Friday, March 1, 2013

The UNkindness of strangers

In contrast to the beautiful acts of kindness from both Ken and the other family who sent us a gift over Christmas, I came home from a tiring day in the city yesterday to find I had acquired a troll in my absence. It seems someone named Heidi has been reading older posts and snarking her way through my blog history.

I thought you might enjoy reading her remarks. The blog posts on which she's commenting are hyperlinked after her comments.

What a lecherous and disrespectful thing to say to someone. -- Attachment parenting

I've encountered many decent Christians, but judging by the content of your blog I wouldn't say you were one of them. I used to be a devoted Christian and would never condemn anyone based on their religion, but religion and good morality are independent of each other. I'm much better off with morals formed from experience and thought than blindly following the instructions of scripture. -- Hollywood vs. Real America

Miraculously, my parents have managed to raise me to be "decent" (whatever that's supposed to mean) without drastically limiting my life experience. I retained my virginity through high school not out of fear of damnation but because I felt I wasn't ready, if I was it's important that I was fully informed on contraception so I could make the decision safely. There is absolutely nothing wrong with extra-marital sex and it's a dangerous lie to try and tell children. -- The Death of Pretty

While I have no problem with common courtesy and will myself hold doors open for people, it's absurd when people decry feminism for getting rid of chivalry- feminism has done infinitely more for the world than chivalry ever could. -- The Death of Pretty

Just out of interest, how do you exercise wearing skirts? seems impractical in some instances. -- The Death of Pretty

You don't need to inform us at you are feeling smug, it's quite obvious that this is usually the case. -- Feeling smug

Just because a woman is not a virgin does not mean she sleeps with strangers, it is in fact very rare for this do happen. Why don't you try berating men for sexually harassing strangers, which is much more common. I'd much rather have sexual freedom (and I'm a virgin anyway) than "deserve" to wear white on my wedding day. -- Love and Marriage

I take it lynchings weren't counted as murder? -- Let's revisit "the good old days"

You taught your kids that women who wear make-up and "revealing" clothes are evil? Great parenting. -- A message to little girls

So I'm abnormal for not wanting to have children? I love babies that are related to me, others are generally a bit dull, but I have no interest in raising a child and should not feel pressured to do so for the sake of normality. Especially in a world with an all too quickly expanding population. -- Sex education, home-style

You learned to judge an entire generation on the actions on one individual? -- Men in training

While I'm always amazed when someone comes to a conservative blog and expresses surprise that the readers are conservative, I'd like to welcome Heidi and hope she enjoys her visits.

131 comments:

  1. "There is absolutely nothing wrong with extra-marital sex and it's a dangerous lie to try and tell children."

    Whaaaat?!

    There are too dang many "oops" babies growing up in fractured homes and young people who have acquired life long STDs to feel that it's okay. I don't approach it from a christian or "purity" standpoint. I just feel that it should be reserved for two people who are wanting to start a family.

    Sex is fine as long as you use protection is a DANGEROUS LIE to tell children.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sex is safest within a relationship that involves trust and open communication, but the whole marriage ritual is not necessary for this.

      Delete
    2. ...for a lifetime commitment, I'm sure you mean. Otherwise the spawn of this "relationship" is doomed to flounder at the expense of your titillation.

      Oh, what? You didn't think about consequences?

      Tim

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    3. You didn't address the point made... what happens when children are conceived in this "relationship" that involves trust and open communication? Is the couple so trusting that they are commited to raising conceived children together? Is the couple open enough in their communication to talk about things like that? If they in such a good, trusting, and communicating relationship that is seen as long-term, why not just get married?

      Or is it that they're just using each other until one or the other decides it's time to move on? They "love" each other enough to sleep with them, but not enough to marry them? How sad!

      Delete
    4. Ideally, these people would know enough about contraception to make the chances of conception very small unless they wanted to have a child together. As for not "just getting married", for many non-religious people marriage is just an expensive and meaningless ritual. I could happily spend my life with someone without feeling that I have to marry them just for the sake of conformity.

      Delete
    5. Expensive? A marriage license costs very little and a judge will marry you for practically nothing. The expense is the unnecessary ceremony.

      Delete
    6. There is still no point if you personally don't have any religious or traditional attachment to the idea. Most people just do it for the party.

      Delete
  2. Coming to you from the Charles Carroll Society. Saw this as your top post and had a smile form on my face. See, I've been lacking an outlet for debating progressives ever since my local newspaper dropped their opinion blog (staffed of course with progressives like themselves).

    I'll have to come back and throw my conservative 2-cents in as a response to her comments. She'll either learn something and stick around or she'll leave out of disgust and annoyance. I'm hoping for the former outcome over the latter one.

    ReplyDelete
  3. They are all hearts and flowers, as long as you agree with their thinking. But boy can they spit the venom if you think differently. We are living in times just as the "days of Noah". Sodom and Gomorah were destroyed for less.

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  4. This is sad, but it is important to understand that our country and city culture lives has raised generations of children to believe just as Heidi believes. She must have been drawn to your entries to have bothered to read so many.... perhaps her comments are meant to help her justify the wide difference between what you are sharing and how she has been raised and learned to live her life. If she is actually searching for answers in this counter-productive way, I hope God will send mentors into her life to help her find the right path for her life.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree, Shannon.

      And if/when tshtf, it will be telling to see jusy how many people like heidi have the faith, skills and resourcefulness survive.

      God help them.

      A.McSp

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  5. What amazes me is she took the time to read and comment on so much. I think she was looking for something to complain about.
    I may not be as conservative as you on many topics, but I enjoy reading your blog, as I find it entertaining and informative.

    Anothermom

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  6. I tend to be a progressive thinker and I think she has some valid points but like you said why come to a conservative blog and hash them out over a series of blog posts. It is an odd choice to be sure.

    I don't always agree with your stance on things but I enjoy the perspective and lifestyle you choose to lead. I admire your courage and ability to put yourself out there and will probably always follow you. I feel a lot of problems could be solved by not critiquing the other side but by trying to understand another way of living.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Good post, Erin. I wish your good attitude were shared by more people.

