Politics...

So, we got this e-mail from our good friend, David, in Eugene. He truly grew up in the south, and I swear, if he were saying this letter (instead of just reading it) you would sit mesmorized by all he had to say. He's just that kind of person. I think he makes some interesting points. Though I am not endorsing Mitt Romney for president, the speech David talks about is fabulous.

Friends,
A speech was given today that addressed tolerance in America. I thought the speech was excellent, particularly the last few paragraphs. I have new respect for Mr.
Romney. The text of his speech can be viewed at this link: http://www.mittromney.com/News/Speeches/Faith_In_America

I live in Eugene, Oregon. Eugene is place that is politically dominated by folks who identify themselves as Liberals. I don't use the word 'liberal' to describe the Eugene Democrats with whom I have discussed politics, because I believe the word 'liberal' to be synonymous with the word 'tolerant'. I have not found these Eugene Democrats to be tolerant, nor have I found them to be aware of their intolerance.

I have a 'Mitt Romney for President' bumper sticker on my car, and this has inspired a surprising number of Eugene citizens to leave notes on my car and go out our their way to tell me what they think of Mitt Romney. None of the comments have been pleasant. The comments have been so mean-spirited that I have a hard time distinguishing them from utter hatred. After such displays of intolerance I am disappointed and saddened that these same citizens identify themselves as 'Liberals.'

One comment I received, that is representative of most of the comments, was a note left on the windshield of my car. My car was parked in a lot used by business professionals so I assume that the note was left by an educated professional. The note began in capital letters 'NO MORMONS.' As I stood by my car and read these words, suddenly and unexpectedly I was struck with the clear memory of hearing similar words for the first time when I was a young boy in the late 1960's growing up in Mississippi. The words I sometimes heard were 'NO NIGGERS.' I sat in my car for quite a while reflecting upon the words on the the note, the anonymous author, my childhood, and my experiences since. Most of all, I felt profound shame for my own
intolerances.

Please read this speech, and remember what it is to be truly liberal and truly tolerant.

Sincerely, David Gibbon
P.S. Trivia question: Who is currently the highest ranking Democrat in the U.S., and what is his/her religion, if any?

Anyway, regardless of political beliefs, I thought David was profound. And this is SOOOO Eugene. Now, for those wanting a blog about our dog, it's COMING!! Hang in there, Matt!