But me bring some things into the discussion that people have not even thought about.

2008 3 white college men at Duke were accused of raping a black stripper who did a house call. The majority of my people did not need all the facts before they came to conclusion that these were some guilty white boys from rich families who simply going to get away with a crime based on their social economic level. Turned out the stripper lied.

2009 a sistah at southeastern university accuses 4 brotha's of gang-raping her. Turns out she had consensual sex aka "A Train" with them and was afraid that they would they tell others on the campus about her sexual exploits.

We recently learned about the brotha who spent 5 years in jail off of a sistah who falsely accused him of rape and a public and criminal justice system who was too quick to side with the accuser. Because she was too afraid that she would be forced to give back the 1 million dollars she sued and won from the school district for her false sexual assault claim. And this brotha's whole college football scholarship was derailed.

Now let's get personal here. My eldest brother spent 8 months in jail when a white women accused him (as one of the only 2 black men on his college football) of rape when she was forced to by the actual white teammates who gang raped her. It took her that long to tell the truth but his career and his chances at the pro's were already damaged.

Then I myself remember in high school having spent the night at a house with a friend of mines and the next day being visited at our local Subway by the police when I was falsely accused of theft. And the parent who accused me had nothing more to go on then that I was (among the 5 people who spent the night) there and was black. Because my white friends never got taken into the station by the police and/or questioned, just me.

So having experienced and understanding that my people have been and still can be falsely accused of a crime without no evidence, just one's opinion or ideas. It would behoove me not to come to judgement where the only thing MR has said was that she supported free speech.

And that's why too many of you here who claim to having knowledge and understanding of discrimination and try to question others are simply narrowed minded focused on your own emotion and NOT, using critical thinking skills.

So learn something from this. Because you don't know what the hell people have been through here. When you rush to formulate a judgement that meets your bias and expatiation's... When you rush to slander and try to bloody someone's name. Think of that first. Put your emotions and personal feeling's aside and think!

Haven grown up in Mississippi and went to one of the first intergrated schools, I know first hand what it is like to bashed and spit on and called names all because of the color of my skin. How do you overcome that and "show them", hold your head up, do better then anyone else and move forward!

Intolerence is about those who refuse to move forward and accept change and those who will only see one way and not allow anyone else to have a different OPINION without bullying them.

@appleridge: You have actually turned out to be a lifesaver. So thanks.

you have no idea of my life growing up Mississippi in the 40's and 50's, so don't speak for me.

my point is, everyone has the right to their own OPINION, everyone has the right to state their OPINION without being bashed or trashed of have death threats or wanting her fired from her job.

VR hates white people! I did not see anyone saying she should not work!

I wasn't speaking for you, I asked that you have an understanding for the gay and lesbian community since you may have endured the same issues. This is an issue of intolerance and hate, you above all people should be able to see that, but apparently you are incapable.

I know of intolerence, and I know about stupidity and ignorance. Guess you missed my post about my son and his husband! I understand it all, I however do not agree with bashing and trashing anyone for their OPINION just because I do not agree with it! I don't like rap music! I make the decision not to listen to it, that does not mean I trash and bash those who like it!

I do not feel that I have bashed or trashed MR I have not stated she should lose her job, I cant even fathom death threats, that is crazy. I understand this is her opinion, and I have many time stated that I do not wish to change her opinion. She has stated her stance and now she can deal with what comes her way due to that opinion. My heart breaks for what you went through in Mississippi. I for one would have been right beside you fighting on your behalf. I have much respect for you CGOFF.

When did America become China? There is freedom of speech. Perhaps if someone disagrees with you politically, then you should get fired for expressing your beliefs.

Take a breath and stop with the knee-jerk reactions to those you don't agree with.

BTW, Greg Rikaart had better watch out. He's on the Y&R cut list. He may be the one out of work soon.

greg never said he wanted Melissa fired. Just disappointed in her. Thought he was pretty civil.

the only answer to bigotry and intolerence is NOT to sink to their level

too bad some do not do that

GR did not say anything about MR needing to be fired, neither did MR say she hated ALL Gay's, Lesbian's, Bi-Sexual's or TransGenders! yet I read how some want her fired for it!

It's interesting that some people who defended Melissa Reeves in the first place and talked about free speech and everything are now attacking Greg Rikaart - or Brandon Barash. That says a lot.