      Unfortunately, for all their moral posturing and apparent self-righteousness it seems for too many people like heidi the effort to try and understand seems all too often to be a one way street.

      They seem to be down for the snark, but not really much else. Invidious trolling is the mark of an aggressive, hateful mind and heart, imho. It's a sad thing.

      A.McSp

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  7. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  8. Heidi is just a bored troll. We don't even know if she is really a Heidi. Unfortunately she/he probably won't learn anything. She/he will post comments simply because it's something for her/him to do since she/he either doesn't have a life. She/he will make comments and posts and feel smug about her/him-self and just think about how much smarter she/he is than you or the other people who post comments.
    Since she/he has read through your blog posts and posted she/he will probably return less and less and eventually get bored and quit commenting as people catch on to what she/he is all about and ignore her/him. Then she/he will move on to another blog.

    ReplyDelete
  9. It always amuses me how much people who have no children think they know about good parenting.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Great point.

      What's really scary is how many social workers, teachers and cps workers fit this profile, too.

      Delete
    2. I have no children but my siblings are all much younger than me so I know a fair bit about raising children.

      Delete
    3. Heidi, I wouldn't be surprised if you've been robbed of a parenting experience because of an abortion (or multiple abortions). Somebody without children doesn't usually get involved in parenting discussions unless they're feeling regret for past actions and WISH they had parental experience to draw upon in discussions.

      I commend you for being the older sibling that helped out with the younger ones, but until you have biological children of your own, you can't understand just how much different it is.

      Delete
    4. Oh, come on now. That is a telling statement if I ever heard one. I have younger siblings, children and grandchildren. I can tell you it's definitely NOT the same thing. Not even remotely close.

      Delete
    5. The only perfect parents are the ones who don't have kids yet. If I had a nickel for every time kid made me a liar.... well, I'd have way more than a nickel!

      Delete
    6. It is extremely offensive and unnecessary to assume I've had an abortion. And I mean that I know what it's like to want to protect your kids, I'm terrified at the idea of my brother starting school as other kids tend to teach bad manners and, where I'm from, teachers tend to push children into Christianity. So I can understand homeschooling. I can't understand teaching your kids that women who wear make up are evil but that's just me.

      Delete
    7. I hope that you not having an abortion is true and that you also haven't helped somebody else procure one (just as bad). It's still troubling that you think it's OK for babies to be murdered in the womb. Such an action should be seen for what it is and condemned by all human beings.

      Here are a few short videos that may impact your thought process:

      Volition -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CcPpeHJX3Ik

      180 Movie -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7y2KsU_dhwI


      When you think of your brother starting school and possibly being exposed to the 'dangers' of "bad manners" and "Christianity", I think of the homosexual agenda that's being pushed in the 'government' schools. I think of how a little girl, privately reading the Bible during lunch, is punished for ignoring the "separation of church and state". I think of the little boy who got in trouble and was told to get a psychological evaluation because he was drawing a picture of a DEAD person (a Crucifix -- Jesus DEAD on a cross). I'm serious... these crazy things have happened!

      Bad manners a concern? Sure. Christianity? Not in my book. The kids NEED some Christianity in their lives... have you been looking at the high school and college graduates!?!?! Oh my!!!

      Delete
    8. I never said it was okay or not okay, but it could be necessary in cases where the mother or child's health is in danger or in rape cases - I'm not in the position of any woman who needs an abortion and am therefore not in a position to make the decision for her. A much better way of lowering abortion rates is ensuring young people have knowledge of safe sex (I know you'll say contraception isn't foolproof, but if used properly and/or several methods are used there is a very very low risk of conception.) You may not like the idea of people having sex recreationally but condemning them helps nobody and if you really wanted less abortions you would advocate better sexual health education. Abortion should be legal because nobody in a desperate position should have to seek a very dangerous illegal abortion.
      Of course I don't think children should be punished for reading the bible (though your examples seem like tabloid sensationalism at it's finest, especially this mythical homosexual agenda) but I believe religion is a private matter. Anybody should be able to worship as they wish, but the school's official position should be secular. Not everyone is a Christian, there are many children of other religions and none who should similarly have their beliefs respected. There are many non-christian young people who are thoughtful and decent, they do not need Christianity to do this. Conversely, I've encountered many judgemental and materialistic Christians, and also those who are spending their lives becoming more and more wracked with guilt and anxiety over things that are not their fault.

      Delete
    9. You're right about one thing . . . abortions (legal or illegal) are dangerous! Especially if you're the unwanted child!

      Delete
    10. I do not share Heidi's views, but I am fairly appalled at the folks implying she has had or aided friends in an abortion. There is a good bit of pride in a lot of the posts I'm seeing from folks proclaiming Jesus...

      Delete
  10. After reading her rants my advice Patrice is this person is an irrational nutjob capable of anything when her delusions are threatened, so keep your Rossi handy...

    Off subject- Patrice, can I have a cookie? :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. NO! It is MAY I have a cookie, PLEASE? me too, please :^)

      JW M

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    2. I made another batch of cookies last night, so recipe and additional photos forthcoming, LOL....

      - Patrice

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    3. Thanks for the warning.

      I'll have to continue to hide my computer screen. He almost caught a glimpse yesterday.
      And he knows I have chocolate chips.

      You merciless maven, you.

      ;)

      A.McSp.

      Delete
    4. A different Brian Keith; there are thousands of us!

      Seems to me Hedei cannot tolerate opposing views, other than to see them as her own definition of evil. I wonder what she thinks of Sister Terresa..

      Delete
    5. I am not Mother Theresa's greatest fan. I am sure she had some good intentions but her hospices were places of pain and suffering which her warped beliefs did little to alleviate. It's rather hypocritical that, when she herself fell ill, she embraced expensive medical care. I also find it hard to take views on contraception from a nun or priest seriously.

      Delete
    6. You're bashing Mother Theresa!?!? Seriously? She's one of the most SELFLESS people that have ever walked this earth. The sum of her earthly posessions consisted of her habit and a handful of other items, all of which fit in a small bag when she would travel. If she had 2-cents and only 2-cents, she gave it away!

