What is Your Right? by Clutch Cargoe (2011)

 What is Your Right?

Greetings and welcome once again.  Today's Clutch observations regarding: "What are your rights?" Are your rights in conflict with what others consider right?  I have noticed that, both in here and out there. Everyone thinks and believes their way is the right way. I believe this is partly responsible for the conflicts we have with one another in society.  And in lockup also.  Mind you, this is only my point of view, which may be the    same as some of yours yet different from others. Use what you can use of my observations.

I have noticed, (observed) especially in prison and somewhat out there, from what I recall, that people attempt to get others to conform to their point of view because they believe it to be right.

People are all different; they have been raised differently and come from different genes as well as spiritual backgrounds.

I suggest what you believe may not be what others believe, and what you think is right may not be right for others and their circumstances or what their path in life may need.

What we need to realize is that everyone has a right to be right in what they believe to be right.

Okay, let’s break this down.  This is America, and we have a right to do, and think, and believe, and say, and have whatever opinion we so choose.  As long as these rights do not harm others.

So if I want to believe the earth is flat or aliens are our creators, I have that right to and be secure in my beliefs, and no one has the right to attack my beliefs based on the issue that my beliefs differ from yours.  What would you care if I believed differently than you?? Let me ask you this.  Would you want someone to tell you your religion is wrong and you should convert?  Of course, you wouldn't.  No one likes others telling them what they should or shouldn't do.  Yet we are quick to do this very thing because, basically, we have no respect for others’ rights and freedom and not enough self-respect for ourselves?!

How is this, you ask?  Simply put, if we respected and honored others rights, we would not get bent out of shape when we encountered others who were different from ourselves..... No matter the reason, we continued to try to change people to our belief system.  We don't have that right!  Each person must follow his or her own path.  Who are you or I to not allow the other this right?  To live their life as they see fit.  My best advice is to worry about your own path.  Strive to better yourself.  Trying to change others is like spinning your wheels on ice.  Where does this leave you?  I am not saying you should not help others if you are asked.  I am saying it would be good to know the difference between when and when not to.

Now the part of no self-respect or, rather, self-confidence.  Usually, people with a lack of self-respect and self-confidence are simply unhappy with their own lives.  These people attempt to guide and control others lives due to the fact that their own life feel beyond (out of) control; therefore, there the need to control someone else, which allows for a feeling of worthiness and importance. (Whether the control is through manipulation or even "poor me" syndrome,)  If this is a part of your life, there may be self-confidence issues that need to be addressed.

There is an old saying:  "If you don't love yourself, you cannot love another authentically.  Because if you are not good for yourself, how can you be good for someone else?

Looking at ourselves first is the key that leads us to be responsible and accountable for our actions and reactions, either through the use of words or physical means.

I had to go through this learning process the hard way, on my own.  And now I am trying to help others - all of you readers who may need assistance.  I cannot do it for you.  You have to do it for yourself.  All I can do is offer my opinions and advice.  I can only hope you will read all my writings and apply what is helpful to you on your own journey through your specific life situations.

to be continued..... 

Picture is one of my drawings.