2 Cheers for Jessica Ahlquist for standing up for herself.
This LA Times article talks about something it would be important to remember in this day and age. It talks about the beliefs of the founder of Rhode Island – Roger Williams. You can read the historical recital in the article and do further research on the factually accuracy of this article. I am bringing it up in my blog as an example of filterpretation. Devout believers of all faiths, as well as atheists, forget what it means to allow freedom of religion. Freedom of religion is to allow all people to practice their religion in peace without interference from the government OR society.
When we allow our beliefs to infringe on others we forget the meaning behind the words – religious freedom -. Roger Williams knew this and created a State where you were free to practice your beliefs without interference from the government and without imposing your beliefs on the government. Before thinking about how Jessica Ahlquist imposed her beliefs on others, remember, she attended a public school that is supposed to impose no religion or creed on its students. It is not unreasonable of those who do not share our beliefs to ask that we not force our beliefs upon them, just as we do not wish others to force their beliefs upon us.
As is true in all aspects of life, there is a responsibility that accompanies freedom. We must respect the choices of others as long as they do not cause us physical harm. If we want to maintain and have others respect out freedoms, we should respect theirs as well. Many can filterpret their way into believing Jessica is wrong, yet I maintain that if you open your filter a little, you will see that she was making sure our freedoms stay firmly in place.
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