      Delete
    7. Heidi, a priest and a nun don't need to have sex or use contraception to be able to speak about sex and contraception. That's like saying everything that is taught in the school system needs to come from people that have experienced elements of the world around them before speaking about them... so much so that teachers can't talk about sea life because they don't live underwater nor are they cold-blooded.

      Just like we don't need to abuse hard drugs before we tell our kids to not do drugs, there are very well-known truths regarding sex and contraception that can be taught without being a participant and/or user. Contraception is the primary reason why sex has been separated from marriage and has resulted in the perversions we see now. I know from your other posts that you don't see this as a problem, but the reality exists even if you choose not to see it for what it is.

      For some good reading, I suggest you read "Humanae Vitae" ("Of Human Life") by Pope Paul VI. His predictions from decades ago of the consequences that would come from contraception have all come true in society today.

      Delete
    8. I find it funny that you can't take views on contraception from a priest or nun yet feel yourself qualified to judge proper parenting.

      Delete
    9. I'm not bashing her, I'm just noting that it is wrong to idolise people as saints and act like they did nothing wrong. As I have said, extra marital sex will always happen and religious guilt does nothing to stop the resulting stis, pregnancies and regret.

      Delete
    10. Brian's reply; I guess we all have our own view of what bashing is...the little she accomplished raised awareness and funds from a world asleep - which continues into her death! I imagine those that received her aid and comfort do not see her efforts as inconsequential as "little to alleviate"
      Since I demoted Mother Theresa and misspelled her name in my initial post, we can count me out as a religious zealot that idolizes her as a saint. I am guilty of admiration. I have found as a chronic pain patient of 10 years my best relief comes from providing physical aid to comfort local elderly patients. I see "Mother Theresa" as an inspiration to act upon, not a cure to pray to... We all welcome you and your posts for many reasons. I am embarrassed to admit it but I once held beliefs similar to yours…a product of public indoctrination.

      Delete
  11. I am constantly amazed at the people who hide behind a computer while berating, belittling, and badgering someone. What happened to "if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all?" We are not going to all agree. Ever. And the world would be a pretty boring place if we did. I would never go onto some liberal's blog and try to change them by attacking their posts. It just ain't gonna happen! It would waste my time and they are not going to give my opinion a second thought. While I would hope that she miraculously finds SOME wisdom in the words written here, I doubt it. She seems to be one of those unhappy people in the world determined to make the life of others around her unhappy. Yesterday was just your lucky day, Patrice!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hmm...might want to look at your own conservative party.

      Delete
  12. I follow you. I read each and every post. I also follow the Huffington Post on Facebook, and comment (or reply) to some of the comments but am usually billed as a 'F***ing whack job for refuting outright lies with facts. Facts have no appeal to progressives. It's their way or the highway, and we all know what it's like to drive without eyes - or ears. She isn't a troll. These are the very reasons that you've chosen the lifestyle that you've chosen, and your children will reflect that in the choices that they make for themselves. Let her rant. It's good for a laugh, and would be funny if it really wasn't as serious an issue as it is. The moral decay in this country is beyond belief - ALL of it can be attributed to the PUBLIC educational system and the idea that the government is the next best thing to sliced bread. It isn't, because all you get is crumbs - figuratively speaking.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am not a product of American public education so you needn't blame them, I was actually educated by conservative Christians primarily.

      Delete
    2. And how would you describe yourself? Conservative? Progressive? Something else? And by what measure do you apply that label? (i.e., what positions do you hold dear that you could point to that would justify the label of your choice)

      Delete
    3. I don't label myself either. I have views that both conservatives and liberals disagree with and also views they may agree with.

      Delete
  13. She could be that nurse, whats her name in One flew over the cuckoo's nest?

    Razor in the Benewah

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  14. "Heidi" sounds like she has a mild case of Asperger's. Relentless reading of back posts, failure to understand social cues.

    Patrice's response is correct, be nice and welcome her. Most likely, she just needs a friend or two to help her understand how to mimic etiquette when dealing with people not in her standard circle.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, Heidi's coming to Patrice's blog indicate a cry for help. Most people who are confident in their belief system don't seek out blogs which express opposite belief systems. She "indicates" she was homeschooled or schooled in a Christian school by conservative Christians. Sounds like she has some internal conflicts with which she has not dealt fully.

      Good luck, Heidi. Hope you can work out those conflicts and stop the crying of those conservative Christians with whom you grew up (your parents maybe?) and by whom you were taught -and your own crying as well. Your Christian parents and relatives love you and are praying for you. If they taught you well, you will not completely turn from their values even if you are struggling now. We should all pray for Heidi and her family.

      Delete
    2. I didn't seek this blog out, I came across it while looking for a recipe by accident. I'm sure you can understand the compulsion that you feel to stand up for your beliefs. My parents are not Christians really, but they did teach me well and I do not feel like I am struggling. I would not comment quoting anything that I did not confidently believe in.

      Delete
  15. Let's hope some conservative/Christian ideas soak into Heidi's deceived heart. I bet your blog is really eating away at her.

    ReplyDelete
  16. "you judge a generation on the acts of one individual"

    Hmmm... Seems that's what her and her ilk are doing today with firearms owners...

    Keep up the good work Patrice...

    Buck in Indiana...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I can understand firearms owners, the country you live in is insane and it would be easy to become paranoid. Thankfully where I live there are sensible enough gun laws I don't feel the need to carry concealed weapons every time I leave the house.

      Delete
    2. If you went to an aboriginal culture and suggested that your ways were better than theirs and that they should change and become better "like you" (as you are doing) your own peer group would have you strung up on the yard arm by morning as a bigot.

      What you "can't understand" only points to your limited understanding.

      Delete
    3. I just said I understood why people might feel the need to bear arms to protect their family, I'm just saying that it's obvious that the current system in the U.S. is not working. Guns can be used sensibly perhaps but automatic assault weapons? Stephen King produced a very good article on the topic.

