Yesterday my post lauding scientific, technological advances by Elon Musk sparked a thunderstorm — I’d use a different word, but I allow people to fine me $5.00 if they catch me cursing. 🤬 Many told me I was a “disappointing” “disappointment” who “disappointed”! Others said I should be “ashamed” of myself (a very interesting observation from strangers!) Plenty asked if I was “hacked” or paid for my post (I wasn’t.) And, the number of people who felt it necessary to announce their “unfollowing” of my free-for-all page — well, that’s an intriguing action-statement to contemplate: I’m not sure why such a departure requires an announcement, except, maybe it’s intended “to hurt” me. It doesn’t. Frankly, all this made me chuckle while elevating my perception skills and possibly my pay grade.
My goal is always to understand people. A big take-away for me from this, sadly, is that discourse, the right to free speech is truly under attack: Not just at a Constitutional level — it is far more intimate among family & friends.
You see, I love free speech for two big reasons. 1st: While I surely don’t always love what is being said — I respect the right of another to express themselves. THIS gives me two choices: Debate — which is to objectively (factually) address the claim without subjectively (emotionally) contaminating my argument OR Walk away, swipe away or my favorite: Just Listen, Process & Learn. 2nd: Free speech always gives me insight into who I’m dealing with because if I’m listening, observing, asking questions without emotions — I can either decide that I agree or disagree, which in turn, might help me understand more about myself, the other and deepen our mutual respect — or serve as a warning to keep my distance. Regardless — I benefit.
And let me ask: How many people do you know that can parallel park in one move? The SpaceX Starship Super Heavy booster, that just re-docked perfectly — stands at approximately 233 feet. If you can’t admire that achievement— frankly, that leaves me speechless.
