Over the weekend I was asked to call into a radio show and discuss the topic of Freedom of Speech, our first amendment right-which has got to be one of my favorite topics! (Although the 22nd amendment is appealing to me more and more-because that’s the one that limits the President to two terms-thank God right!!)

So after I hung up on the call, I started to realize I had yet to discuss one of my greatest concerns that I have noticed becoming quite the trend. Labeling. That’s right…..if you think “this way” you are “this.” The quick swift-let’s put you in a box labeled “THIS” approach! If you have a view other than “anything goes” you are a bigot in some way! We don’t care if your ethics, moral code, faith or religion says this “______”….if you don’t agree with us- ‘the majority’ -you are now labeled!

This way of thinking has SHUT DOWN free speech. This way of thinking has eliminated all conversation, dialogue and discussion.

I was recently on twitter (@conmomma)…..and I said something about our President that wasn’t supportive (if you know me that’s not a big surprise) and immediately I was sent a tweet that I am racist! Yep, I was told I was a racist because I think Obama is failing in many areas! This…this is a way to shut down everyone-throw em in the “racist” box! Ughhh!

If you oppose the president, you are racist! If you think the rioting and looting that took place in Ferguson was wrong-you’re a racist! If you are opposed to illegal immigration but support LEGAL immigration….you are a racist! If you prefer cream in your black coffee, you guessed it-you’re a “racist!”

It doesn’t stop there….oh no! If you support traditional marriage-you are homophobic! Who cares if you totally support Civil Unions, you believe homosexuals should be entitled to the same rights as heterosexuals….but you think that marriage (which is a religious sacrament) is between a man and a woman-well then you are thrown in the “homophobe” box!!

Oh let’s not stop here, we’re having too much fun now aren’t we!?

Oh….you support Israel?  You actually comprehend the fact that if there is a “two” state compromise, it would really end in a one state solution….because Israel would be no more, they would be wiped of the face of the earth! You understand that if Israel does not have the support of the United States it has a much slimmer chance of survival. “Oh…you stand with Israel….throw em in the “Islamophobia” box!”

Whaaaaaat??? You don’t support Hillary in 2016…..well you are a straight up misogynist! Yep, that’s right….you are a sexist and you hate women! No….who cares that Hillary takes money from countries that treat women as property…..if you don’t support her, you are trying to hold women down-you are the “glass ceiling” that must be destroyed!!! Yes…you guessed it-walk yourself over to the “sexist” box and jump in!

I could go on!

You see….this….this is destroying Free Speech!

I can honestly say I am none of these labels and I have been called all of the things mentioned. But I will not be labeled. My challenge is for you not to be labeled either. The next time someone tries to slap a label on you-challenge them! Ask the question why? If we are to really celebrate diversity, celebrate free speech, than it is hypocritical to only celebrate one train of thought. If we are to respect one another, than we must respect those who disagree. But allowing yourself to be classified, perpetuates the cycle.

No box for me….I am free.

Don’t be silent.