      Delete
    4. "...but automatic assault weapons?" Jeez, Heidi, you're as dumb as the rest of the anti-gun nuts. They are SEMI-AUTOMATIC weapons and they are not "assault" weapons, they are simply rifles. But, don't let facts get in the way of your paranoia.
      ---
      Sam....

      Delete
    5. I never presumed I was a gun expert, but those guns are unnecessarily dangerous. My granda has a single barrel shotgun which is sufficient and safe for his agricultural purposes. I don't see the sense on allowing people to easily obtain these semi-automatic rifles, to be correct.

      Delete
    6. "agricultural purposes"?!? Obviously you are not a constitutional expert either - nor much of novice for that matter.

      Tim

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    7. Why do you think what you "see the sense in" matters at all to anyone here on this blog or in America? Why is your version of things the right one? Not to be a smart alack, I know you can't hear my tone, but I really am curious as to why you, and so many like you, foreign and domestic, see the need to troll pages where you know going in that the majority of the people there are not going to agree with you?

      We aren't your group of peers who think everything you say is witty or clever. We are opposed to a lot of what you stand for, obviously, and we can back our play. Can you? Intelligently, without pettiness and without categorizing and sparring, as you have done?

      If you are interested in exchange, seriously, just approach it as an exchange. Have a grown up read your answers, because if your intention wasn't to spark something, you didn't write it out properly. Maybe that's how people do things in your country, but we proofread. If we sounded snarky, you can bet your pounds and pence we meant to. ;)

      At this point I don't think any of us are buying that you came here for intelligent exchange.

      Delete
    8. I appreciate your candor in that you admit you're not a gun expert. Since you are self-aware of your lack of knowledge, do you think it's wise to take a position one way or another before learning more from the other side of the gun-control debate? For example, you use the term "unnecessarily dangerous"... exactly what is THAT supposed to mean? If I'm protecting my family, I want whatever dangerous weapon is at my disposal to deter or halt an attack. A pellet-gun shot to the eye socket may kill a man, but I'm not counting on it to deter or stop the attacker because it isn't dangerous enough! It's not up to the government to tell us what should or should not be used to protect our family... that's our responsibility! And any responsible gun owner will tell you that they take the responsibility of owning and using a gun VERY seriously.

      Delete
    9. Wanna know the difference between your harmless shotgun and a semi-automatic rifle? Often times the way it looks. The difference is similar to the difference between a 2 door and a 4 door car. Same thing, different look.

      Delete
    10. First,I am assuming, you are not in America from some of your comments. Second, a single shot pokestalk is useless with many someones trying to break into your home.Assume 3 burglars are each armed with at least a 10 round handgun.That's 30 rounds against your 1 shot.Whats that? Call the cops you say? Most of us living in rural areas are at least 20 to 30 minutes away from any police.America is a huge place. Its not like europe where you live stacked and packed. Guns will always,always be around in America.Even a ban would be useless in stopping them.Criminals will ALWAYS be able to get them.Google how many machine shops,farriers,blacksmiths we have in America.And as long as criminals can get guns America will be armed and packing.Have a good day sweety and stay out of the US till you overcome your fears.

      Delete
    11. A single barrel shotgun may be perfectly acceptable for your grandfather's agarian purposes, but I'm not so sure it would do the trick if a bear is killing one of my calves.

      Delete
    12. May I suggest you educate yourself on guns, before you spout uneducated and unreasonable opinions. Liberals tend to think of themselves as evolved and highly educated and free-thinkers, but fail to actually research their opinions. Instead, they parrot the uninformed opinions of their leaders.

      I can think of dozens of instances where a single shot shotgun is a poor choice at best. If your animals were being attacked by a bear, or pack of coyotes, or wolves, or other large predator - guess what you have when you have fired off your single shot? A big stick!

      Delete
    13. I think that farmers should have the necessary tools to keep their business running but it's very clear to the rest of the world that the current system in the US does not work for them.

      Delete
    14. I find it laughable that you think you know what the rest of the world, as a whole, thinks about anything.

      Delete
    15. I have to wonder if the U.S. system is so broken, why is the rest of the world lining up (or jumping fences) to get here.

      Delete
    16. It is generally knowledge that the US is the laughing stock of the world, particularly in Europe.

      Delete
    17. Do you really think anyone who reads and enjoys Patrice's blog cares one whit about what the rest of the world thinks, especially the Europeans? It never ceases to amaze me to hear people talk about what Europe does / is / says. They are broke and morally bankrupt for the most part.
      When the best, brightest, and hardest working stop lining up to come here, we might possibly think about it but I doubt it.

      Delete
    18. I know literally no-one that wants to live in the US, though Canada is a popular choice. All Americans do is complain about how horrible their country is anyway.

      Delete
  17. Agreed...welcome, Heidi! Enjoy your visit here!

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  18. Since about 1982 (i.e. once the law for equal pay for equal work was enforced), feminism has been a cause searching for a purpose. Heidi seems to be a living example of why we should home school our children. God bless her and may He lift the veil from her eyes.

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  19. Replies
    1. Aww, you ought to, dear. As I said, welcome.

      - Patrice

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    2. That's what you were seeking, right. Well done. :)

      Delete
    3. I forgot that Americans aren't good with irony. The attention makes me feel rather uncomforatble actually but such is life. I don't feel my arguments were aggressive or intolerant.

      Delete
    4. Agreed, they aren't aggressive such as name-calling and the like (and THANK YOU for that!), but I think we're curious if you're open-minded enough to consider some alternative points of view from what you're probably used to being exposed to. Maybe God led you to this site for a reason!

      Delete
    5. Oh, the irony! Apparently, non-Americans don't get sarcasm. I guess we're even now!

      Thank goodness I no longer believe in tolerance. All that does is make you friggin' doormat to those who claim to be intellectually superior (and those who have no qualms breaking your nose for simply having a different point of view). Been there, done that and over it.

      You know, you sound just like one of my little sister's friends who declared that he was an atheist to his family around Christmas a couple years ago. Talk about desperate for attention! He was a rather self-centered brat too. And that bit about being raised by 'conservative' Christians then turning right around and saying that your parents aren't really Christians? I smell a liar.