I don't want Melissa Reeves to be fired from DAYS for her tweet. But I do find it concerning for her career. She has lost a lot of support from soap fans, while gaining some from conservative Christians.
Melissa Reeves knows about the news about her tweet. At this point, she could have made a simple comment to clarify the situation. It's very dangerous for her to be silent now and only react in a way where she is blocking everyone that had something to say against her tweet - even the comments that were very civil.
Showing that reaction while your show has a gay storyline on the air is very unfortunate.

The perseverance of the black community is what did it. I don't know what ethnicity you are but the white community didn't give the black community a leg up. We shouldn't pat ourselves on the backs and act like they owe us some debt of gratitude. And lets not forget that Rosa Parks didn't stand in the streets screaming at the top of her lungs because she had the right to sit wherever she wanted on the bus. No, she just sat quietly in her seat and refused to be forced out. Martin Luther King Jr. didn't demand that his dream be fulfilled. He just expressed the desire to see blacks and whites as equals. When you try and force people to your way of thinking the only thing you accomplish is causing them to dig their heels in even more. But when you peacefully and respectfully demonstrate that maybe the differences between you are far fewer than the similarities then you have more of a chance of getting people to see your point of view.

The perseverance of the black community is what did it. I don't know what ethnicity you are but the white community didn't give the black community a leg up. We shouldn't pat ourselves on the backs and act like they owe us some debt of gratitude. And lets not forget that Rosa Parks didn't stand in the streets screaming at the top of her lungs because she had the right to sit wherever she wanted on the bus. No, she just sat quietly in her seat and refused to be forced out. Martin Luther King Jr. didn't demand that his dream be fulfilled. He just expressed the desire to see blacks and whites as equals. When you try and force people to your way of thinking the only thing you accomplish is causing them to dig their heels in even more. But when you peacefully and respectfully demonstrate that maybe the differences between you are far fewer than the similarities then you have more of a chance of getting people to see your point of view.

When you try and force people to your way of thinking the only thing you accomplish is causing them to dig their heels in even more

and yet that is what some are trying to force on MR!

If they're friends in real life then he could have called her and expressed that disappointment in a over the phone or face to face manner. If they're not friends in real life did he really need to share that he was disappointed in her. His comment wasn't a necessary comment. Melissa's may not have been either but people feel that because I have the right to say what I want then I should.

BB didn't say anything about MR when he posted about CFA. He just mentioned the company. He has as much right to make a negative comment about CFA as MR does to make a positive comment. However I think GR saw that he got a bit of credit for it and decided that he was going to say something as well. He waited a full day or more before expressing his "disappointment" in MR. Why does his disappointment in MR make a difference to her? And if they're friends in real life, and I say this regarding NLG as well, then why make it a public point to point out that she may be faulty in her facts and that they're disappointed in her point of view. That's like if my sister believes in spanking her children and I don't me taking her in front of everyone in our world and saying "I'm disappointed in you that you spank your children." Some things need to be handled privately. Granted MR made her comment publicly but that doesn't mean that she needed to be publicly chastised by her "friends."

The perseverance of the black community is what did it. I don't know what ethnicity you are but the white community didn't give the black community a leg up. We shouldn't pat ourselves on the backs and act like they owe us some debt of gratitude. And lets not forget that Rosa Parks didn't stand in the streets screaming at the top of her lungs because she had the right to sit wherever she wanted on the bus. No, she just sat quietly in her seat and refused to be forced out. Martin Luther King Jr. didn't demand that his dream be fulfilled. He just expressed the desire to see blacks and whites as equals. When you try and force people to your way of thinking the only thing you accomplish is causing them to dig their heels in even more. But when you peacefully and respectfully demonstrate that maybe the differences between you are far fewer than the similarities then you have more of a chance of getting people to see your point of view.

When you try and force people to your way of thinking the only thing you accomplish is causing them to dig their heels in even more

and yet that is what some are trying to force on MR!

Pull up some you tube clips of civil rights marches, there was plenty of shouting on both sides, and you are terribly misinformed if you think that only the blacks stood for their rights, many whites stood there right beside them fighting on their behalf as well.

If they're friends in real life then he could have called her and expressed that disappointment in a over the phone or face to face manner. If they're not friends in real life did he really need to share that he was disappointed in her. His comment wasn't a necessary comment. Melissa's may not have been either but people feel that because I have the right to say what I want then I should.

