Acceptance vs. Tolerance... in Controversy, opinions, etc.

So much in the news lately about Indiana and other states with their religious freedom laws. Perhaps these people are lashing out because they feel forced to approve of something?

No one has to approve of anyone or anything, for any reason. I don’t approve of the term “marriage” when applied to same sex partners, I think their union is equally valid, but fundamentally different, and needs another word than marriage. Sorry, that’s “our” word, and we had it first. (To deny there is no difference demonstrates a shocking ignorance of genetics, psychology and anatomy.) But tolerance is required in life, and as long as the actions of another have no impact on me personally, I really don’t care how they choose to live. So I will tolerate same-sex couples calling themselves married, while reserving the right to reject and mock the term.

I think people who hide behind the shield of religious beliefs to justify their intolerance are cowards, and probably don’t really get the teachings they are supposed to espouse. And any business owner who uses that as an excuse to turn away business is just an idiot. I don’t approve of (or even like) many of the patients I see, but as long as they are compliant I will tolerate them and they are welcome to remain a patient.

But these people who feel victimized need to get a thicker skin. Someone will always be there to mock your beliefs, practices, haircut, or a million other things. Being offended is the national pastime in US these days, but the only right answer when someone is offended is, “So fucking what?”