      ~Lily~

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    6. I never said I was raised by conservative Christians, I said I was educated by them. And by not really Christians I mean that my father is an atheist and my mum is a sort-of Catholic buy she doesn't really go on about it. And I have no idea why you are comparing me to your sister's friend, perhaps you could specify the qualities we share.

      Delete
    7. While you make a distinction between your parents and your educators, you have to understand homeschoolers do not make a distinction between the two -- the parents ARE the educators.

      Delete
  20. Phyllis (N/W Jersey)March 2, 2013 at 10:04 AM

    She is just jealous she can't be like you. Deep, deep, deep in her soul she knows she is so wrong but cannot help herself. She said she used to be Christian. Wonder what event made her change? I usually just dismiss people like her but I think I will say a prayer for her instead. I hope she can find the answer to her misery.

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  21. Actually, I do NOT enjoy reading the remarks and rantings of liberal-progressives, so I'll pass on it, thank you. "Be nice and welcome her?" Over the years I've found that conservatives who visit your blog are always nice and tolerant of opposing views. Good luck thinking that sort of behavior will have any effect on our liberal counterparts! Shannon Templeton says, "...our country and city culture lives has raised generations of children to believe just as Heidi believes." True, but it's much more than that. Our liberal public schools and especially our colleges have been brainwashing our children for many, many decades. Notice how so many college students major in psychology? They're being conditioned to think they understand humanity better than anyone else, when just the opposite is the case. I remember what Kris Kringle told Macy's psychologist in the movie "Miracle on 34th Street. He said something to the effect that he had a great respect for the psychiatric profession, but NO respect for psychology! I couldn't agree more. I see psychology as the basis for all liberalism. --Fred in AZ

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    1. I've said this before but I was primarily educated by conservative Christians and the society in which I live is far from secular.

      Delete
    2. Heidi, above this comment from you is another that says "My parents are not Christians really". So which is it? Are they or aren't they?

      Delete
    3. I actually take offense to your comment, Fred. I majored in Psychology and I am not a liberal. I help people daily. I listen to the struggles of many people, both liberal and conservative. I help out fine Christians when they need a listening ear. I even have several pastors on my client list. I conduct play therapy sessions with young children who have been abused, forgotten, mistreated. I am about as conservative as it gets. Please don't attack my profession when you seem to know nothing of it.

      Delete
  22. This is my first look at your blog. The "unkindness of strangers" title grabbed my attention when I was looking at 500 Tomato's blog. My comment here is just to say that there is lots of unkindness to go around. I've seen it in progressives and conservatives. We all have lost the art of diplomacy and are now a crude, mouthy, in-your-face culture. Perhaps it is my babyboomer generation's fault. After all, wasn't it all about short term gratification and shouting until we got our demands met? And if we don't get what we think we are entitled to, we then become rude, snarky, drugged, passive aggressive and/or just outright violent. Is it any wonder that such a polarized society elects a Congress that cannot get anything together? They are merely a reflection of the rest of us. And as for those next generations that follow us, who can they look up to for examples? I think we all need to take a good, collective look at ourselves. Our declining culture begs us to do so.

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  23. I was wondering the same thing yesterday. I was just reading a blog article about the signs of the times and the end of the age. Some troll felt it was his responsibility to get on there and instruct everyone that there is no "Father" and earthquakes are earthquakes, asteroids are asteroids." He had to know it was a Christian blog site. HAD to.

    It must be some kind of attention getting thing. Or a tremendous ego. Or both. I don't mind a good healthy exchange with someone when we have a genuine disagreement, but what kind of a rush do you get by coming into a room full of strangers like a bowling ball just seeing how many you can knock over? It's got to be some sort of an emotional instability of some sort.

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  24. Once I realized she was a foreigner I kind of got a chuckle out of it. She has no idea about American culture or American heritage at all, so I can write her off and chalk it up to ignorance as much as arrogance or mental disorder, or whatever. Also, it's pretty funny to listen to people who know nothing about a subject claim to have been "raised up in it" or whatever, never realizing that people who really DO know what they're talking about can spot it in an instant that they don't have a clue one.

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  25. LOL! This one's a real piece of work. Clueless. *shakes head*

    I love your blog Patrice, keep up the good work.

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  26. None of the comments she left are all that mean or snarky towards you. I feel like you posting what she said just to ridicule her is.

    I dunno, what would Jesus want you to do? Would he really want you to call someone out like this?

    The real problem with society is that we don't love and respect our neighbors and fellow human beings.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's funny that the first comment they posted was in response to some man talking about a very crude and, I suppose, "un-christian" comment he made towards a woman.

      Delete
    2. You have made so many comments on this blog site, I am left wondering if you are getting paid per post.Have you commented on any other areas in this site? Have you checked out the areas that show how to do stuff? It seems you just want to attack this site because it is conservative.

      Delete
    3. I think you may have hit the nail on the head. Respect and kindness seem to be in short supply, especially in this type of impersonal setting. We should remember that real people are behind both the blog and the comments. I don't think the comments were extremely mean, but they were borderline and the number of comments make it appear confrontational. I also agree that calling out the person who leaves these types of comments seems to be counterproductive, unkind and just adds fuel to the flames. Perhaps it was the very number of comments made that struck a nerve. Blogs generally come from the writer's perspective on life. If it isn't your perspective well that's because it isn't your blog. Why would you keep drinking coffee if after the first sip it tasted awful? No one is forced to read and respond negatively to either the blog or the person commenting. My Mama tried very hard to teach me that when you can't say something nice don't say anything at all. It doesn't matter if you're conservative, liberal, Christian or not, good manners and respect should be the rule, not the exception. If you don't follow WWJD it wouldn't hurt to go with treat others as you would like to be treated.

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    4. Either that, or we just don't call crap when we see it like we're supposed to. That's what Jesus did. He didn't mince words with the corrupt, but he never advocated violence either except to defend one's person or another person. Believe me, I've been down the nicey-nice road before. Unless you got something on the other person, its not worth going down, unless you like getting in trouble for the silliest things REPEATEDLY and getting yourself beaten into a pulp. Love and respect DOESN'T equal tolerance. I learned that the hard way.

