First Amendment Under Attack

[Hemodoc]

Looks like quoting the Bible in public is no longer allowed as free speech. Duck Dynasty star silenced by A&E for quoting what the Bible says about homosexuality. How long before they silence the pastors in the US for the same?

http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2013/12/19/ae-declares-war-on-duck-dynastys-christian-values/

[Simon Dog]

Public opinion on certain issues change over time.   There are certain opinions that have been removed from the realm of "legitimate personal belief" and society feels, in general, that there is only one approved opinion.  For example, a media personality could not expect to keep his job if he made statements like "I don't dislike blacks, but my religion teaches that whites should only marry whites".   Explaining that is is a "religious belief" would not protect the media personality from sanctions for unapproved thought.

Proponents of the current gay agenda is to move gayness into the same category where, regardless of religious believe, there is only one approved position on the matter.  They are succeeding.

[MooseMom]

Looks like quoting the Bible in public is no longer allowed as free speech. Duck Dynasty star silenced by A&E for quoting what the Bible says about homosexuality. How long before they silence the pastors in the US for the same?

What?  Can A&E silence pastors?

[Hemodoc]

Public opinion on certain issues change over time.   There are certain opinions that have been removed from the realm of "legitimate personal belief" and society feels, in general, that there is only one approved opinion.  For example, a media personality could not expect to keep his job if he made statements like "I don't dislike blacks, but my religion teaches that whites should only marry whites".   Explaining that is is a "religious belief" would not protect the media personality from sanctions for unapproved thought.

Proponents of the current gay agenda is to move gayness into the same category where, regardless of religious believe, there is only one approved position on the matter.  They are succeeding.

Moses married a black woman, so just to be clear, the Bible does not in any manner condone racism of any sort.

As far as what the Duck man stated, he actually paraphrased from the Bible which is what appears to have  been his greatest offense.

[Hemodoc]

Looks like quoting the Bible in public is no longer allowed as free speech. Duck Dynasty star silenced by A&E for quoting what the Bible says about homosexuality. How long before they silence the pastors in the US for the same?

What?  Can A&E silence pastors?

No, not what I was talking about but I suspect you know that MM.

[willowtreewren]

Looks like quoting the Bible in public is no longer allowed as free speech. Duck Dynasty star silenced by A&E for quoting what the Bible says about homosexuality. How long before they silence the pastors in the US for the same?

http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2013/12/19/ae-declares-war-on-duck-dynastys-christian-values/

Hmmm. Seems like you are equating being sanctioned by an employer (who would have the perfect right if it could be perceived that the person were speaking on behalf of the employer), with the right as outlined in the First Amendment.

You then went on with your typical hyperbole. Poor Moosemom. You bashed her on the head for calling you out on such.

[Hemodoc]

Looks like quoting the Bible in public is no longer allowed as free speech. Duck Dynasty star silenced by A&E for quoting what the Bible says about homosexuality. How long before they silence the pastors in the US for the same?

http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2013/12/19/ae-declares-war-on-duck-dynastys-christian-values/

Hmmm. Seems like you are equating being sanctioned by an employer (who would have the perfect right if it could be perceived that the person were speaking on behalf of the employer), with the right as outlined in the First Amendment.

You then went on with your typical hyperbole. Poor Moosemom. You bashed her on the head for calling you out on such.

Perhaps MM was bashing me on the head. It all depends on your perspective.

Thanks for the veiled insult, even Gerald keeps to the issues and avoids personal attacks But oh well, I guess that is your style.

As far as employers, at one time what a person did in their personal life was just that. Not today I guess where employers can silence employees if they don't toe the company line. At one time people respected a person's right to their own political and religious views. Not today any longer.

[willowtreewren]

Veiled insult? Somehow I missed that I made an insult, veiled or not.

Still, how is your rant about a free speech issue?

http://thinkprogress.org/lgbt/2013/12/19/3091261/duck-dynasty-free-speech/#

[Hemodoc]

Veiled insult? Somehow I missed that I made an insult, veiled or not.

Still, how is your rant about a free speech issue?

http://thinkprogress.org/lgbt/2013/12/19/3091261/duck-dynasty-free-speech/#

Actually, free speech is inhibited in a society that you will lose your job for simply speaking your opinion publicly. What many found offensive was him quoting the Bible and referencing what the Bible states about those who will or who will not enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.  The Bible is quite clear on this point. Folks are free to believe what they wish, but I would recommend paying attention to what God has to say about these issues and who indeed will head to hell.

