The Laughing Wolf

Decisions and Respect

Some conversations of late, along with some posts such as this one, remind me that I need to expand a point of order and philosophy. Each of us has the right to make decisions about and for ourselves, good or bad, just as each of us has a right to an opinion.

What is not guaranteed, just as it is not for opinions, is the acceptance and approval of that decision. Yes, you and you alone have the right to make decisions for yourself. You have the right to make good decisions, ones that will benefit you, your family, your friends, and the greater whole of civilizations. You also have the unqualified right to make stupid, bad, or even evil decisions. That is your right and no one and no thing should prevent you from so choosing.

This does not mean that the decision will have no consequences, for every decision does for good or ill. This does not mean that I have to approve of the decision you make nor support it or you. Respect for your right to choose does not grant an automatic acceptance, nor does it place any burden on me to respect the decision itself. No individual, no government, and no societal grouping is required to fund or promote – directly or indirectly – your choice, nor are they required to shield you from the consequences of that choice. I most especially do not incur any burden because of your choice – you made it, you pay the full and complete price for it, just as I must bear the price of my decisions.

As with free speech and as with opinions, the right does not mean freedom from consequences.

LW