Tolerance Manifesto

Preaching

Preacher

Preach

Everyone’s a preacher today. But when you preach hate, what is it you’re really trying to say?

I won’t tell you “Preach Love, Love is always the way!”

No.

Preach. Understanding.

You don’t have to love it. You don’t even have to like it

But you don’t have to be a dick about it.

Preach. Tolerance.

My mama always said “Agree to Disagree-- and be done with it.”

Intolerance.

Some people say if you’re pierced and inked you’re a delinquent; while your kids in khakis are failing gym, shooting up, and stealing lunch money.

Some people say Goths aren’t fit to be parents. Let’s take them out of their homes; let the abusers, alcoholics, and drug addicts have them.

Some churches say “We are all God’s children,” “God loves all his children,” “God loves you”…God loves everyone—Except YOU.

Some Pro-lifers say “life is sacred,” “murder is wrong,” “ALL murder is wrong”…so lets murder the doctor that performs abortions.

Some people say gay unions, gay marriage, gay anything in general is the BIGGEST threat to marriage. Yeah, because Adam and Steve cheated on you, stole your money, and served your divorce papers.

Society says “Be yourself,” “be original,” “don’t follow the crowd,” “individual, individual, individual…” …But only if you are who we want you to be.

Tolerance

My Christian friend says, “I don’t agree with homosexuality, but it’s not something that’s hurting me. I DON’T believe in the violence, the fear, the HATE.”

My atheist friend says, “I don’t have a problem with your religion, I just don’t agree. But I won’t judge you for your belief.”

My Dad says, “I don’t agree with you wanting tattoos, but when you support yourself you can do whatever you want. Its your body.”

Tolerance.

“I don’t agree with what you said, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.” – Voltaire

“Tolerance implies no lack of commitment to one’s own beliefs. Rather it condemns the oppression or persecution of others.” – John F. Kennedy

“Tolerance is giving to every other human being every right that you claim for yourself.” –Robert G Ingersoll

So please...if you’re going to preach, please try, try, and try, to

Preach. Tolerance.