I don't agree with what he stated about black people, but I do support his right to state his views publicly. People are free to criticize him as well. However, for the average person, the threat of losing their job is all it takes to silence people and put fear into their hearts about speaking their mind in public. So, yes, the article is quite wrong. This type of coercive power is enough to silence first amendment freedoms.

[Hemodoc]

As far as the issue of free speech, here is the response from the Duck family. They feel as if their first amendment rights of free speech are threatened.

We want to thank all of you for your prayers and support.  The family has spent much time in prayer since learning of A&E's decision.  We want you to know that first and foremost we are a family rooted in our faith in God and our belief that the Bible is His word.  While some of Phil’s unfiltered comments to the reporter were coarse, his beliefs are grounded in the teachings of the Bible. Phil is a Godly man who follows what the Bible says are the greatest commandments: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart” and “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Phil would never incite or encourage hate.We are disappointed that Phil has been placed on hiatus for expressing his faith, which is his constitutionally protected right.We have had a successful working relationship with A&E but, as a family, we cannot imagine the show going forward without our patriarch at the helm.  We are in discussions with A&E to see what that means for the future of Duck Dynasty.   Again, thank you for your continued support of our family.

http://duckcommander.com/news/robertson-family-offical-statement#.UrO_4kYhu5o.facebook

[MooseMom]

I've been mulling over this particular discussion for a while now; I find it very interesting.

I've always said that I believe that people in this country should be free to exercise their first amendment rights but in doing so should be prepared for consequences.

I've always scoffed at the idea that "Christians" (there seems to be a specific definition that escapes me, so in my mind, I equate "Christian" with "evangelical", but I'm unclear on what THAT even means) feel prosecuted or victimized or attacked or marginalized or denied freedom of speech.  But I have to confess that when someone describes themselves as "Christian", I find myself rolling my eyes.  I started wondering why I react in that manner.  I know I am not the only one who feels this way.

I started wondering if there is something about the message and/or the messenger(s) that elicit this reaction.

That question rattled more in my brain, keeping me awake this morning despite really wanting to go back to sleep, when I started thinking about the new Pope.  Why has there been this outpouring of admiration from so many people, even from those of us who don't label ourselves as "Christian/Evangelical"?  What is different about this man and the essence of his message to the world?  Why do I not roll my eyes when I hear him speak?

So I went back to the GQ article, reread it and looked through the comments.  While I was forming an answer to my above stated questions, I happened to come across this link:

http://www.dwspodcast.com/a-turn-of-events/

I'd be very interested to hear what y'all think of the thoughts expressed here, should you take the time to read it.

I think back to the discussions posted on IHD that focus on faith and religion, and while I do understand that it's not a large or accurate sample, I can't help but notice that these discussions inevitably focus on homosexuality, doom, gloom, accusation, punishment, sin and the right to say stuff.  I read very little about joy and hope and the desire to help others and to be Good Samaritans.  I read very little that is infused with humility and grace.  I read just words and read little about action.

Maybe the Pope is so beloved because he doesn't see homosexuality as the root of all evil.  "The gays" are not responsible for people going hungry in the most prosperous nation the world has ever know.  The gays are not forcing millions of Syrian refugees to flee. 

What I find disappointing is that out of all the sins the Duck Dynasty man listed, the single sin that we none of us have pick up on is "greed".  Do we really think that the sin of homosexuality, or, on the flip side, gay rights and marriage equality, is more harmful to our society than greed? 

I'm sure many of you have heard about the unwanted, unused military base in Afghanistan that cost $32million.

http://rt.com/usa/afghanistan-pentagon-military-base-leatherneck-904/

Someone is making money from this construction and from other unwanted, unused yet constructed buildings.  Why are we yelling about gay people and who can say what and when, when greed is fueling the graft and corruption that is funneling our resources away from our neighbors and into the pockets of who knows who?

We are being distracted by this foolishness.  While we post and tweet our indignation about what a man said and his right to say it, our poor are getting poorer, our sick are getting sicker and more people are going hungry. 

