I do not seek a burn permit to burn my leaves on my yard with my lighter fluid and my lighter.

I do not seek a permit nor do I pay heed to restrictions on my ability to purchase, own, and fire guns within city limits.

I do not seek your permission to smoke in any location on this planet, be it a home, business, or open area.

I do not seek your permission to expand, contract or otherwise modify my personal dwelling on my property with my materials.

And most importantly I do not give a damn if you like the words that come out of my mouth. Letters strung into syllables strung into words which were given meaning and form by the likes of man and were “rated” according to man’s judgment.

However...

I do take personal responsibility for the consequences of actions on my property and elsewhere.

I do educate and train myself in the handling of firearms and take careful, mindful aim when I do utilize a firearm.

I do my best to be respectful of others that are respectful in their own right by standing down wind, or out in the rain instead of under the overhang, and blowing my smoke in the other direction.

I do consider the impact of my dwelling on the surrounding neighborhood and am not happy with a messy yard, sagging roof or peeling paint.

And most importantly I do consider my audience and the fact that, for whatever the reason may be, do not want to hear certain phrases or words and, if they again have been respectful in their own right I can and do return the favor and don’t subject them to invectives which might harm their delicate personalities. Keyword delicate.

The point being is I will give you respect so long as you don’t give me a reason to do otherwise. Of course that implies that if in fact your first impression is disrespectful the chances of overcoming that slight is not something you’re going to pull off overnight.

~ Z