Tolerance, and Peaceful Dissagreement

[MeLisa Turcott Strongheart]

We strive to teach the students in our program to express themselves non-violently, and with respect.  We teach them to use their words.  To find common ground, even if that place is an agreement to disagree, and with respect, move on.   In fact, even in the face of aggressors we teach students to defend themselves verbally, set boundaries, deescalate and exit. 

These are lessons that some adults have yet to learn.  For example, I think of Terry Jones, the Florida pastor who burned the Quran recently.  Despite advice to the possible violent results of such a choice by politicians, military leaders, and even the President, he went ahead with his offensive plan.   As adults we have so many more options, choices, and tools to express our point of view, or dissent, or simply our opinions. 

Of course, this pastor shows us to a more extreme practice of disrespect and intolerance, but I know that in my own life I could always do better, and I certainly strive to.

Oh, and by the way--

Jon M. Sweeney,  publisher, author, editor -- says the proper way to dispose of any holy books, be they Jewish, Christian, Muslim or any other is to bury them.  You never are to burn them. 
He says that a holy book is to be afforded the same respect as a human, and is treated as such by religious traditions world wide.