So perhaps Christians are just not talking about the right things.  Maybe their message misses the point.  And maybe it is not what they say but, rather, is about the way they say it.  Who wants to listen to Fox News yelling about the war on Christmas when we can listen to the Pope gently telling us, AND showing us, that we should be humble, gentle and wise about seeing what the real enemy is?

[G.Lively]

TIME on Duck Dynasty:

Sigh. I can’t believe we have to explain this, over and over, every time a media figure loses a job (or just gets a for-show suspension) over saying something stupid, but: Losing your job for saying something that embarrasses your private employer–even if that is a media outlet–is not a free speech issue. It is not a First Amendment issue. It may be dumb, it may be justified, but it is not a constitutional violation. It is not for Phil Robertson, Alec Baldwin, Martin Bashir, Don Imus, The Dixie Chicks, Rush Limbaugh, or anyone else. People changing the channel or not buying your products because of what you said is not “censorship”; nor is losing a business deal for same.
------------------------
In the main, homosexuality is a "mind your own business" issue. A long time ago, the US Supreme Court held that what happens in your bedroom is private.

Demeaning a segment of society on television would have a negative effect on ratings, which is the basis of the broadcast. A&E had every right to fire an employee in the same manner as they would if this were a clerk in a store.

Pushing one's belief's on another is offensive.  The so-called Christian Right doesn't seem to be aware of that. 

[G.Lively]

HemoDoc;

You wouldn't be promoting conformity in your anti-gay views, would you?

[G.Lively]

HemoDoc;

The story of Moses is in the Old Testament whose origins are not Christian, it is a segment from a Jewish book.

[Hemodoc]

Pushing one's belief's on another is offensive.  The so-called Christian Right doesn't seem to be aware of that.

Yes, I agree. That is why the first amendment is so important. The religion of secular humanism encompasses a broad segment. Our country was founded on the principle of freedom of religion in the 1600's. Today, that principle has morphed into freedom FROM religion in many people's eyes. The gospel is freely given, freely received or freely rejected.

However, the remaining Christians in America are overwhelmed by those pushing secular humanism at us attached to the power of the law today.

So, yes, Gerald I agree. Please stop pushing secular humanism down our throats with the power of the law attached.

[Hemodoc]

HemoDoc;

The story of Moses is in the Old Testament whose origins are not Christian, it is a segment from a Jewish book.

I guess Jesus isn't Jewish either then huh?

Of course it is a Jewish story and Jesus Himself stated, salvation is of the Jews.  All of the apostles are Jewish. How far do you want to go with this?

[Hemodoc]

I've been mulling over this particular discussion for a while now; I find it very interesting.

I've always said that I believe that people in this country should be free to exercise their first amendment rights but in doing so should be prepared for consequences.

I've always scoffed at the idea that "Christians" (there seems to be a specific definition that escapes me, so in my mind, I equate "Christian" with "evangelical", but I'm unclear on what THAT even means) feel prosecuted or victimized or attacked or marginalized or denied freedom of speech.  But I have to confess that when someone describes themselves as "Christian", I find myself rolling my eyes.  I started wondering why I react in that manner.  I know I am not the only one who feels this way.

I started wondering if there is something about the message and/or the messenger(s) that elicit this reaction.

That question rattled more in my brain, keeping me awake this morning despite really wanting to go back to sleep, when I started thinking about the new Pope.  Why has there been this outpouring of admiration from so many people, even from those of us who don't label ourselves as "Christian/Evangelical"?  What is different about this man and the essence of his message to the world?  Why do I not roll my eyes when I hear him speak?

So I went back to the GQ article, reread it and looked through the comments.  While I was forming an answer to my above stated questions, I happened to come across this link:

http://www.dwspodcast.com/a-turn-of-events/

I'd be very interested to hear what y'all think of the thoughts expressed here, should you take the time to read it.

I think back to the discussions posted on IHD that focus on faith and religion, and while I do understand that it's not a large or accurate sample, I can't help but notice that these discussions inevitably focus on homosexuality, doom, gloom, accusation, punishment, sin and the right to say stuff.  I read very little about joy and hope and the desire to help others and to be Good Samaritans.  I read very little that is infused with humility and grace.  I read just words and read little about action.

Maybe the Pope is so beloved because he doesn't see homosexuality as the root of all evil.  "The gays" are not responsible for people going hungry in the most prosperous nation the world has ever know.  The gays are not forcing millions of Syrian refugees to flee. 

