Trigger Warning. Byrd's lynching-by-dragging

[IndianaDave]

29. THIS is what brings tears to my eyes.

The racial hatred which has been with us from the very beginning of our nation sometimes rises to the surface. It always hurts and disgusts me.

As an old white guy, I need to say that -- even in the 1950's -- both my father (who had Black friends with whom he spent many evenings) and my mother, who washed my mouth out with soap for repeating (around age 8) the N word I had heard from my friends in the neighborhood, both modeled unqualified acceptance of anyone who was "different." They taught me to respect every person, regardless of race (we're all human, aren't we!), orientation (as Mom said, "It's not their fault they feel that way." Remember, it was the 1950's), disabilities, intelligence level, and so forth. We were supposed to respect every single person. No exceptions. The thing is, I have never found a good reason to reject their reasoning. So, when Civil Rights became a hot political issue in the 1960's, it made perfect sense for me to march to promote the passage of the Civil Rights Act.

Consequently, I have no way of making sense of people who lash out with hatred or violence toward African Americans, gay people, transgender people, immigrants -- you name it. This bullshit always baffles me. Trump intentionally elicits the worst tendencies of human beings. And his political party tacitly supports every egregious act he commits. Therefore, I am proud to be a Democrat. Every one of our candidates has a much more noble perspective and goal. And, although I have a favorite, I will support, contribute to, and vote for our Democratic Nominee, whoever that may become.

Finally, if you're still reading, I am absolutely opposed to capital punishment / the death penalty. Killing someone in my name to prove that evil is evil is both illogical and indefensible.

However, once a person has served his or her time for criminal behavior, he or she should regain the right to vote. While serving time, it doesn't seem fair to me. And fairness is key.