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So being a Nazi -- or any kind of violent extremist -- isn't a choice? If it wasn't a choice for you then you have my sympathy, but I can assure you that is no

• threatofrain 5y ago
  You were proposing a difference between religious and political beliefs, and you offered that you get to choose your political beliefs. Is that a distinction between political and religious beliefs? You think we can't choose our religious beliefs?
  • jude- 5y ago
    > Is that a distinction between political and religious beliefs? I am sure you are more than capable of thinking of some, since they are pretty obvious. The biggest one that comes to mind is that political beliefs are not required to adhere to a dogma or a set of unfalsifiable superstitions. Also, they are much more fluid over generational timescales -- politics in the US today is vastly different than it was even 50 years ago. In addition, they are also much contextualized -- for example, your political behavior is a function of your local politics in addition to state and national politics. > You think we can't choose our religious beliefs? You can! But unlike religious beliefs, you can act on your political beliefs in secret via the ballot box, which frees you from the social consequences of doing so. Contrast this to religious beliefs, where people will notice what you do and do not practice, and potentially discriminate against you for it. The inescapability of religious practice (or its noted absence), and the prejudices that can come with it is why there are anti-discrimination laws for certain kinds of transactions necessary for you to thrive -- for example, housing discrimination based on religion is illegal, as is employer discrimination. But in no case does Twitter kicking you off impede your ability to hold and act upon either your political or religious beliefs, so no legal protection for your Twitter account is necessary. You are not being oppressed.