What I find disappointing is that out of all the sins the Duck Dynasty man listed, the single sin that we none of us have pick up on is "greed".  Do we really think that the sin of homosexuality, or, on the flip side, gay rights and marriage equality, is more harmful to our society than greed? 

I'm sure many of you have heard about the unwanted, unused military base in Afghanistan that cost $32million.

http://rt.com/usa/afghanistan-pentagon-military-base-leatherneck-904/

Someone is making money from this construction and from other unwanted, unused yet constructed buildings.  Why are we yelling about gay people and who can say what and when, when greed is fueling the graft and corruption that is funneling our resources away from our neighbors and into the pockets of who knows who?

We are being distracted by this foolishness.  While we post and tweet our indignation about what a man said and his right to say it, our poor are getting poorer, our sick are getting sicker and more people are going hungry. 

So perhaps Christians are just not talking about the right things.  Maybe their message misses the point.  And maybe it is not what they say but, rather, is about the way they say it.  Who wants to listen to Fox News yelling about the war on Christmas when we can listen to the Pope gently telling us, AND showing us, that we should be humble, gentle and wise about seeing what the real enemy is?

I am sorry you feel that way about Christians. Your experience has not been my experience. But I support your right to freely express and speak your views no matter how distasteful they are to Christians.

[Hemodoc]

Dear MM, FYI, Phil did mention greed in his statement. In case you missed it, here is one quote showing that:

Then he paraphrased Paul’s letter to the Corinthians: “Don’t be deceived. Neither the adulterers, the idolaters, the male prostitutes, the homosexual offenders, the greedy, the drunkards, the slanderers, the swindlers -- they won’t inherit the kingdom of God. Don’t deceive yourself. It’s not right.”

Not sure what that makes of your long diatribe against Christians, but greed, avarice, the love of money are all part of what the Bible teaches about. Not sure what Bible you have been reading.

[G.Lively]

HemoDoc;

First, there is no empirical evidence that “Jesus” ever lived.  He wrote nothing, he carved no message and he wasn’t a factor until 66 years after the supposed date of his death.  He is no more real than the burning bush with a voice or manna from heaven.

Next, I made the point, which you seem to have avoided, that the Old and New Testaments portray a very different God.  This is attributable to the fact that the Old Testament came from Jewish sources and their mindset, and the New Testament came from lesson plans for Christian preachers (Apostles) although there is no evidence that any apostle ever wrote anything. 

Next, I do not care if you preach your religion in a venue that expects you to do so.  Here, there is a captive audience.

Next,  rebuttals to your argument do not mean I am, or anyone else is spreading the message of secular humanism.  You clearly resent secular thinking, which makes this your problem, not mine. 

 Next, the majority of our Founding Fathers were Deists.  They shunned organized religion and wrote a Constitution that says as much.

Lastly, I believe that humans determine their own destiny, live by their own wits, and set their own goals. We are here via evolution and we do not have all of the answers.  My personal focus is not to address all of those unanswered questions but to help those who need help, improve the human condition by working in the system and readjusting resources for the benefit of those who have a need.  In this I declare a successful life, well spent.  The politics from the right fought me through my entire career.  But 5,000 people living in Southside Oroville would elect me mayor if they were a city.  The philosophy I adopted is not that different from Pope Francis.  But “Christians” like you are a dime a dozen and extremely non-productive with regards to the principles they preach. Yep, I was a hippy in the sixties, I carried a sign, I was a Student Body President during that time and I found corruption among school administrators.  What I learned then was applied to the work in my career.  Tell me, what the hell have you done to help the poor, needy and the sick?  Oppose Obamacare, Medicaid, kill government?  What I have is not religion, it is a desire to end suffering, something Christians ought to learn and practice.  I take responsibility, your so-called Tea Party doesn’t and neither do you.

That’s my rant for the day.

Gerald Lively

[MooseMom]

I am sorry you feel that way about Christians. Your experience has not been my experience. But I support your right to freely express and speak your views no matter how distasteful they are to Christians.

Well you see, that's just it.  I'm sorry I feel this way about "Christians", too, and I don't like feeling this way.  And that's why I am examining my prejudices.  I don't feel this way about the Pope.  Why don't I feel this way about the Pope?  Could it be that the Pope is focusing on things that matter while the rest of us rant and rave about gays?

