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Respect and Tolerance
The underlying philosophy of Passions is one of Respect and Tolerance. Writers are a diverse group. And, very often, they are also a very opinionated group. We welcome opinions, and we thrive on diversity, seeing both as tools for growth.

Obviously, you're not going to agree with everything you find written at Passions. We consider that a good thing. How you express your disagreement, however, can too easily become a bad thing. Arguing against a concept or idea, even vehemently, is a good thing. Attacking the supporters of that concept or idea is a bad thing (even if the attack is subtle and indirect). Asking others to listen to your viewpoints and consider your arguments is a good thing. Refusing to listen to the viewpoints and arguments of others, simply because they contradict your own beliefs, is a bad thing. Conveying positive emotions (this is what X does for me) is a good thing. Conveying negative emotions can also be a good thing, but all too often becomes a bad thing (I hate Y).

Respect and Tolerance are simple words to say, but not always simple to live. It's not easy to respect a person that represents the antithesis of your value system. It's not easy to tolerate something you strongly feel will lead to disaster and hurt. But everything another person says, does, and believes is the result of their individual history. People who do bad things (by our own definitions) aren't always bad people. Sometimes they are just misguided (by our own definitions). And sometimes (hard as this is to believe), they aren't bad or misguided at all, and it is our own definitions that need to be reevaluated.

We can only learn and grow through understanding. And understanding is the real key to respect and tolerance.

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If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again.