Does anyone else find the idea of a hate-speech-crime law ridiculously absurd?  Who ever heard of such a thing?  First of all, what ever happened to freedom of speech?  Shouldn't we have the right to say whatever we want to say?  Now, I personally do not condone the misuse of that freedom, but there is always a downside to everything.  Of course, if things ever did get out of hand, there are already laws regarding disturbance of the peace, assault and battery, and such.  Did we really need to go so far as to put a lock and key on everyone's lips?

Aside from the fact that the hate-speech-crime law encroaches on our personal freedom, isn't it a bit childish as well?  Children are normally the ones who can't handle name calling and hurtful speech.  Shouldn't us grownups be able to take things like that in stride?  What about the saying 'sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me'?  Now, I realize that words can definitely be hurtful, and it is up to us as individuals to treat others the way we would like to be treated.  But I think that is something that should be left up to each person.  Those of us who can't be responsible enough to treat others with respect, aren't going to get very far anyway.

I don't normally like to list my shortcomings since I have enough in my life that everyone can see, but since this is going around so much on Xanga right now, I guess it was inevitable!  So, here goes...

# 10 - I have a major addiction to chocolate.  (I think this is a fairly common one, but I refuse to use that as an excuse.)

# 9 - I love watching old movies even if they don't turn out to be that great.

# 8 - I'm not very good at making new friends.

# 7 - I tend to be a little obsessive compulsive at times.

# 6 - My mind wanders easily if I don't control it.

# 5 - I am a worry wart.

# 4 - I'm not always as compassionate as I'd like to be.

# 3 - I blush easily.

# 2 - I have a fetish for certain names.

# 1 - I would love to be able to compose music.

Just about everyone's heard the famous 'Golden Rule' which goes, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you".  The problem is that most of us tend to live by the rule, "Do unto others as they do unto you" instead.  One of the most difficult things to do is to return a cruel act or word with a kind one.  It's only human nature to want to be vengeful and react in a way that makes sense to our feelings. 

The truth is, retaliating with kind words and deeds will actually do more damage to the 'victim' than an equally cruel reaction would.  People are naturally going to feel guilty if their cruel intentions are met with kindness.  It will throw them off balance, confuse them, and at worst, aggravate them.  So, next time someone treats you with less respect than you feel you deserve, give them what they least expect.  Kindness.