Commissioner Shoemaker: 'Intolerance is a Two-Way Street'

Dear Editor:       

So, when did Christians' beliefs, particularly those of conservative Christians, become politically incorrect? For that matter, when did it become acceptable for those on the Left to be tolerant of free speech, unless it is speech that they don't like?   

I'm speaking specifically about the A&E Network's decision to "indefinitely" suspend Duck Dynasty star, Phil Robertson, after his candid public discussion regarding his firm belief that homosexuality is a sin based on his reading of Scripture. And while this is the latest example of media and pop-culture backlash against those who feel this way, it certainly isn't the only such example.      

Just last year, Chick-Fil-A came under attack because it's President stated that marriage should be between a man and a woman in his opinion based on his religious beliefs. In Minnesota, a Catholic bishop was forced to resign for the same thing. In Colorado, a baker who, for religious reasons, refused to bake wedding cakes for same-sex couples, has been ordered by a judge to do just that. And on Friday, Lockheed Martin announced that it was not going to donate any more money to the Boy Scouts of America because of its stance on homosexuality. Baloney!     

You see, if a position you take, even for religious reasons, is politically incorrect, the wrath of the secular progressives will be upon you, just as we've seen with Phil Robertson. But, with regard to Phil, why isn't the media providing the full context of what he had to say? He had also said, "we never, ever judge someone on who's going to heaven, hell. That's the Almighty's job. We just love 'em, give 'em the good news about Jesus...."     

The bottom line is this, if you don't like Phil Robertson, don't  watch the show. If you don't agree with a clergyman, don't go to his church. If a baker refuses to bake you a cake, go to one who will. Intolerance is a two-way street. In the meantime, don't bother me. I'll be watching reruns of Duck Dynasty on the DVR.                                                             

--Haven Shoemaker

Haven Shoemaker is a Carroll County Commissioner and is running for the House of Delegates.