My 6th grade teacher, on whom I had a crush 45 years ago, told our class one day to never disscuss religion or politics. I can't remember whether she provided a reason for her admonition, but I suspect she did and probably it had something to do with avoiding conflict. Evidently I wasn't listening very well. I think I was sitting there horrified that anyone would dare deprive me of life's two most interesting topics.
I still have a crush on Mrs Stirewalt, but I still disagree with her advice. Important as the avoidance of conflict is, and the nurturing of cooperation, the cost of censorship is simply not worth the benefits.
The pyramids were probably built with slave labor. Freedom, and free inquiry, must never be sacrificed on the alter of harmony...
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