Everyone's Entitled to MY Opinion...

I am an opinionated person.  I will fully and honestly admit that to anyone that asks.  But I'm not talking about things like the proper way to wash the dishes or something like that, I am talking about core beliefs and principles...
I am a Conservative (note that I didn't say I am a Republican...) and I believe in maximum freedom for everyone, that morality is important, that people are responsible to take care of themselves and each other (of their own accord, not by the heavy hand of government), that if you work hard you'll get what you've earned and if you don't you don't get anything, and that we have a loving Heavenly Father that has given us the freedom to make our own choices and live with our consequences. I am sick and tired of people that think charity should be mandated or provided by government...that everyone should have equally even though they don't put in equal effort...that if you believe marriage is between a man and a woman you are a bigot or a homophobe...if you disagree with our president or are in favor of Arizona's immigration law you are a racist...and that the only reason people are religious is that they are too stupid to think for themselves.  Does this mean that I can't debate people that don't agree with me?  Of course not.  But the key is civility.
The truth of the matter is, no one is going to change my mind on most major issues.  They go back to my basic beliefs, and those aren't going to change.  I have accepted the fact that I am probably not going to change a lot of minds myself, but I think with a civil discussion and FACTS on your side at least you have a chance.  But I have a real problem with people that scream tolerance yet the only ones that are supposed to be tolerant are all the ones that disagree with THEM.  Or say "I appreciate that your opinion is different than mine," then proceed to pummel me with their own opinion, remind me over and over how wrong I am, then attempt to always get the last word in. I'm tired of it.  And I'm tired of remaining quiet because I'm afraid I will "offend" someone.  It's time to disassociate myself from people that act like this.
And here's a word of advice for certain people that have a problem with me and my opinions (you know who you are...):

1. If you don't like the laws in your state, there are 49 other states in the Union.  Pick one with laws you like and go there.  No one is stopping you. It's the beautiful thing about having so many states with their own laws and people--you can find almost anything that suits you and it's better than staying where you are and complaining all the time.
2. If you don't like the laws in your state or this country, peacefully and civilly protest them...go anywhere you want with your picket sign.  After all, we still live in a free country, for now, anyway, and you're allowed.  But please remember that so are the rest of us. If your protesting doesn't work, see advice #1.
3. Stop getting mad when the majority disagrees with you.  It doesn't matter what your opinion is, if the majority disagrees with you, that's just the way it is.  No one member of any court should be allowed to decide that the majority is wrong.  If you disagree with the majority, see advice #2.
4. If you "fundamentally" don't like this country there is an entire globe out there for you to explore.  If you want to be a socialist, try France or Spain.  It's working out so well for them.  If you want to be a communist, go to China.  Make room for a LEGAL immigrant that wants to come live in freedom.
5. Stop acting like my religious beliefs are somehow oppressing you  If you don't want to base your beliefs on a religion, then don't.  But don't begrudge me the privilege of choosing for myself. And stop belittling my beliefs because they are based on faith. As Thomas Jefferson said, "it does me no injury for my neighbor to say there are twenty gods or no God.  It neither picks my pocket not breaks my leg."

And for the rest of my friends and associates, I'm up for a good discussion any time...but please keep it civil and don't forget to bring your facts.