I'd like to have a little discussion about one of my favorite quotes from literature. Thomas Paine wrote, "These are the times that try men's souls." Written in The Crisis, which we recently read at least part of in AP English, I believe this is one of the most elementary quote of the times, yet it still applies today. It always has. At every point in history, there has always been a conflict. Not necessarily here, but there is always some sort or trial somewhere in the world. It may be as simple as feuding neighbors, or as difficult as a full-scale war. There is always a reason to look back to this quote.
I find this a perfect quote for today. There are so many problems now- the war in Iraq, the feuds over homosexuality, abortion, stem-cell research; the list goes on and on. Right now, we have so many problems we are trying to resolve, with very little results because no one can agree. The worst thing is, there are still people in America who look at you dumbfounded when you ask them about the most recent conflict because they don't pay attention to current events. How could you find these problems trivial?
I love getting into debates over these types of things, especially in class. It's comforting to know that at least some people are thinking. Our souls are being tried every day as we are influenced to choose sides on these controversial issues. We are forced to look deep inside ourselves to discern what is right and what is wrong. My soul is tired. I'm sick of people trying to force me to think a certain way because if I don't, I'm old fashioned. I hate when people say that I can't think gay marriage is wrong because I happen to have gay friends. I love them to death, but that doesn't mean I agree with their choices. They understand that, because I don't look at their orientation to decide if they are a good friend or not. They are some of the best-hearted people I know. I'm sick of almost being forced to rethink my choices because they're politically incorrect. So I think there is no excuse for abortion. Get over it. It's my choice. Isn't that your argument?
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
