Bigotry and Hate. It’s everywhere.

Disclaimer: I am an older white male. For longer than most people have been alive, I have been a conservative; just right of center. I am a staunch supporter of the 2nd Amendment and “ All men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” I share Dr. King’s hope that “I look to a day when people will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.”

I’m also a proud member of both the NAACP and the ACLU. I like to think it shows my ability to embrace and accept new and different ideas from both sides of the aisle.

I believe in many other things as well, such as: If you don’t like drugs, don’t do drugs. If you are against porn, don’t watch it. If you don’t like gay marriage, don’t marry a gay person. In short, I believe in minding my own business and allowing others to do the same.

I find most people to be close-minded and unwilling to accept new ideas, with a “Don’t confuse me with the facts, I’ve already made up my mind” mentality that is truly bizarre. I personally seek to interact with people smarter than I am; it’s a great way to learn. You will always learn more by listening than speaking. That’s why you have two ears and only one mouth.

Prejudice is a product of fear and ignorance that hides behind barriers of tradition. -Jasper Fforde