      Now, I may throw mean words at people, but that's all I'll do. I'll help them when they need it, heck, I'll even protect their lives, to the death if I must, but if you start talking crap or do or say something honestly stupid or wrong, I'm gonna say something. After all, that's what I expect a fellow human being to do with me. I would hope that they would have enough respect to at least do that much.

      ~Lily~

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    5. I agree with you, Jeis. As one of the previous Anonymous commenters said, "there is lots of unkindness to go around".

      Delete
  27. Heidi,
    Hope you find something better to do than seek out strangers you disagree with.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Heidi sounds just like I used to sound. I understand where she is "coming from" she is really young and idealistic With blindness(no understanding) toward Gods ways. I floundered about like that my first 40 years. Some people become bitter , some people just keep making up a "god" as they go along. I hope this won't be the path Heidi sticks with. She is gutsy and seems unafraid of rejection, she will be a light in God's world as soon as the scales are lifted from her eyes !!! I have just prayed for her , someday she will look back at this day and see God drawing her!!! Such exciting times! and AMEN!Karen

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  29. She reminds me of the game my kids once played called "Wack-A-Mole". We'll just pray for her and let Him handle her limited mindset.

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  30. Heidi,
    Run along and play with the other kiddies.
    The grownups are busy here.

    Patrice and her regulars are too nice to say it, but I'm not.

    ReplyDelete
  31. OK- I do not agree with anything Heidi has said. However, I do not think bullying anyone is good either. Delete her commets. Be the bigger person. She is not worth it.
    Melissa

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Deleting not the answer! The only way some people will ever see the light is if someone keeps showing them the way. Her comments give us a chance to show what good people we are and maybe she will "see the light" and come over from the "darkside". I they still insist on acting irrational, turn the other cheek.

      Delete
  32. Judging by the fervor of Heidi's commenting she (he) is either a troll or someone who has a ton of time on her hands. With the political climate of this country right now I'm betting she is a troll with a liberal agenda seeking out conservative blogs in which to stir the pot. Ignore the comments... not worth the effort to respond..

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  33. I think it's amazing someone has that much time to just read through blogs to argue with people she doesn't know. Maybe it's time to get a life or find something productive to do with their time. I only read blogs of people I feel I have something in common with and share their views.

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  34. Heidi,
    Have you ever heard the Gospel? I mean the true Gospel, straight out of the Scriptures. Not any particular denomination's or pastor's version of it. Only when I stopped listening to other people (that claimed to be Christian) and read it for myself, did I really understand it. I would suggest that you find a Bible and read through the gospel of John for starters, please just read it with an open mind, and I will pray that God will open your eyes. But in case you don't read it, maybe you will read this:

    God is Creator and Owner of everything. (Genesis 1:1, Psalm 24:1)
    He is perfectly holy. He is the Truth. He is unchanging. (1 Samuel 2:2, 1 Peter 1:16)
    He requires perfect obedience. (Exodus 19:5)
    Everyone has sinned, EVERYONE (everyone on this blog, myself inluded) is born a sinner (Romans 3:10, Romans 3:23, Isaiah 53:6)
    The penalty for sin is death (Romans 6:23)
    Good works and intentions will not save (Titus 3:5, Isaiah 64:6)
    JESUS CHRIST is God yet also became a sinless man (John 10:30, Hebrews 4:15)
    He died in the cross to provide salvation. (2 Corinthians 5:21, Isaiah 53:6)
    He rose from the grave and is alive today. (1 Corinth. 15:4)
    There is salvation in NO ONE ELSE.(Acts 4:12, John 14:6)

    I called myself a Christian, sat in churches for years, but was just as dead as a doornail in my sin. And then it hit me like a ton of bricks. Please read it. I don't care if you are progressive, conservative, Dem or Repub, or what country you are from, just read it.
    Out of love for the Savior,
    Jane

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Jane!

      Delete
    2. YES! YES! YES! I sat in the pew and knew religion. When I opened the bible and read it for myself I began to question "authority." "There is a way that seems right to man but in the end it leads to death." May we all be free in Jesus!

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  35. And despite what others might say, you are worth it, just as much as they are. I'd say that when the Creator of the universe dies for you, you are worth hearing the Truth.

    Jane

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  36. Oh for heavens sake.

    Do I agree with everything Patrice posts? Nope.

    Do I post trolling and rude comments when I run across such a post? Nope. I may post a politely disagreeing comment if I feel strongly enough about it.

    This is Patrice's blog and she can damn well post anything she feels like (within the scope of the law and all that fuss). If you don't like it don't read it. Posting rude and trolling comments isn't going to change anyone's mind and is just going to result in them assumption that you're one of the multitude of rude and uneducated youth out there today.

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  37. Most of the comments on this blog discussion are mean spirited and self righteous. If this is Christianity, then count me out. To think that I was seriously looking into the faith! You people have turned me off for good. Heidi, whoever you are, you've done me a big favor!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree that if this is a christian blog, it doesn't resemble it with some of these comments. It's OK to disagree, but this has gone too far. We are saved by grace through faith and not of works...lest any man should boast. Our good works are but filthy rags. Jesus died for everyone, yet the majority thought they could save themselves. Let,s drop this and walk in love.

      Delete
    2. I agree that the comments have gotten ugly. Does this represent true Christlike people? I hope not.

      Delete
  38. What's happening here is exactly what trolls intend to happen... stir the pot and get people of like minds to turn on eachother. Some of the trolls are actually hired by special interest groups to do just that.... they actually make their living being Internet trolls for special interest groups, political parties, and the media. This is why the best thing to do is to ignore them! Stop trying to convert... you are probabl talking to some young professional who is sitting in a cube in a digital PR department of a special interest group who does this for work 5 days a week for a paycheck.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I wish I was getting paid, but sadly this is not the case.