And yes, Duck Dynasty dad DID mention greed, but only in passing.  He spoke more about homosexuals and vaginas and anuses in the GQ article more than he spoke about greed.  Listen to the debate surrounding this article, and from all sides all you hear is "first amendment" and "homosexual agenda".

Did you bother reading the link I posted?  I'm genuinely interested to hear your thoughts.

I'm not one for conspiracy theories, usually, but I'm beginning to think that there are powers in this country that are trying to distract us from our nation's real problems.  Do you really think that the power and money brokers, the 1%, really care about gay people and abortion and first amendment rights for all?  These are the people who are trying to make us believe that money equals speech because it suits their agenda.  So while the rest of us are screeching about attacks on our first amendment rights, the people who are TRULY taking those rights away from us are hiding in the shadows and laughing at us  while we debate such earth-shattering issues as Duck Dynasty (if they are so offended, why don't they just leave A&E?  Why are they trying to negotiate with the network?  I truly hope that greed is not somewhere there in the mix.)  Why are we not talking about the greedy, the avaricious and the swindlers?  They are far more prevalent and far more insidious.  It is THEIR agenda Mr. Robertson should be railing against.  He certainly does have the right to say what he wishes, but I just wish he would say something more valuable.  He has an audience of 14 million people, and he wastes his words in this way?  Why doesn't he USE HIS FIRST AMENDMENT RIGHTS and REALLY say something?

[Hemodoc]

HemoDoc;

First, there is no empirical evidence that “Jesus” ever lived.  He wrote nothing, he carved no message and he wasn’t a factor until 66 years after the supposed date of his death.  He is no more real than the burning bush with a voice or manna from heaven.

Next, I made the point, which you seem to have avoided, that the Old and New Testaments portray a very different God.  This is attributable to the fact that the Old Testament came from Jewish sources and their mindset, and the New Testament came from lesson plans for Christian preachers (Apostles) although there is no evidence that any apostle ever wrote anything. 

Next, I do not care if you preach your religion in a venue that expects you to do so.  Here, there is a captive audience.

Next,  rebuttals to your argument do not mean I am, or anyone else is spreading the message of secular humanism.  You clearly resent secular thinking, which makes this your problem, not mine. 

 Next, the majority of our Founding Fathers were Deists.  They shunned organized religion and wrote a Constitution that says as much.

Lastly, I believe that humans determine their own destiny, live by their own wits, and set their own goals. We are here via evolution and we do not have all of the answers.  My personal focus is not to address all of those unanswered questions but to help those who need help, improve the human condition by working in the system and readjusting resources for the benefit of those who have a need.  In this I declare a successful life, well spent.  The politics from the right fought me through my entire career.  But 5,000 people living in Southside Oroville would elect me mayor if they were a city.  The philosophy I adopted is not that different from Pope Francis.  But “Christians” like you are a dime a dozen and extremely non-productive with regards to the principles they preach. Yep, I was a hippy in the sixties, I carried a sign, I was a Student Body President during that time and I found corruption among school administrators.  What I learned then was applied to the work in my career.  Tell me, what the hell have you done to help the poor, needy and the sick?  Oppose Obamacare, Medicaid, kill government?  What I have is not religion, it is a desire to end suffering, something Christians ought to learn and practice.  I take responsibility, your so-called Tea Party doesn’t and neither do you.

That’s my rant for the day.

Gerald Lively

Dear Gerald, believe as you wish. I will just strongly disagree with your position. Lastly, sorry, but I do not answer to you about what I have or have not done thank you. Since you have already judged me as extremely nonproductive for the principles I preach, I will leave you to your own opinion. Thank you again for that as well.

Have a great day Gerald.

Perhaps one day, folks on IHD will actually debate issues instead of standing on personal attacks, but I won't hold my breath.

[Hemodoc]

I am sorry you feel that way about Christians. Your experience has not been my experience. But I support your right to freely express and speak your views no matter how distasteful they are to Christians.

Well you see, that's just it.  I'm sorry I feel this way about "Christians", too, and I don't like feeling this way.  And that's why I am examining my prejudices.  I don't feel this way about the Pope.  Why don't I feel this way about the Pope?  Could it be that the Pope is focusing on things that matter while the rest of us rant and rave about gays?

