Christ layed down the blue-print for Friendship: “Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friend.” Friendship is sacred to me.
When we met way back in the early ’80’s we immediately had a solid bond as friends. We had many commonalities: we both grew up in a Baptist church, performed in choral groups, had wicked sense of humor, loved the airline industry, just to name a few. We laughed a CRAP-TON – often!
There were issues on which we were polar opposite. You were a strong supporter of unions – I found them onerous and protectors of workers who should be fired. You were (are) from a die-hard democrat voting family – my family, Republican. Even though you hadn’t openly come out, I knew you were gay. When you finally told me you asked what I thought – I told you that was between you and God… I am not here to throw stones, but to love my friend as Christ qualified. It was not an issue in our friendship. It still isn’t.
In 2010, you flew down for Em’s high school graduation and you supported Roger, Em and me even when my family wouldn’t. As we sat through her ceremony, in the rain, with the lady sitting behind you, her umbrella positioned perfectly so the rain trickled down your back into your pants – we laughed loudly. We weathered tons and became stronger friends… so I thought.
Now – fast forward to 2016. Donald Trump beats Hillary and is elected President. I then get a call from you. I noticed your tone was terse but never expected what came next: “I know you voted for Trump. And, NOPE, I can’t be friends with anyone who would deny me and my people basic human rights.” Really? Not voting for Hillary means I wish to deny LGBTQ…LMNOP’ers basic human rights? THAT was on the ballot? Wow – I had no idea.
Somewhere between 2010 and 2016, and more likely 2013 and 2016, our friendship went from solid – to, because of filling in a dot on a ballot, NOPE, garbage. From having conversations about differing issues – to NOPE, canceled. How can you do that? Having such calloused, hateful disregard for a friendship with a 30+ year legacy is heinous. I’m not sure what we had that whole time, but it was NOT a friendship.
Since you indoctrinated me on the diabolical ways and means of your cancel culture, and how quickly it has become widespread, I see more and more how un-unique/drink the kool-aid/common you must have become to fall in line with that group-think. I am sad for you because if it was THAT easy to ditch a 30+ year friendship, just think how easily and quickly will your cancel culture ditch you with whom you have very little history and your ties are one dimensional. When you cancel everyone in your life who disagrees with your “fill in the blank,” what happens when your group-think changes and you don’t agree? You’ve set yourself up to either compromise what ethics you have left – or YOU be canceled. Your conundrum just became infinitely impossible.
When in the history of the world did your opinion become the only acceptable opinion? We taught Em EARLY “THINK PAST YOUR NOSE.” Life is never about YOU! One day this WILL turn on you and when you have your epiphany you will have no one to turn to as you have blown up all the bridges in your past.
I forgive you. I wish you well.
Freedom Matters 