Tony Campolo so much, because he comes from very much an Evangelical Christian perspective - even though he takes a fresh look at politics. I liked him because of the fact I was used to the Pentecostal viewpoint, and he seemed a good blending of Jesus' compassion with God's commands. But Jim Wallis is very good and well worth reading.
I wrote a short story once about, with religion, people were always telling me I needed to follow the narrow road. But all I wanted to do, was go wandering around aimlessly, picking up rocks and looking underneath them to see what I could find. I should have a look for it. There was also something else in there about church that I wanted. And so now I have two reasons to try and find that notebook.
As for the bees in the lion, that's from the bible. Judges 14. (I had to look up exactly where it was, even though I remembered it was in there somewhere.)
Samaritan
Comment by Jason King
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Comment by Natalina
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I'm open to reading anything. I'm sure I can find just as much insight from a book from and Evangelical bent as I could from anything else. Pearls of wisdom to be found everywhere. You should find your story. I'd like to read it.
Judges 14:14 to do with Samson and his search for a wife amongst the Philistines.
"Out of the eater came forth meat and out of the strong came forth sweetness".
I'd never seen the image before though. I don't even know what Lyle's Golden Syrup is! Heehee.
Comment by Natalina
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Comment by Jason King
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Thanks Natalina
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Comment by Mr Nice Guy
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When you have friends, colleagues or the like-minded who enjoy a feeling of oneness, of dependence on one another and a strength derived by unity - then you know you have the better of those who choose an anti-social or disruptive path.
In other words - strength in numbers - and you can count me in your number . . .
Stay well
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Comment by Natalina
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Morgan, if Rupaul ran for pres, it would make for a far more fabulous election season than we've ever before witnessed!!
MNG, thank you. I'm glad to have someone of your caliber in my corner. What a nice sentiment you've shared. You are the bees knees!
Wilson, sometimes I do feel like a coward because I spend a lot of time trying to make nice and a lot less time taking care of myself. I guess this post was my answer to that! Thank you, dear.
Comment by Just Writing
What a well written and well thought out post. I applaud your sentiments, your stand and your ideals. As an original hippie (yeah, I'm that old), I can follow your thinking and your beliefs. As an original hippie I also have found that the rose tinted glasses have to come off some days, damn! Being a liberal and conservative at the same time takes exceptional balance and manipulation, but some of us manage.
As for the open heart and ability to love all, well, some of us have found that that is just too painful a way to live. Being an optimist and a pessimist at the same time is like being a liberal conservative, tough and touchy. Glad there's more than one of us out in this wide world to help others recognize that there are gray areas in life.
Or as I've been known to say, “Reality bites, but it's all I've got, today.”
Comment by Kleonaptra
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Comment by Tricia Benet
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We need more people who 'straddle the fence.' It would be terrible to be so set in your ways that you can't even consider another point of view.
It would be just as bad to be so wishy-washy that you agree with every opinion you hear.
Great article
Trish
'
Comment by Natalina
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Kleonaptra, thank you. I'm realizing more and more that there are a lot of us out there who are of similar thought on this subject.
Tricia, cool owl! I have a slight fetish for owls and bats! I agree that it's good to be able to see open minded, but you're right about being wishy washy. Btw, my mom uses that term all the time. Love it!
Comment by Moonfair
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I like the way you think. You have to be true to yourself, because you can never runaway from yourself.
Yes, I also have a big heart and often it is trampled on, but I never quit loving and caring.
I try never to hurt anyone intentionally. I am a true believer of 'what goes around comes around' ten fold.
I love being positive and happy and those around me positive and happy.
Stick to your guns. Do not let anyone tell you any different.
Comment by The Smiling Corpse
Comment by Natalina
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TSC, sure! I don't wish to engage in any inappropriate behavior with them, mind you..but owls and bats are a couple of my favorite animals.
Comment by Mountain Fog
just how much 'peace and love' and 'open acceptance' does Ron Paul espouse?
What is there to admire in that man in particular?