And yes, Duck Dynasty dad DID mention greed, but only in passing.  He spoke more about homosexuals and vaginas and anuses in the GQ article more than he spoke about greed.  Listen to the debate surrounding this article, and from all sides all you hear is "first amendment" and "homosexual agenda".

Did you bother reading the link I posted?  I'm genuinely interested to hear your thoughts.

I'm not one for conspiracy theories, usually, but I'm beginning to think that there are powers in this country that are trying to distract us from our nation's real problems.  Do you really think that the power and money brokers, the 1%, really care about gay people and abortion and first amendment rights for all?  These are the people who are trying to make us believe that money equals speech because it suits their agenda.  So while the rest of us are screeching about attacks on our first amendment rights, the people who are TRULY taking those rights away from us are hiding in the shadows and laughing at us  while we debate such earth-shattering issues as Duck Dynasty (if they are so offended, why don't they just leave A&E?  Why are they trying to negotiate with the network?  I truly hope that greed is not somewhere there in the mix.)  Why are we not talking about the greedy, the avaricious and the swindlers?  They are far more prevalent and far more insidious.  It is THEIR agenda Mr. Robertson should be railing against.  He certainly does have the right to say what he wishes, but I just wish he would say something more valuable.  He has an audience of 14 million people, and he wastes his words in this way?  Why doesn't he USE HIS FIRST AMENDMENT RIGHTS and REALLY say something?

1) Yes, I did read the other post and other than a bit more crude graphic talk, all Phil did was correctly paraphrase the Bible on who will not enter in the kingdom of Heaven. If you are going to quote the Bible in public, expect people to not like it one bit. However, is that justification for firing a person from a job? If so, then it will have a chilling effect on the first amendment rights of free speech for Christians which again is why I posted the topic. There is absolutely nothing wrong with speaking your mind and quoting the Bible. Soft pedaling the gospel does no one any good. Better to hear the truth now than hearing it facing God on judgement day.

2) We are talking about this because EVERYONE is talking about across this nation in the last few days. If you wish to discuss those other issues, please feel free to open a new thread.

3) Yes, I have no doubt that there are conspiracies at very high levels and the 1% are using the entire gay rights issue for their own agenda. I agree, they probably care little about the gay rights issue personally, but it is a very powerful tool to diffuse the political power of the religious right in this nation. I believe it goes further as you alluded to. If you wish to discuss that in detail, once again, it would be a good topic to discuss by itself.

Today, another state declared bans on gay marriage unconstitutional. We are soon coming to the final battle of this issue when it will be applied to the church. That day is coming quite soon. Where will the issue of first amendment religious freedom enter into that aspect of this controversy? I believe I already know the answer to that as well. Just as in Europe and Canada, gay rights will trump religious freedom. Now, that brings us back over 400 years ago in our history. That was the fundamental reason why the Pilgrims fled from Europe in the first place.

So, despite all the accusations of Christians crying wolf, it is a very real issue that actually has more to say about our society for non-Christians than for Christians. I know and understand my fate in this world and the blessings that Lord has for us at hand. But what of those who will live in a post-Christian society where religious freedom is no more? That day is coming soon and as far as I am concerned, so be it. I have already made my peace with God so whatever tomorrow brings, I am at peace with it.

[MooseMom]

Yes, I would like to discuss point 3 if you care to start a thread.  My suspicion is that it's not only the political power of the religious right that is being thwarted by these shadowy characters but, rather, the political power of anyone and everyone outside of their realm.  But I can provide no proof or links, so I probably wouldn't be able to offer much to the discussion.  Still, I'd be interested in what you and other IHDers have to say on the subject.

[G.Lively]

See how your are?  You want to post your opinion and/or beliefs, yet when others answer, you ignore them.  I offered facts and you dismissed the post.  Your previous declaration that the Tea Party has no organization yet takes many political actions, seems to have grown into your personality; neither they or you take responsibility.  Words have consequences.

Try debating the issues instead of resorting to one-way communication.

[Rerun]

Maybe he doesn't want to comment.  Silence is better than picking a fight.  Then Hemodoc gets called out for personal attacks.  I agree... if you don't have anything nice to say don't say anything.  It is perfectally legal to ignore a comment.  This is not a debate contest.  It is people airing their views.  You can list your personal views and if someone comes back with nothing that interests you ignore it. 

Just my