      Delete
    2. Heidi I get the feeling you're not an American citizen. What country do you haii from? Your comments here have me leaning to Wonderland, Oz, Never Neverland or Western Europe. Let me assure you Heidi this world is FULL of people who would do you harm for doing no more than looking at them, never mind terrorists, rapists, murders and- coming soon to a countryside near you- looting masses driven from cities by a collapsed economy and a broken government. Yes Heidi even in your 'protected' little corner of the world this is going to happen, barring I think only a miracle.
      911 police response ~8 to 11 minutes
      AR15 response time 3.2K feet per second
      Now who ya gonna call???

      Delete
    3. Thankfully, I am indeed not from America but N.Ireland, so am familiar with violence. I know there are many dangerous people in this world - do I really want them to be able to fairly easily obtain dangerous weapons?

      Delete
  39. Whoa, aren't you a tad paranoid? Please don't give us conservatives the conspiracy label. Your comments and tone do not help this discussion.

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  40. I think Heidi's comments were a bit of fresh air on this blog. I appreciate reading another opinion. If it was up to me, I would welcome her - with open arms. How does that typical saying go: "If you are young and conservative, you have no heart. If you are old and liberal, you have no brain (wisdom?)." I think young liberals often are very empathic and well-meaning. They want to make the world a better place (which involves a lot of changes). Unfortunately they are often too idealistic for their ideas to work in the reality we are living in. But I admire them for trying to find (new) "better" solutions to the problems - we as a society, haven't yet overcome.

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  41. I would just like to say that I thought Heidi's comments were fine. I don't agree with them but they weren't rude - NOTHING like what I have seen on other sites. I feel that in the discussion on this post she has responded gracefully to what many other people would have lost their cool over, especially as the original post and some comments to her were quite rude and there is a sense of people ganging up. On the other hand, perhaps it would have been wiser for her to refrain from commenting on this blog in the first place.

    Also, for an Aussie perspective (as I think from the comments she might be Australian), everything to do with guns here is completely different. In regard to looking after livestock, a shotgun is perfectly fine as most predators here hunt alone. For recreational hunting that is also what is generally used. Aside from those instances and shooting at a range guns are rarely seen here. As in, even policemen generally don't carry them. I understand that in America the situation is very different, but just wanted to say that for those who are unaware of just how completely different Australia is in this regard and why many Australians just don't 'get' America's obsession with guns. And yes, obsession is how we think of it! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Katherine, for a balanced and civil reply in this discussion. I appreciate yours and Loreen's reasonable perspectives.

      Delete
    2. Obviously the progressive liberals have not taken over Australia yet. The progressives in America encourage a cultural of drug abuse and entitlement. That is how they can continue to stay in power. Because the sheeple do not want their drugs or iphones taken away. The progressives wage war against any man or woman who value their families or who actually want to go out and work for a living. You need to read the sheep, wolf, and sheepdog analogy. Maybe then you can understand America.

      Delete
  42. Trolls have way too much time on their hands. I have them at my blog. Delete! When they complain, I ignore them. They can't stand being ignored. It's so funny....they act like every blog comment section is protect free speech or something. If they want to voice their opinion, they should invest the time and effort and start their own blog.

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  43. My turn! ;-)

    When I saw this post already had 108 comments (Wow!), I had to see what was all the fuss.

    First, thank you Heidi for sharing your views. It was very interesting.

    Second, thank you Patrice for turning this into a learning discussion. Love it!

    Lastly, from a blogger perspective, when people post opposing views like this (whether they are trolls or not), it actually CREATES revenue for the blog author. By "stirring the pot" and causing so many people to load and reload this page for reading and commenting, the advertisements on the page are reloaded as well and therefore generating more revenue for the author. Google ads, for example, pay either "per click" or by the impression (just being shown on the page.) Ever notice that the DrudgeReport homepage automatically reloads after about 45 seconds? More pageloads = more revenue. But I won't bore you with that stuff.

    So...bring on the page views! Thanks Heidi!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. OH, that DrudgeReport drives me insane! I barely have time to read through the first column when it does it's reload thing.

      I pretty much have given up on it as my news source, just for that reason.

      Anyone recommend any other good accurate news websites?

      Delete
  44. http://pjmedia.com/tatler/2013/03/05/arrogant-co-dem-scolds-rape-survivor-at-gun-ban-hearing-statistics-werent-on-your-side/

    Ms. Hidie needs to read this. I just want to say that I know she is a young independent young lady so it sounds. And I am truely happy for her for that. I too was a young independent Lady who has gotten a crude wake up call in her life about fiminism. I pray some day soon she will too. She needs to read this artical to see who really cares about her Grace, her Value as the beautiful woman she is, her true desire to be loved and accepted. It sure isn't the liberals who like seeing women torchered by the bad chices they endorse. Hidie I want you to know that there are people who value you and want good things for you and it starts here on this page. thank you for opening yourself up to this audience. I am not sure about anyone else but I can see your heart, even if it seems miss guided.

    ReplyDelete
  45. Just because their are some instances of so-called feminists making silly remarks doesn't mean I should suddenly become a "conservative". Blindly accepting the teachings of every "feminist" ever is, of course, a terrible idea - everything must be approached with some degree of critical thought. Too many people see one crazy misandrist and assume that's what feminism is about.

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  46. Heidi M,
    what do you think feminism is about? your perspective could clear up a lot of talk that has gone on over the last 120 comments.(not just your's by the way.)
    I was raised in a home with a single mom of 4 kids. unlike you I was the youngest. Mom tought me to be "independent" and not rely on anyone but "myself". Myself got me into a lot of trouble. having the same ideas about "sexual freedom" got me into "sexual bondage" emotionally. YOu said that you were waiting until the "right time" for you. I commend you for that. YOu just saved yourself alot heart heach and pain. I didn't and every person that hurt me stole a piece of who I really was. That is what I teach my daughter about " sexual freedom". The consequences far out go the STD and pregancy scare. It is so much deeper then that. When you give your self to someone that says they love you, you expect them to mean it. Then they take a piece of your heart and are gone. It wasn't the shame of what I had done. It was the pain of what was done too me that hurt even more.I tell my daughter about that experience so she doesn't have to repeat it. She is waiting not out of fear of shame, or religiouse belifes, but because of honesty to herself and who she is, and on the other side of that she get condemned by those who are "enjoying their sexual freedom" for honoring herself.
    Then there is the other things, too. I am a working mom. I do a 40 hour week with my husband. We both are forced to work to stay off the system, to provide adiquitly for our children, and to keep our heads above water. I was robbed by the fiminist movement that lead to this life style of women working outside the home. I would be a much better mom if I didn't espesially now that my child has special needs.But, it is the way it is and I have excepted that.
    Lastly What I have seen in my maturing as a women, is that Fiminist (who I once embrace as a young women as always right and true) tell us what we should be doing morally that isn't alway something that leads to a positive outcome. Then they laugh at us about it( like the story I post about the lady who got raped_ as if it were her fault it was her fault)Another words they sets us up to fail, De-value our gender, and takes our power away by telling us that we should be something that we were never ment to be.

