MasterPo says: This blog is about topics and issues that are of importance to me. I am not one of the countless blogging lemmings that are tripping over each other scurrying down the hill and off the cliff of blogging oblivion trying to write the greatest blog on the latest topic de'jour. Your comments are welcome.


February 5, 2009

You Can't Hide Behind Free Speech!


Growing up my mother would often tell me “If you don’t have anything nice to say about someone then don't say anything at all."

Yes, you have the right to free speech.
Yes, you have the right to express your ideas and beliefs.
Yes, you have the right to an opinion.

But having the right isn't the same as have the requirement to actually say it. Sometimes the better part of valor is not to say anything at all.

Or at least, don't keep repeating it again and again. Once or twice is stating an opinion. More than that starts looking like a grudge. People can understand and accept a strong opinion. But a grudge is seen as immature even irrational. Sometimes it is necessary to keep restating your point. But when you keep harping on the same thing over and over that turns people off.

Over the fullness of time my mother's saying has come true over and over again.

Too bad more people don't follow it. (You know who you are.)



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2 comments:

Rose said...

Very good point(s).

IRL said...

Your mom is so right. I can't stand people who hide behind free speech.