[Vision2020] Anti-Discrimination Ordinance

[Judd A. Wilson]

Hi, my name is Judd Wilson.  I'm one of the people who attended last night's meeting  and intended to speak in opposition to the gender discrimination ordinance.  

This is my first time using this forum, but I saw my name bantered about here today (and several months ago when I spoke to the city council regarding the anti-child, anti-Christian billboard), so I figured I'd join the forum so we can have real dialogue.  

As someone who grew up valuing free speech, journalism, transparency in government, personal kindness, and rational discussion, whenever I see people launching a salvo at another person whom they've never even met, nor given the opportunity for proper debate, I get the feeling that I'm seeing something out of a sci-fi movie.  That behavior is from another planet.  

To the best of my understanding, whether you're coming at things from a Biblical, Reformation worldview or a naturalistic, Enlightenment worldview, we as Americans have the duty and opportunity to treat each other courteously, respectfully, and intelligently.

For the record, I grew up a liberal Democrat, spent my youth as a progressive, and championed most of the views touted on this website (i.e., gun control, egalitarianism, multiculturalism, abortion rights, social programs, non-Biblical theology, and yes, even acceptance of homosexuality).

So I'll say it once, and I'll probably have to say it again, but I chose what I believe and how I live after deliberate and intensive study, reflection and experience.  Isn't that the hallmark of a good, classical liberal?

I am a Bible-believing, conservative Christian because that system of thought and way of life compelled my conscience as the only true and viable one.  I tried the other systems.  They failed the intellectual and experiential tests.  I would gladly wrap myself in the progressive, pluralistic, multiculturalist flag if I could do so without offending my sense of reason and commitment to intellectual honesty.  But as I said, they fail the test.  This is not meant as an offense to those of you who hold to those systems of thought and life, but it is an explanation of who I am and where I'm coming from.

Please don't create some strawman of me or assume that I am like someone else who bears some resemblance to me or my views.  I know from personal experience that it is incredibly easy to do that.  When I was a Democrat I thought the only reason conservatives opposed environmental regulations was because they were greedy businessmen who wanted to kill the planet.  It never occurred to me that (a) the green movement was based on false premises and had a nefarious agenda of its own, that (b) there might be a better way to deal with actual cases of environmental abuse, or that (c) such regulations would cripple the families, businesses, and communities which make up America.  So let's make a deal: I'll do my part to give you the benefit of the doubt and a fair hearing, and you give me the same in return.  We can agree to disagree and still be civil; that's how mature adults handle life.

I would like to invite any and all members of this forum to face-to-face conversations with me here in Moscow.  Hey, we can even videotape them and put them online.  Not debates, per se, but conversations about the things we share in common, and the things we happen to have different views on, such as the ordinance which passed last night.  I'll bet that many, if not most, of the members of this forum were in favor of it.  I was not, so on that we disagree.  But I'll also bet that many, if not most, of the members of this forum were displeased with the way that the council precluded public comment before they approved the ordinance.  So was I, so on that we are in wholehearted agreement.  I applaud Mayor Chaney for speaking up for our First Amendment rights and for transparency in government.

I've posted my entire comments on last night's debacle on my website, juddwilson.com, and I invite your comments.  I'll check that website more often than this forum, so if you need to get a hold of me that's your best bet.

Thanks for taking the time to read this.  I look forward to good conversations.  
Respectfully,
Judd Wilson
juddwilson.com
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