    The things the fiminism has done that I do value is that we now have the right to vote. those women were brave and couragouse and voting is important to me. Also the making the money we deserve for the kind of work we do. If I am going to be forced to work then I should be valued for that.
    I hope this helps you understand where a conservitive perspective comes from.I pray that you consider things for yourself.Not By what other s tell you, not by how you grew up, or anything else that impresses on you. I encourage you to seek it out, the history to the results, to you how it effects you. Blessing-Mrswriteword.

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    Replies
    1. I don't know if I could narrow down my view of feminism- basically I think that, although women have technically the same legal rights as men (though these are not always adequately enforced), attitudes towards women are still very backward in a lot of communities. The vast vast majority of feminists would never encourage a woman to allow herself to be coerced into sexual activity before she is ready- in fact, most of us desperately want to change the attitudes of men who demand sex from women and sexually harass and objectify them. However, you should not feel pressured into remaining "pure" either - your sexuality is nobody else's business and your choice to have or not have sex is completely your own and should be respected. And feminism absolutely does not blame rape victims, quite the contrary. We are horrified at people implying that women deserved to be raped due to their attire or anything else. I suppose it's mostly about respecting women as people and respecting their choices - if it's not harmful to anyone else, why should anyone care how a woman is dressed or how "ladylike" she acts. As for work, I don't see how your husband's income would have been any greater without feminism? I fully respect a woman's (or man's) right to stay at home and believe child support systems should be put in place to facilitate this, but I would never go back to the days when all women were simply expected to do this.

      Delete
  47. Heidi,
    You make some good points. Even if I disagree with you, you seem to at least be trying to figure it out.

    History of women going to work---- During WWII a lot of women went to work outside of the home for the 1st time mostly because their husband went off to war, we were trying to recover from a depression, and women being the back bone of this country at the time wanted to contribute to "the Cause" of freedom. When the war was over and it was time for women to go back to everyday as usual in their home they insted wanted to keep their jobs. So, they did...... the result is that it drove up the cost of living to a point that it takes two incomes to feed a family.

    another way to look at this is issue is through the eyes of our creator. I know you said that you are not religious, but for the sake of giving me room for my re-newed point of view I would like to explain something that has changed my mind on the subject.

    God didn't make women to be less then their male counter parts. He made them both in His image.But, we are made vastly different. Men were created in the image of his strenth and reason. Women were made out of his beauty and emotion. That is why the two together makes something so awesome that it cannot be explained into words. But the bible doesn't condemn those who choose to be un-married.
    Women through out the bible were in postions of respect and power. The old testiments had women that were prophetess' and those who saved a nation from distruction(ester). Then in the new testiment Jesus had women that fallowed him also, Yes the 12 were the ones predominently spoke of in the gospels. Jesus was the 1st womens advocate.He met a women at a well and changed her life. He didn't condemn her.The teachers of the law brought to him an adultres women to stone and he saved her. His mother he loved, Mary and martha he loved, and the women that washed he feet he gave place for her story to be told in the bible. He healed a women from 13 years( i think)of bleeding after the doctors had taken her money. he raised the a mans daughter from the dead, and he loosed a women who was bound by a bad back for many years. If that isn't evedence that God loves women and is rooting for them then I don't know what is?
    Futher there were women in the new testiment who conducted worship in their homes, who futhered the kingdom of GOd in mighty ways and it is still that way today.
    Ther is a wonderful book if you choose to read it " Kiss the Boys and Made them Cry"- Lisa Bevere. It is a good read about what true modesty is. without degrading women to be the bottom feeders. She is an educated women who I think you could relate to. YOu and I don't think too much differently, I think your heart is in the right place as in trying not to allow women to become slaves to a social expectaion, but if the social expectaons leads us to a heart breaking choice then we should consider for ourselves what is our best choices based on sound information. Be blessed

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  48. Heidi is not a troll. She's just young and naive. And she is more open-minded than some posters give her credit for. A close-minded "progressive" would either post inflammatory comments or try to have Patrice's blog shut down.

    ReplyDelete
  49. Bwahahaha!!! Heidi is trolling for attention and boy did she get some!


    She may not BE a troll but she is definitely taking part in the actions of trolls.

    She might be young and naive, but she is also angry and full of herself (you can tell because she went somewhere full of conservatives and started blasting their ideas) I only worry what she will learn from this. Will she learn how to 'shut down' the website or will she learn to accept others ideas....... time will tell and until then I am laughing my pants off.

    I didn't bother reading all the comments, but I bet she is newly agnostic or atheist. She sounds just like my cousin when he 'converted' and saw the light he claimed we hid from him with our conservative, God fearing, service oriented lives. He is almost completely ostracized, not because he chose a different path, but because he is so angry that we are not following and that he hasn't managed to convert a single one of our immense extended family. We have many 'black sheep' who are completely accepted as long as they respect our beliefs, then we respect them and their beliefs.

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    Replies
    1. Wow, no need to make assumptions, I have been agnostic for most of my life except for a few years in my early teens. I have no disrespect towards religious people except when they use their beliefs to unfairly judge others, which I have seen more than a few times on this blog.
      Religion should be a personal thing, it becomes a problem when people expect the state to force their religious beliefs on others.
      Also, you people really don't seem to understand the concept of trolling.

      Delete