BB didn't say anything about MR when he posted about CFA. He just mentioned the company. He has as much right to make a negative comment about CFA as MR does to make a positive comment. However I think GR saw that he got a bit of credit for it and decided that he was going to say something as well. He waited a full day or more before expressing his "disappointment" in MR. Why does his disappointment in MR make a difference to her? And if they're friends in real life, and I say this regarding NLG as well, then why make it a public point to point out that she may be faulty in her facts and that they're disappointed in her point of view. That's like if my sister believes in spanking her children and I don't me taking her in front of everyone in our world and saying "I'm disappointed in you that you spank your children." Some things need to be handled privately. Granted MR made her comment publicly but that doesn't mean that she needed to be publicly chastised by her "friends."

didn't you get the memo? BB, NLG and GR are ALLOWED to have AN OPINION, MR is not ALLOWED to have a different OPINION

Bellajewles obviously you feel MR freedom of speech and right to her opinion is more important than millions of people's civil rights. We understand your point and you have driven this into the ground far enough.

I think Nancy Lee Grahn's tweet says it best: "I’m all for 1st Am rights, but when you buy Chick Fil A, your $$ are going to fund hate groups that are actively attacking gay rights."

THAT'S WHAT IT'S ABOUT! And that is why people like Nancy, Greg Rikaart or Brandon Barash come forward.

@TomZulawski: Yes her ability to say she supports the freedom of speech is embedded in the Constitution. You have read it?

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

The perseverance of the black community is what did it. I don't know what ethnicity you are but the white community didn't give the black community a leg up. We shouldn't pat ourselves on the backs and act like they owe us some debt of gratitude. And lets not forget that Rosa Parks didn't stand in the streets screaming at the top of her lungs because she had the right to sit wherever she wanted on the bus. No, she just sat quietly in her seat and refused to be forced out. Martin Luther King Jr. didn't demand that his dream be fulfilled. He just expressed the desire to see blacks and whites as equals. When you try and force people to your way of thinking the only thing you accomplish is causing them to dig their heels in even more. But when you peacefully and respectfully demonstrate that maybe the differences between you are far fewer than the similarities then you have more of a chance of getting people to see your point of view.

When you try and force people to your way of thinking the only thing you accomplish is causing them to dig their heels in even more

and yet that is what some are trying to force on MR!

Pull up some you tube clips of civil rights marches, there was plenty of shouting on both sides, and you are terribly misinformed if you think that only the blacks stood for their rights, many whites stood there right beside them fighting on their behalf as well.

honey, I lived the civil rigthts growing up in Mississippi in the 40's and 50's, I do not need YouTube to see it!

As a AA woman, I know about bigotry and intolerence, as the mother of GAY AA man I know about bigotry and intolerence. As a working AA woman over the age of 60, I know about bigotry and intolerence. As a AA woman with a college education and who does not speak like I just walked off the TARA plantation, I know about bigotry and intolerance from my own AA brothers and sisters.

Do you know how I fought bigotry and intolerence? I got out, got an education and provided for my children to better themselves while my husband spent 25 years in the Navy and out of the country the majority of their lives. One son is a lawyer and the other is a Dentist, one Daughter is a Doctor and the other has her PhD in Education. We were never on welfare, food stamps or government subsidies.

I think Nancy Lee Grahn's tweet says it best: "I’m all for 1st Am rights, but when you buy Chick Fil A, your $$ are going to fund hate groups that are actively attacking gay rights."

THAT'S WHAT IT'S ABOUT! And that is why people like Nancy, Greg Rikaart or Brandon Barash come forward.

no all I see on here is bashing and trashing Melissa Reeves and her under 140 letter tweet!

Ok, CGoff you are better, smarter, and more evolved than everyone who posted on here, is that what you want to hear? Fine Ill say it, you and the best, you are the smartest, you have fought harder and seen more than all of us. So that gives you the right to tell us your opinion is the only one that matters. Ok, I hope you are now happy.

You don't need many letters to insult or hurt people with who or what you are supporting. And while there have been people that trashed and bashed Melissa Reeves, there also have been people that did the same with Brandon Barash, Greg Rikaart and Nancy Lee Grahn.

And while there are some nasty comments, I also see a very civil discussion. I see people asking where Melissa Reeves stands in all that. I see people being hurt and disappointed by her words.

