I am fairly silent. However, I again listened to a media person shutting down someone they disagreed with. It was not done kindly. So, I wrote the following. My hope is not to point fingers at anyone but to ask if we can allow our differences without making it personal.

Living in Greece gave me some lasting impressions. One of them is related to the idea that if a Greek did not vote they could lose their passport. Seemed a bit harsh to me. My teacher explained that while voting was a freedom it was also a responsibility.

Lately, a lot is being said about freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and freedom to bear arms. However, I have heard very little about the associated responsibilities. The problem is not the freedom; the problem is irresponsibility.

The solution is not to take away the freedom. The solution is to require responsibility. Do not punish those who are responsible, but address those who are not.

How can we judge if it is responsible or not? Well, how would you judge it if it was being done or said to you? It is easy to justify it when we are doing it to another. Would we feel differently if it was being done to us?

I am committing this day forward to be responsible in the use of my freedom of speech, the press and the bearing of arms. I am committing to supporting others in the responsible use of their same freedoms, even if I disagree with them. I am committing to defending those who are being harassed by others who are irresponsibly using their freedoms. I will defend them even if I disagree with them.

Will you commit to the same? We can make a difference.