"LIBERALISM IS A MENTAL DISORDER" - Freedom of Speech, Intolerance and the Dogma of Ignorance all speeding by at 70 miles an hour.....

Yesterday while driving home I let a pick-up truck in with the above message plastered in 6" high letters on the back window of his truck. I thought a lot about this. First I was angry and feeling completely intolerant myself - this made me wonder if tolerance is just an illusion. It also got me thinking about freedom of speech and I tried to remind myself that this is a very GOOD thing no matter how it may used by people who's opinions are completely different than my own. Last, I started thinking about the Dogma of Ignorance, of course in order for it to be considered "dogma" the ignorant would have to consider themselves a group. I don't think it is the idea of ignorance that these people would consider their shared group commonality. I certainly do. I also found it somewhat amusing and infuriating that Mr. Pick-up Truck used "mental disorder". I wondered if it was the first time in his life he actually used (or in this case misused) a modern and semi-politically correct term instead of a slur to describe people he hated for whatever reason. Ultimately, I just came to the conclusion that I don't understand this country anymore. Frankly, I can't relate to these scared, ignorant, hateful people who seem to be hell bent on spreading their hatred and intolerance while promoting the agenda of a political power that is all about protecting the interests of the conservative rich and could care less about "Joe Six Pack" beyond manipulating him to gain power. It exhausts me and depresses me anymore. I am all for fighting the good fight but it seems like such a fruitless battle at this point. There is no reasoning with ignorant intolerance and blind hatred which makes me just feel sad.... I recently met a Reformed Angry Young Man on a flight to Denver. His advice was to stop watching the news. At the time I wasn't so sure about this plan, it seemed like shirking some kind of social responsibility to at least be aware of the what is going on in the world around us. I am starting to think that maybe he was right.

Love is in the Air....in Denver

I recently returned from a trip to Denver, CO for the wedding of a dear old friend from college. It was lovely....mostly. My friend Susie and I were the bridesmaids. We got the shared experience of getting to wear yellow bridesmaid dresses and feel like we had displeased the bride in some way the whole time. The highlight was our shared insecurity - it's sounds weird but it is suddenly not so bad when you find out you aren't the only one. I have also looked up to and admired Susie since we were in college. It was refreshing to learn that the coolest girl I know sometimes feels like a ball of insecurity herself. Who knew?