You have to see both sides here.

so instead of carrying on a legitimate debate you are now bashing and trashing me?

never said I was better, but when you try to tell me about being Black and the civil rights, damn straight I am coming back at ya!

again, why is it some think that there can only be ONE OPINION? I know I never have said that! or believed it! as college Professor once told us "your rights end where my rights begin, that does not negate your rights or mine, we are both equal in our rights" when one party thinks their OPINION is the only OPINION, that is where there will be a problem

You don't need many letters to insult or hurt people with who or what you are supporting. And while there have been people that trashed and bashed Melissa Reeves, there also have been people that did the same with Brandon Barash, Greg Rikaart and Nancy Lee Grahn.

And while there are some nasty comments, I also see a very civil discussion. I see people asking where Melissa Reeves stands in all that. I see people being hurt and disappointed by her words.

You have to see both sides here.

it is none of our buisness where Melissa Reeves stands in all this, she is allowed to have her own beliefs and OPINIONS, why is it some do not want to allow that?

So I find it interesting that your black rights are now more important that my gay rights. Funny how you want to come at me when you dont like something I said but Im not supposed to voice my opinion when MR attacks my people. I see how this is.

show me where MR attacks my people, my son and his husband and I will agree with you that she is a bigot, so far no one will show that, not even you!

Melissa Reeves publicly tweeted about it.
And of course she can have her own beliefs and opinions. But isn't it worth talking about it when she supports hate? And that's why it's not about free speech. That is why it's our business.

What is that suppose to mean? Does that mean if Melissa Reeves would support a fast food restaurant that supports hate on black people it would be different? Then she would become a bigot, but as long as she is just supporting a company that supports hate on gay people it's fine? It's just about her beliefs and her opinion?

Her tweet for support on Chik Fil A appreciation day said it all, It has been all over the news exactly what that day was supposed to be about. She had full advanced knowledge of the CFA agenda and by supporting that cause, it was an affront to the gay community. You can spin this any way you want, believe whatever you want, but the fact is she knew exactly what her stand was when she tweeted. This was not about freedom of speech, CFA was called out prior by the public for their contribution to the anti gay groups they donate to. CFA has a former publicized history of being anti gay. There is not a snow balls chance in hell MR was unaware of this. So it was no coincidence she being a right wing conservative christian showed her support for CFA. Yes, that is her opinion and that is what she believes, that doesnt make it right and history has proven that over time, the majority is not always correct.
I'm done debating this because its going no where. I to am a highly educated PhD, with a major in black history, so although I did not live in Mississippi in the 40's and 50's, I understand probably more than you think I do.

reading about it in a book or watching it in a film or taking a few clases in it or a news-clip or YouTube is like saying your an ice skater when you slip on the drive way in the winter, unless you lived it, unless you were spit on and called vile names, had your school locker filled with urine and human bowel movement, watched your mother work as a house keeper with dry bloody hands and working 12 hour days trying to raise 6 kids on her own, you have no idea of which you speak.

MR never in her tweet on that day said anything that could be legally called a sign of her bigotry.

CGOFF, you continue to compare your fight for equality to others. I had no easy life either, I've been through my share of hell too. You seem to get very riled up when speaking of your first hand account of bigotry and hatred in the south but yet when you see the gay community get riled up over people standing in lines to order a greasy chicken sandwich all due to the fact that they hate you doesn't seem to matter. Ill walk away from this saying that the gay community is the last large minority group to get their civil rights. As it was with the black community when you were getting spit on and such, the same is true with the gay community seeing people standing around the block at a CFA just because they dont like you. You keep supporting MR and her opinion and Ill keep fighting for the equality for the gay community. Im not sure how you would feel in 2012 if they were lining up at McDonalds to buy hamburgers simply because no one wanted you to drink from their water fountain, go to their school, or ride with them on the bus. It would be their opinion of course, and if that is how they feel then you should just accept it and realize they are just asserting their first amendment rights.

@soapjunkie88: Her tweet was in support of free speech. The problem here is that people have been deciding to create their own meaning behind her support of free speech. That's slander. Call it what it is.

Only thing anyone knows here for a fact is that she said that she supported free speech. That's all you know. Many people have decided that that means she supports whatever CFA stands for. That's where the lies and the slander begin. It is just like the game of telephone.

And what is funny to me is that as many times as I pointed to the facts. Just the facts, people avoid those facts to create their own. This is the root of the problem. See it easy for me because i'm dealing with fact and not fiction.

And to close if your argument can't hold up in court it is useless. But MR could sue for slander if something were to happen to her. She has the grounds for it if she wished. I'm just saying...

Maybe ive been to naive but I guess what my gran used to say is true: When one group that has been oppressed gets a little bit of power instead of helping other groups they just oppress them. Its sad.

As could Paul Rouche