Land of the Free

My soapbox is getting dusty so I figured I'd start the week getting up on it. And I'm going to warn you that I'll try to be as PC as possible but I still may offend. Sorry.....not sorry.

When our Founding Fathers wrote the Constitution they created the First Amendment for a reason. They wanted people to be able to express themselves freely. Instead, these days, people are constantly offended by every little thing and our First Amendment is slowly being taken from us....unless you're a liberal. Here's an example: It's ok to stomp on, and burn, the American flag but the Confederate Flag can no longer be flown in many places because it offends people. I understand the history of the flag. I understand how people have used it as a symbol for hate and racism. But I also understand that many soldiers have fought and died for that flag. No matter what my personal views are on the flag, I believe that it's people's right to be able to fly that flag. I do not, believe, however it's ok for people to stomp on and/or burn the American flag without any repercussions. Now that offends me. People are away from their families for months and years on end to fight for my freedom. Hundreds of thousands of people have sacrificed their lives for that flag since the beginning of US history. The American Flag is a symbol of that freedom that they fight so hard for. So it's a real slap in the face to soldiers to see people be so disrespectful toward their hard work and sacrifice. As a photographer, there are so many rules concerning how to use the American Flag that I usually shy away from using it. I could lose my business license if I use the flag incorrectly, in a way that shows disrespect. So why is it ok for others to completely destroy the flag without any consequence?
Another thing that irks me is the gay pride movement that is going on. I know and love some gay people but I don't believe that's the lifestyle God designs for them. That being said, I think it's a sad day in American history when tax dollars are used to light up the White House in rainbow colors to show gay pride. I think it's a "Hollywood move" more than a good political choice. Another thing I don't agree with is that an Oregon bakery was forced to shut down when a Christian couple refused to bake a wedding cake for a lesbian marriage. The couple was offended, sued the bakery for $135k in emotional damage, won the case, forcing the small bakery to go under. Then the Oregon governor told the bakery owners that they were not allowed to speak of their religious beliefs or give their side of the story. WHAT????!!!!!! So let me get this straight....a gay couple can speak freely about gay pride and can sue for emotional damage but Christians get stripped of their First Amendment rights because it offends people? That gets my blood boiling!
Everyone is getting offended about every little thing. Everyone wants a "cause" to fight for. Well, how about fighting for Christ to be put back into the system...the political system, the education system and even the religious system? Churches are even trying to be PC these days because they want attendance numbers more than eternal believer numbers. Pastors shy away from using the Bible too much in sermons because they don't want to be considered "Bible thumpers". In my opinion, we need more "Bible thumpers". Then maybe the Land of the Free won't be so screwed up and people will get their First Amendment rights back. Until then, people will be stripped on their rights and everyone will go on being offended.
*sigh* I've dusted off my soapbox and now it's time to get down from it for a few days. In the meantime, enjoy a beautiful week. (I know I will because I'm in mild temperatures and get to go home for a few days later in the week!!)