There is a difference between being direct and being rude, although they often get confused. Statements like, “I disagree,” “I don’t understand where you’re coming from,” “I think you’re wrong,” “That doesn’t seem rational to me,” are honest, not unjust. They don’t imply that any harm should come to those one disagrees with, or that they are unworthy of being treated with dignity. They are merely an invitation to dialogue. Yet there is tremendous pressure in our society these days, from both conservatives and liberals, to censor every word so we don’t contradict what others believe or unintentionally hurt someone else’s feelings. The pressure to couch what we say prevents too many of us from saying what we mean, especially at a time it has become vital for us to contradict the powers-that-be and challenge the status quo. As Dr. King said, “A time comes when silence is a betrayal.” This is not unlike Nelson Mandela who said, “Fools multiply when the wise are silent,” or Elie Wiesel, who said, “We must take sides… Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.” The sense these days, that it’s unjust to say things others disagree with, or offensive to disagree with what others say and do, is a form of social conditioning that betrays the oppressed, excels foolishness, and enables torment. I pray for the courage to speak and the compassion to listen. — Rev. Dr. Todd F. Eklof, UUCS Minister