There is a thin line between respecting other’s rights and wishing to control our environment, our world by deciding what others may and may not do. Respecting the rights of others respects the rights of all. Disrespecting the rights of others disrespects the rights of all, including our own.

        Limiting another’s free speech, for example, limits our own. We are responsible for how we react, how we feel. If we do not like what we hear, we can stop listening. If we find it raises not so good feelings, investigate why, resolve the issue(s) raised and let it go. We do not have a right to not be offended. Feeling discomfort may be a sign of a problem that requires considering, resolving and releasing. Occurrences of evil doing do not necessarily cause emotional reactions but rather generate an awareness of unacceptability. It is the evil which must be prevented rather than the discomfort which comes with it. The discomfort is an opportunity for emotional and spiritual growth.

        We have freedom of choice which includes the right to know all the factors affecting the choice. Deciding what others may and may not know violates the freedom to choose. Deciding that something should not be public knowledge because it is embarrassing or may lead some to a certain path or it is inconvenient, uncomfortable or may interfere with making money is all unacceptable.

        Among humans, there are two major attitudes regarding knowing. There are those who favor and even cling to the known. When faced with loss of the known such as when there are great changes occurring as in the present, there is great discomfort and fear. This fear may lead to irrational behavior by some. Then there are those who prefer living with the unknown. They welcome change for its own sake, the feeling of excitement and perhaps the adrenaline rush. Those from either group prefer to associate with others who think as they do. Like prefers like. Then there is a third group who are at home with either situation, benefiting and enjoying both.

        A major concern regarding the discomfort experienced by people is the fear they may then feel. This fear is real. It is dark energy which blocks the light, kindness, compassion, respect, sharing. peace, cooperation, love, etc.

        We are here to help each other. We must limit and eliminate our fear. Replace fear with love, gratitude, respect, kindness, sharing and compassion.