tol·er·ance
ˈtäl(ə)rəns/
noun
noun: tolerance
- 1.the ability or willingness to tolerate something, in particular the existence of opinions or behavior that one does not necessarily agree with
Have you ever noticed that words often seem to lose their meanings when politics are in play?
Take for an example the debate surrounding SB1062 in Arizona. Supporters of the LGBT movement, as well as some others, have long proclaimed themselves as practitioners of tolerance. Opponents of the legislation have declared supporters to be "intolerant". (see definition above)
I believe them to be 180 degrees out of sync with reality.
Let's compare and contrast the results the opposing sides seek.
Pro SB1062 - If enacted the bill would ensure the proprietors of privately owned businesses to refuse service to anyone, except for statutorily 'protected classes', to which they may have a religion based conflict. In essence it would leave it up to the individual business owner to decide with whom to do business. It would not require anyone to refuse service they wish to perform.
In a supposedly free society, it seems to me that this legislation would be unnecessary. Liberty means allowing people to make their own decisions, does it not? The right to decide with whom to do business, for ANY personal reason, seems to be fundamental.
Con SB1062 - Opposition to this legislation means that the opponents want the government, and/or disgruntled citizens, to be able to use the force of law, on pain of prosecution or lawsuit, to mandate that everyone do things their way. In other words they want to criminalize business decisions with which they disagree.
One side wants to let all business owners decide with whom to do business. The other side wants to outlaw business practices they personally dislike. Now, which side is truly intolerant?
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