First of all, I love you. I always have and I always will. Blood and love are thicker than political candidates that come and go. Therefore, I want to remain friends on Facebook. I still want you in my life.

But there’s something we all need to understand. Censorship and bullying are wrong and they must stop.

I’m speaking specifically about those insulting and condescending comments and emoji often used to communicate disdain for differing opinions.

For some reason, the Left thinks freedom of speech is a great idea, for them. Not the Right.

They think freedom of religion is great. For them. Not for the Right.

I don’t know what it’s going to take to make this upside down world regain its footing, but what I do know is, censorship and bullying are destroying relationships.

I’m all for unity, but that means both sides being respectful, active listeners. It’s like two poles leaning up against each other. They stand as long as each pole is supporting its own weight. But once one pole succumbs to the weight of the other, they both topple. So it is with us. If one side is overbearing, beating down the other, they both lose, there is no unity, and the relationship collapses.

An extreme example of unity gone wrong is the recent rioting and looting scaring our cities. Violence and destruction are never acceptable ways of voicing frustration and anger. Those doing so take away from their own humanity, acting more like trapped animals than human beings with brains and common sense. Positive change will never happen when using senseless violence. Those doing so will never gain respect for themselves while destroying the lives and livelihoods of their neighbors and fellow citizens. It’s time for a new tactic.

Therefore I’m encouraging each of us to exemplify true unity by respecting each other’s right to exist and speak freely. Give and take; it goes both ways. Listen and learn. Be tolerant of each other’s opinions without collapsing under the other’s weighty views. This means, both sides freely voicing their point of view and be respected as human beings who have been given free thought and free speech by our Creator. But never, ever allow yourself to be bullied and silenced.

I’ve been trying to figure out how to hear and be heard on Facebook in a constructive way. It’s easy to become defensive and react to a comment or post that offends us. I’ve done this myself. But once I realized I could fling smart remarks and sarcasm as well as the next gal, I decided I needed to clean up my communication skills. So, I’ve set up the following ground rules for myself, specifically when posting on Facebook:

First of all, when some comment, pic, or post sets off that reaction in my brain that yells, “Retaliate! Get back! Put them in their place,” I stop and get the facts straight. Namely, regardless of what is being communicated, their opinion is worth listening to even if I adamantly disagree. Everyone has a right to free speech in this country. It is guaranteed by our constitution.

If I don’t like it, I will simply scroll down and not respond. I think that’s the polite thing to do. Let them have their say and move on. The same thing goes for my posts. If someone doesn’t like it, I ask that they respect my freedom of speech and move on. No comments needed. I do not post things to start a debate. Even though there is a time and place for debate, I don’t believe Facebook is it. I post to let you know what I think and where I’m coming from. If I do respond, because I’m truly trying to understand where you are coming from, then I’ll private message you. But even then I’m determined to keep it polite and respectful.

Therefore, I call out to all who agree with me and all those who don’t: For the sake of respect and finding common ground, lets stop the bullying and censorship. There are better ways to voice our views.