Tolerance

TOLERANCE

I have little tolerance for tolerant people.
Those that will endure the corruption of
the truth, the erosion of meaning.  While at
the same time being intolerant of your
opinions, thoughts, and level of tolerance.

There is a quote attributed to Voltaire:
“I disapprove of what you say, but I will
defend to the death your right to say it.”

How many of the “tolerant” would be willing
to fight for our right to “disapprove of what
they say”?  Hush the crowd so that we might
be heard?  Unblock their ears and hearts and listen?

Does the present day “tolerance”
lack tolerance, lack understanding,
lack the ability to endure a voice that
is not in tune, does not sing the same 
song, does not pray the same prayer?

Or do they tolerate, put up with, the “fool”,
while denying acceptance of his opinions,
his beliefs.  Perhaps the fool is more tolerant than they.
Listening to what they say, watching how they
carry themselves, interact with those “different”
than themselves.

For they think him a “fool”, because they do
not know that he thinks, what he thinks,
and most sadly, they do not care to know.
They will tolerate his presence but not allow
him to be present, listen to his voice yet hear
nothing, speak of equality while lauding their
position, education, power over him.

For they are tolerant only of themselves,
of their ideas, their thoughts, their peers,
their alleged - equals.

They disapprove of us, and what we say,
and will defend their right to keep it so.

John G. Lawless – 6/9/2014

Copyright © | Year Posted 2014



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Date: 1/7/2018 2:30:00 PM
Well written John. You expressed what I feel at times. Those who claim to be the most tolerant are the least. All we have to do is look at college campuses.
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Date: 1/4/2018 4:57:00 AM
I take offence, such little tolerance you show For my acceptance of what is; yet determination To change, for the better. You confuse my forgiving nature for indifference, The pernicious disdain of effort, and engagement. I am tolerant, yet I do not acquiesce to the Infringement of my hard won rights and freedoms, Nor do I sit back and bask on the deceits of Politicians and bureaucrats. Why then do you despise me? Are you thus Intolerant?
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Clapham Avatar
Edward Clapham
Date: 1/4/2018 4:58:00 AM
Date: 1/2/2018 10:29:00 PM
Amen to this one! It's even more timely today than it was in 2014!...Try sending it to Dennis Prager. And tell him you're available for a 5-minute Prager U. video on 'Tolerance' for less than 1/2 of what Obama or Clinton would charge....
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Date: 1/2/2018 6:42:00 PM
John a meaningful write. I must wonder if intolerance of those who are intolerant is intolerant in itself and whether the cycle could ever be broken.
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Date: 1/2/2018 11:33:00 AM
And thus ennui stakes out firmly its domain where we all lie sleeping--or nearly all. Your clarion call perhaps will wake a few who could stir others. Alas, most will not hear the sound, lost midst the roar of snoring. So competently written, John.
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Date: 1/2/2018 11:01:00 AM
A fine line is revealed here John, how about I throw another angle, Is there a fear of some that if they let a viewpoint be allowed, and if the proponents are quite rabid there is the danger they will then drown all else out and what maybe a 70/30 percent biased may then become 90/10 percent biased, so a you raise a lot of thoughts With this valid write'
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Date: 1/2/2018 10:17:00 AM
I just read 'Tolerance' and couldn't agree more.
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Date: 1/2/2018 9:55:00 AM
You are exactly right. It's not just about fighting the corruption of truth, but also about how we treat "unbelievers". I really like this subject and your content.
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Date: 1/2/2018 8:23:00 AM
This poem came up again in my email so I wanted to say "here, here!" and a solemn amen. We fallen people are prone to hypocrisy and your poem makes me ponder and lament my own. Highwave
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Date: 5/3/2016 7:33:00 AM
Your poem is honestly inspiring. It truly captures the prejudice of todays society. Thank you.
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Date: 10/12/2014 12:37:00 PM
Wow, your assessment of the "tolerant" intolerance practiced by the self-appointed judges of society is "spot on" Their miss-judgement belongs squarely back on their own shoulders. Great job!
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Date: 6/19/2014 12:29:00 PM
You're unfair how could you write everything without leaving a word or two for us to play around? John is that fair? You big head poet...;'';'') Wow RRC
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Lawless Avatar
John Lawless
Date: 6/19/2014 2:00:00 PM
So that's why my hats don't fit. Thanks for your comment. People often warn others "don't get him started."
Date: 6/10/2014 2:33:00 PM
WOW JOHN!! now that's a poem...SKAT
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Lawless Avatar
John Lawless
Date: 6/19/2014 2:07:00 PM
SKAT, coming from you that is a major compliment. Thanks for comments and interest in my poetry. I think I missed the cut off for the contest.
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