I know little aobut him, but there have been some caustic attacks made, what is your take on him?
cheers
fog
Comment by Natalina
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I do not agree with his views on most social programs, gay marriage, or abortion. This is why I didn't vote for him. I don't particularly line up all the way with Obama either, for that matter.
But, I do believe that Ron Paul has added something to the debate in America that was lacking, and that was an open discourse about civil liberties, particularly with regard to things like the Patriot Act and the Military Commissions Act which abolished the right to Habeas Corpus.
Ron Paul believes that States should be allowed to formulate their own laws and that the Federal Government should basically butt out. This is actually the way the founding fathers intended things to be. Plus, he believes in the legalization of cannabis for medicinal, personal, and industrial use, which I am also a firm supporter of.
Comment by Natalina
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Comment by Mountain Fog
Actually, your name should be, Natalina Natalian
sounds rather grand and powerful!
As far as the removal of rights go, yes the big bad 'machine' (military industrial complex) has a lot to answer for, particularly the terrible coup like hoax perpetrated on 911. Go watch a doco entitled "911: In Plane Site" all the guy uses in this terrifyingly revealing film is CBS officially released film, that they shot that awful day. We live in very dangerous times I fear...
cheers
fog
Comment by Natalina
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I recently posted this on another site
Really Long Link
Natalina Natalian Esq.
Comment by Moonfair
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As for abortions. I don't believe that if you have sex and did not protect yourself, and you show this type of stupidity over and over, you should be sterlized.
However, if a woman is raped, I believe she should be aloud to have an abortion. A friend of mine was raped, and because she did not get an abortion because her church prohibited it, she just could not take the emotional trauma of being raped and carrying that child, she committed suicide.
And 9/11, I've heard stories from different people and I have done a lot of research, and one thing that stuck out was the involvment of the Russians behind most of this. What I mean is, they pay these terrorists to train and buy weapons. If you research this, you will find that they are behind most of this.
Was this an inside job? I don't know really. As of right now, I don't have an opinion yet, I am still researching.
Comment by Just Writing
Now, the September 11th attacks were carried out by individuals who had been indoctrinated and had their beliefs twisted by others who had personal agendas that came from personal hatred of countries, not just the USA but all the western world, from perceived slights and egos that could not deal with those slights. Where they got the weapons, how they got them is secondary to the fact that the people who created and had them carried out, did so out of direct conflict with the real teachings of their own Holy Scriptures, and that to this day many still pervert those teachings, just as the crusaders of the middle ages corrupted the Bible to their own ends. All Holy works teach peace, understanding and acceptance of all other Holy works, why? Because they all come from the same God regardless of what we call her (him for those of you who much have it that way). Acceptance of others is a basic tenet of the Koran, the Bible, Buddha, Shintoism, etc., acceptance of God, peace, and others peoples.
Those who twist those teachings, whether they be Christian, Muslim, or whatever, are twisting their own faith to their own ends, all are in the wrong. And violence, war, and terrorism will never convert nor bring believers to their cause, if those believers are true to their faith and read their own works, or have their teachers teach them the true meaning of their faith.
Enough. I will now leave these debates to others, I've said more than I normally do.
Janice
Comment by Natalina
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Whoops! I may not have made myself clear. I AM a supporter of Gay Marriage. I believe with all my heart in equality for all. So, you and I are actually on the same page there. As far as abortion... I am pro choice, all though abortion is something that disgusts me personally, I claim no authority over the bodies of other women, and therefore I say it is their choice to live with.
Janice, I thank you for sharing your views. You're a smart gal and I value your opinion. I like Ron Paul for the same reasons that you do. As for 9/11, that's a harder issue for me to deal with because I believe that there are unanswered questions.
I agree with that whole heartedly. I believe as with every religion there is a radical fringe that perverts their own teachings and exploits easily manipulated followers into carrying out atrocities.
Comment by Damo
This reasonable discourse thing has some merit.
(that was humour not sarcasm so please do not crucify me)
Comment by Natalina
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Even though you spoke with humor, please know that I also welcome a bit of sarcasm. Lord knows I can be a sassy little thing from time to time!
You're right. I'm quite enjoying this discussion. We don't all agree, but everyone can learn something from a healthy exchange of ideas.