It took us Quakers a hundred years to realize that we were dead wrong on slavery. It took my Meeting fifty years to realize that it was wrong on same-gender marriage. During those time periods, there were many who chose not to hold their breath. In the end, it isn't merely a question of whether one speaks up or not, it is a question of what one says.
Indeed. That is why I try to choose my words carefully. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't (but, I just don't seem to
ever shut up... sheesh

)
For the record: I wasn't trying to be pedantic in my little experiment. I know you understand and I didn't mean to diminish your own experiences with that. It just popped into my head because I try to hear these people objectively and I know that sometimes they sound reasonable unless you are the subject of their statements. I just thought it would be an easy way to read between the lines and hear what they are really saying.