1. Because rejecting someone's political beliefs isn't the same as hatred.
Just because I detest someone's ideology doesn't mean I'm personally attacking those who believe in it.
2. Because even if I do hate some of the people who have spread bigotry this year...
...it doesn't mean I'm an awful person who's going to treat others worse because of it. You can have negative feelings about someone and not be simmering with uncontrollable rage.
3. Because I'm allowed to feel angry and bitter about important issues...
...and so are you.
4. Because not repressing any negative emotions is healthier than "forgiveness for forgiveness' sake".
Bottling my feelings up just so I can feel as if I'm being "positive" isn't a good thing.
5. Because loving them won't change their minds.
It won't change the fact that they believe some of us are greedy, useless members of society.
6. Because you can be nonviolent and still refuse to shake hands with those who openly insult you and your friends.
Ignoring someone who disrespects me or the people I love isn't rude; it's a necessity. No, it doesn't mean I'll make faces at them or call them names. But I'm not a diplomat or a business negotiator, and I don't have to smile and play nice with people if I don't want to.
7. Because I used to let others step all over me, and it took a long time to become strong enough to say "No."
I used to say "yes" to everything because I was afraid of losing friends.
8. Because when I'm older, I'll regret not speaking up more than not appeasing others.
Who have you ever known that made it to old age and thought, "I should have just stayed quiet more."?
9. Because criticizing the speech of others is protected just as much.
Remember that whole "my angry Facebook posts are protected by the First Amendment" thing? Yeah. Well, my responses to your posts are also protected. It's a two-way street, friends.
10. Because some things aren't forgivable.
It doesn't mean I'll bring it up every chance I have, but some things you shouldn't have to forgive OR forget. That's not petty, it's how people respond to being hurt.
11. Because I can't love my enemies until they stop hurting theirs.
It's not a lack of empathy, it's a show of it: accepting someone who hurts others feels just as bad as if I were the one causing the harm myself.
